Wet-sanding

Z

zey

New member
Hi people, I'm new to wet-sanding. I have several questions regarding this topic.



1) Under what conditions is wet-sanding required?



2) What grade of sand-paper is usually used?



3) How much do we sand? When do we stop to sand?



4) What to do/use after sanding?



Hope you guys can help me. Thanks!!!
 
This is a subject that's not easily described in a post as it's quite involved. So I think the best thing to do is search out info on color sanding and get an idea of what it really is and what the positives/negatives are. Then come back with specific questions and members will chime in with tips and tricks.

To get you started I did a quick Google search and found this article which I thought was terrific. I've color sanded several cars and I concur with their commentary. Read and enjoy:

http://www.goodspeedmotoring.com/?page=color_sanding
 
Bret is right, wet-sanding is kind of hard to describe in a post. I would practice on a test panel first, please don't try wet-sanding for the first time one someones car.
 
David B posted an interesting MPEG a short time ago. I wet-sanded some scratches in the clear of my old Silver Ford F150 and I was very happy with the results. If I find the pics I'll post them and describe the procedures that I took.
 
great article, Bret - thanks.



SO - suppose I did wet sand with 1000, 1500, 2000. Finesse-IT II finishing Compund says it is "designed to remove 1500 or finer" sanding scratches - yet I have always thought of it as finer than a true rubbing compound like what that guy prescribes for the 1st post-sanding gloss-restoration step.



(Why) would you start with something even more aggressive, or would FI-II be good enough?
 
I was looking at my Jeep Cherokee one day and the amount of orange peel in the paint just disgusted me, so contrary to my wife's advice, I wet sanded the entire thing. I worked for 9 years in a body shop when I was younger so I knew a bit about it. The guys are correct in that it is a delicate, scary job for most people. Mine turned out great and I have since done quite a few smaller wet sand jobs, usually involving scuff marks, etc. I've been planning on doing a little tutorial, maybe in MS Word format to try and help out others that may be tempted to try it themselves if I get enough interest. Following are a couple of pics of the results of my efforts. There are also more pics on my website.
Jeep1.jpg

jeep2.jpg
 
I take my hat off to you, wet sanding the entire car takes skill, time, and a lot of energy ! I suggest to other less experienced detailers like myself, don't attempt that at home...unless on an old beater.



Great pics !!



P.S. I am a fellow Zaino-head, and I love how it brought out a deep wet shine on my Black Mustang!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top