What are the benefits of wet sanding a car?

One of the main benefits of wet-sanding your vehicle is that it is a great way to remove deep scratches and remove any debris that may have fallen on a fresh paint job. Wet-sanding is also highly effective in removing any “orange-peel” effects from auto paint and can transform the entire appearance of your vehicle.

When should you wet sand your 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 it better to wet sand or dry sand a car?

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.

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.

What do you do after you wet sand a car?

Once you have completed the wet sanding, use a hose to rinse off any soap or debris left on the vehicle. Be sure you rinse it thoroughly because you will need to apply a glaze or wax to the area once it dries. Touch the area with your hand to ensure there is no soapy residue left behind.

A Guide To Wet Sanding, Compounding

Will wet sanding remove clear coat?

Wet sanding is used to remove severe clear coat scratches. It is the most effective of the three techniques at flattening the clear coat, but it's also the riskiest. Wet sanding is an aggressive process which cuts away the clear coat quickly.

Will wet sanding remove 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.

How do you wet sand a car before painting?

You will be wrapping the paper around a sandpaper squeegee or pad, so cut accordingly. Next, fill a bucket with water and add automotive soap to it. Dip half of each sandpaper into the water and place it along the edges for five minutes. After it's saturated with soap water, wrap it on the applicator of your choice.

What is the process of wet sanding a car?

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.

Do you wet sand between coats of paint?

Lightly sand the primer, apply your basecoat, and allow it to dry. Finish with a layer of clear coat, and you're good to go! When applying multiple layers of paint, sanding between layers is only required if, after drying, you notice runs, drips, or uneven areas of your paint job.

What is wet flatting?

'Wet flatting' as the name suggests is just that, the use of wet & dry paper, used wet. For the best reults, use a rubber block for flat areas, this prevents ridges made by fingers through the paper, the water act's as a lubricant, it also prevents dust.

Does wet sanding damage paint?

Wet-sanding is also used to level touch-ups on your vehicle, which makes the polishing process much easier. Of course, it always important to use a professional that specializes in wet-sanding, as trying to do this on your own is a risky process that can permanently damage the paint job on your vehicle.

What grit do you use to wet sand a car?

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.

Do you have to wet sand before buffing?

When you wet sand to 800-grit, then you should start buffing with a coarse polishing compound. If wet sanded to 1200-1500 grit start, with medium compound. (In both cases proceed through all buffing stages.) Use 1500 and 2000-grits for ultra-delicate sanding.

How long after primer can you wet sand?

When the surface is dry, it can be recoated, top coated or wet sanded. Primer should be dry for one hour before sanding. If Primer is dry enough for sanding, it's time to do a test.

What kind of sandpaper do I need to sand my car?

Dry sand using 180-grit sandpaper to remove rust or surface damage before moving on to a 320-grit paper to remove your previous 180-grit scratches. Whichever method that you decide, follow it up using 400- to 600-grit sandpaper to sand the paint to prep the existing paint surface for the new coatings to be applied.

What is 5000 grit sandpaper used for?

Pro and enthusiast detailers can use the 5000 grit foam backed sanding discs to level surface texture, orange peel and deeper swirls and scratches. The sanding mark pattern left behind is easy to buff out of even the hardest, factory baked on paints by simply compound or polishing.

Can you sand clear coat with 600 grit?

600 grit is aggressive enough to sand it flat without doing any damage to the clear coat. Remember, it is plastic, so too coarse of sandpaper can get very difficult to remove scratches from.

Does 2000 grit sandpaper remove clear coat?

What grit sandpaper you use to remove clear coat is reliant on whether you're starting wet or dry. If you're starting dry, use 800-grit first. Once you start wet sanding, use 1,000-grit, then finish off with 1,200-grit. If you need to blend sanded areas, use 2,000-grit.