Does wet sanding damage paint?

Wet sanding can cause damage to the paint of the vehicle if not done correctly, so take your time as you progress through the process.

Will wet sanding remove paint?

Wet sanding is the process of removing paint scratches from your vehicle, and it helps restore the paint's sheen. In a new car, wet sanding can help remove the orange peel effect (i.e. pebbled, uneven painted surface- kind of like an orange skin). However, remember that wet sanding cannot get rid of deep scratches.

What are the benefits of wet sanding?

Wet sanding, which is sanding with the addition of water to act as a lubricant, is less abrasive than dry sanding, and results in a smoother finish. It's best to wet-sand the final finish of a project. Dry sanding removes more material, and smooths rough material quickly.

Can you wet sand a painted surface?

Wet sanding is an amazing process that, when done properly, can result in a surface that's as smooth as glass. Whether you're talking about paint, primer, bare metal or anything in between, your car's body can be smoothed by wet sanding. Wet sanding, also known as color sanding, adds shine to a finished paint job.

Is wet sanding necessary?

Wet sanding is likely not necessary if you'd prefer a matte or brushed finish. If you want to have this glossy finish, you'll dry sand first and then wet sand. You can always finish off by buffing and polishing if you want to reach a mirror-like finish.

How To Wet Sand A Scratch Out Of Car Paint

What grit sandpaper is best for wet sanding?

Jason recommends beginning with 1,000-grit sandpaper. Coarser paper works faster but you'll eat up the time saved when it comes time to eliminate the sanding scratches. Finer paper, say 1,500, leaves finer sanding marks that are easier to remove but the job takes a lot longer.

Does wet sanding remove deep scratches?

If it disappears for a few seconds when it's wet, that usually means it's just in the very top layer. This type of scratch will be easily removed with a little bit of wet sanding and buffing. If the scratch doesn't disappear when wet, but looks white, it is most likely down to the paint layer.

Should I wet sand clear coat?

Begin to wet-sand the clear coat. The clear coat should be wet-sanded with 400 grit sandpaper. This is to replace the orange peel with finer and finer scratches, which will eventually be filled in with polish. The sanding steps help diminish the clear coat until the entire surface is smooth.

Can you use regular sandpaper for wet sanding?

You can't use the same paper you use for dry sanding on wet sanding. The sandpaper you use for wet sanding should be specifically made for it. There are wet or dry sandpapers available in most hardware stores, and these are good for wet sanding.

When should I wet sand my car?

Wet sanding can be used when your vehicle has a dull finish. It helps remove tiny scratches and imperfections in the clear coat that aren't individually visible but can cause the original shine to lose its sparkle.

Is color sand and buff necessary?

“Following best practices for cleanliness in paint processing areas, and equipment maintenance can minimize this problem and should never be disregarded, but in the overwhelming majority of repairs, some dirt is inevitable.” And dust and dirt aren't the only reasons finish sand and buff may be necessary.

Will wet sanding remove orange peel?

Wet-sanding (or “color sanding” if you're old school) is the recommend way to eliminate deep defects, orange peel, or painting defects from a painted surface. This method will ensure a more constant finish and is overall safer than dry-sanding.

How long should paint dry before wet sanding?

Also, it's recommended to wait about one month after the paint job is completed before sanding. That's the best way to ensure the paint is fully cured.

Do I need to polish after wet sanding?

Wet sanding should always be followed by compounding and polishing because it leaves a hazy surface. The sand paper itself causes scratches, so these need to be removed using a less aggressive technique.

What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of paint?

180 – 220 grit is primarily used for the sanding finish or to sand in-between coats.

Do you buff before clearcoat?

If you have recently applied clear coat to a paint job, it's time to buff it out to a high shine. Clear coat should be allowed to harden for at least 24 hours before attempting to use a buffer. In most cases, you will be trying to remove “orange peel” when buffing a new paint job.

What does wet sand and buff do?

Wet sanding is a process where we use special sandpaper that is supposed to be wet with water. Very wet. The water acts like a lubricant plus helps remove tiny particles so that the sandpaper does not get clogged and create deep scratches. Granted, the act of sanding does create small scratches.