Author Topic: How long after painting to wet sand and polish? (Read 23019 times)

robdrobd · « **on:** March 21, 2012, 01:08:59 pm »

I painted my tank this morning with spray max 2k and was wondering how long I should wait before a final wet sand and polish. Thanks

Xnavylfr · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2012, 01:20:12 pm »

If you have some heat lamps, place them about 6' from the tanks and fender ,let it sit under the heat for 12 hours!! This will bake in the paint and make it hard enough to finish sand. Remember paint dries from the outside in and it could feel dry but still wet under neath!

nccb · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2012, 01:22:32 pm »

Quote from: robdrobd on March 21, 2012, 01:08:59 pm

I painted my tank this morning with spray max 2k and was wondering how long I should wait before a final wet sand and polish. Thanks

hey rob, would you mind posting some pics of your process? This might help out a lot of noobs, like myself

, when it comes to painting. Even if you make a mistake, it will help some of us out.

robdrobd · « **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2012, 01:30:52 pm »

Sorry, but I didn't take any pics. I will say that the Spraymax 2k can not be beat. After I wet sand I will post some pics.

robdrobd · « **Reply #4 on:** March 21, 2012, 01:31:30 pm »

Quote from: Xnavylfr on March 21, 2012, 01:20:12 pm

If you have some heat lamps, place them about 6' from the tanks and fender ,let it sit under the heat for 12 hours!! This will bake in the paint and make it hard enough to finish sand. Remember paint dries from the outside in and it could feel dry but still wet under neath!

Should I wait a few days if I don't go the heat lamp route?

robdrobd · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2012, 04:30:10 pm »

Do I have to wet sand SprayMax 2k or do I go right to polishing?

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2012, 04:46:12 pm »

I don't know about that particular paint, but I have never needed to polish a final coat of paint. The final coat should be as smooth as a babys bum.

robdrobd · « **Reply #7 on:** March 21, 2012, 04:59:17 pm »

Hmmmm. It looks good now, but I was thinking a wet sand at 2000 grit and then polish for a mirror finish. I just want to make sure I don't ruin anything.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #8 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:02:17 pm »

Get the light reflecting off it. If it needs sanding or polishing you will see it. If it's perfectly smooth......

robdrobd · « **Reply #9 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:09:08 pm »

It's definitely reflecting the light, but I see a slight orange peel.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:11:01 pm »

Then it need sanding or polishing depending on how bad it is. Try polishing first.

DavePhipps · « **Reply #11 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:18:28 pm »

+1 on polishing instead of sanding at this point.

robdrobd · « **Reply #12 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:23:37 pm »

This is what it looks like. Picture is not great, but you can see that is reflective.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #13 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:26:26 pm »

It is bound to be reflective, but as you say it isn't smooth. It needs to be like glass. Polish first. If that doesn't sort it use your finest grade paper wet with washing up liquid. To make your paper a finer grade fold it over on itself and rub it together.

robdrobd · « **Reply #14 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:34:01 pm »

Any suggestions on a good polishing compound that I can pick up at Advance Auto or similar place?

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #15 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:55:26 pm »

I'm the other side of the pond. I use Meguiars Professional Compound Power Cleaner #84. There are different grades so be gentle with it until you know how much it cuts.
My son who details cars gave this to me.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/professional/products/m8432-compound-power-cleaner-32oz/

DavePhipps · « **Reply #16 on:** March 21, 2012, 06:01:40 pm »

I just wanted to add that the cheap paint polish from the local auto shop cuts too much. I used it on my old VF700 Interceptor and it polished but left swirling in the paint.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #17 on:** March 21, 2012, 06:05:45 pm »

I've just worked out with Meguiars the higher the number the finer it is.

Xnavylfr · « **Reply #18 on:** March 21, 2012, 06:42:31 pm »

I have used SCRATCH-OUT. It is made to use for light lens but it is a micro polish and use a little on the surface in circle motions then wipe off with CLEAN terry towels. The more times you use it the finer the gloss gets, you can even add a little water to thin it out..

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #19 on:** March 21, 2012, 06:47:43 pm »

There is absolutely nothing wrong with sanding the paint, even sanding between coats, i have seen plenty of show paint jobs that have sanding between every coat, the end result is deep crystal clear paint that looks like you could put your hand into it. Use very fine paper, i would start at around 1200 grit wet and dry to get the peel out then progress to 1500 then finish it off with 2000, use a little dishwashing liquid in the water with the 2000 to make it easier to sand.....

robdrobd · « **Reply #20 on:** March 21, 2012, 07:11:50 pm »

Do I still have to polish after the 2000, or will the 2000 make it shine?

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #21 on:** March 21, 2012, 07:24:12 pm »

Quote from: robdrobd on March 21, 2012, 07:11:50 pm

Do I still have to polish after the 2000, or will the 2000 make it shine?

The paint will look dull once you finish sanding out the peel, Polish when finished sanding or apply clearcoat straight over the last sanded coat....

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Author Topic: How long after painting to wet sand and polish? (Read 23019 times)