Depending on how it was painted, it may be "rough". If it was painted correctly, it should be rather smooth. It may need to be wet sanded with some 1000-2000 grit paper to smooth out the rough. Clean up the paint dust i.e. wash the painted surface. Allow to dry, then clear coat
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08:25 AM
Christine Member
Posts: 1052 From: Denver, Colorado Registered: Jan 2003
I am going to assume it is already clear coated and it has what is called orange peel which is normal all paint jobs will have some the better the paint job the less it will have but it needs to be wet sanded and then buffed if you have never done this I recommend getting help from someone that has or take it to someone to have it done because if you do it wrong you could ruin the paint. After a good wet sand and buff it should look like glass. I hope this helps.
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09:42 AM
Firefox Member
Posts: 4307 From: New Berlin, Wisconsin Registered: Feb 2003
wet sanding and buffing removes all of the roughness and gives you the shine you want. The roughness, or 'orange peel' look, is very common when a car is painted.....even by the experts....because you cannot control some of the factors that give you that kind of finish....like humidity. I've had very good success over the years avoiding the imperfections, but unless you are spraying in a completely climate controlled spraybooth, you will have some kind of imperfections.....such as orange peel, dirt specks, insects, low flying aircraft.....whatever. Some wet sanding and buffing will usually remove the imperfections and leave a nice finish.
Wet sand with a sanding block and 1500 grit paper until the roughness is gone....assuming that you have enough clear on the car....and then buff with a variable speed grinder/buffer with a foam pad attached and a good buffing compound. When you are done with that, wash the car with a good dish soap and dry. You should have a pretty shiny car with a lot of swirls. Change pads to a polishing pad, use polishing compound, and polish. Wash again. If you still have some swirls, then switch to a micro-finishing compound on a micro-finishing pad and go over it again. Wash the car. Then use a nice hand glaze.......then drool.
