i wanna learn to wet sand

[scott5]

ell I know how to use a buffer/flex/pc and am very proficient at it, but I still find some things I am not able to correct 100% and what would fix those that I can not get I believe can be achieved with wet sanding and then buffing. I wanna learn how to do this. So when I bought my car the guy asked if I wanted stock spoiler and hood so I took them and am going to use them as my practice pieces. So if I mess it up, I mess it up. So I have to start somewhere and I have been doing some searching and looking on techniques and products, but still looking for more information. So what are the do's and don't s of wet sanding? How do I know too rough is too rough? What kind of technique do you have. Smaller area the better?

[Kingsford]

DO... need a clear coat thickness gauge so you know how much you can sand and cant sand. Every part of a car is different in thickness and without it you will destroy paint. If you think you can do it without it and try to guess it will not work. Trust me I tried it.

 

DO.... 2000 Grit & 3000 Grit sand paper by hand to start with. 3000 Grit is probably the finest that can be removed with a DA and patients. 

 

The smaller the area the better because it means the less correction with a DA you will have to do.

 

Be patient.

 

Those are my $0.02 but I'm not a pro so I'm more than sure there will be better advice.

[Chris@Adams]

Scott, I would suggest try youtube for a wet sanding video......its not hard just take your time......

[scott5]

Where can I get a good clear coat thickness gauge?

 

Yea Chris, I been looking at them all day, but figured I would post up on here with some great detailers knowledge that usually doesn't find its way to YouTube or other sites

[Kingsford]

Google it, read reviews. Look for Automotive Paint Thickness Gauge. Be prepared to spend $500+ if you get one. 

[GXPaycheck]

Review the Junkman's YouTube channel. He has a video on it.

[Adam]

We sand often, and are getting ready to launch a video, along with a few items to help the process be as safe & effective as possible.  Here's what I do:

• Only wet-sand, using Detail Spray to dampen the paper.  Keep it wet, fold a paper into a 2" by 2" section, and go only one direction, with the scratch or damage.
• For wasted headlamps, or SUPER DESTROYED clear coat, Start with 2,000 grit paper. Follow with 2,500 grit, then our Orange Foam Pad and Adam's Paint Correcting Polish.
• Serious scratches, SAFEST PLAN:  Start with 2,500 Grit paper, Follow with Orange Foam Pad and our Paint Correcting Polish on the drill.

I will have a video soon on this, as it's been requested often....find paper at Eastwood:

 

http://www.eastwood.com/wet-dry-sandpaper-5-5-x-9-half-sheet-set.html

PLEASE!!! Learn to use sandpaper on a wasted/ trashed vehicle first!!

 

Think....rental car....family minivan, old ratty trailer...etc.

 

Thanks, Adam

[GXPaycheck]

We sand often, and are getting ready to launch a video, along with a few items to help the process be as safe & effective as possible.  Here's what I do:

 

• Only wet-sand, using Detail Spray to dampen the paper.  Keep it wet, fold a paper into a 2" by 2" section, and go only one direction, with the scratch or damage.
• For wasted headlamps, or SUPER DESTROYED clear coat, Start with 2,000 grit paper. Follow with 2,500 grit, then our Orange Foam Pad and Adam's Paint Correcting Polish.
• Serious scratches, SAFEST PLAN:  Start with 2,500 Grit paper, Follow with Orange Foam Pad and our Paint Correcting Polish on the drill.

I will have a video soon on this, as it's been requested often....find paper at Eastwood:

 

http://www.eastwood.com/wet-dry-sandpaper-5-5-x-9-half-sheet-set.html

PLEASE!!! Learn to use sandpaper on a wasted/ trashed vehicle first!!

 

Think....rental car....family minivan, old ratty trailer...etc.

 

Thanks, Adam

Ex-wife's car, crabby neighbors car, etc.

[Fit08]

DO... need a clear coat thickness gauge so you know how much you can sand and cant sand. Every part of a car is different in thickness and without it you will destroy paint. If you think you can do it without it and try to guess it will not work. Trust me I tried it.

 

DO.... 2000 Grit & 3000 Grit sand paper by hand to start with. 3000 Grit is probably the finest that can be removed with a DA and patients. 

 

The smaller the area the better because it means the less correction with a DA you will have to do.

 

Be patient.

 

Those are my $0.02 but I'm not a pro so I'm more than sure there will be better advice.

Just wondering do you own a thickness gauge and if so not cheap I bet?

[scott5]

I have a few body panels off my car that I got when I purchased that will either come out great and I can sell them or I mess up and take them to the scrap yard. Lol.. thanks Adam. I will be looking for that video as well

[scott5]

I know this is probably a stupid question, but do I throw the sandpiper I just used away or can it be used again? If so, do I just hang it up to dry?