You should wet sand car paint anytime you want to achieve a show car or mirror-like finish that goes beyond what normal polishing can provide. This process helps in leveling out paint imperfections for a super smooth result.
Why Wet Sand?
Wet sanding is essential when you need the absolute best finish possible. It's a step that goes beyond standard polishing to remove imperfections that are too deep for polish alone to address.
Here are some reasons you might consider wet sanding:
- Removing Orange Peel: If your car paint looks like the surface of an orange peel with small bumps, wet sanding will smooth this texture.
- Eliminating Dust Nibs: If there are small dust particles trapped in the paint, wet sanding will level them out.
- Addressing Deep Scratches: While not for major damage, light scratches that polish can't remove, can be dealt with through wet sanding.
- Preparing for Show Car Finish: For cars intended for car shows, the level of gloss that wet sanding can achieve is unparalleled.
What Type of Paint Can Be Wet Sanded?
It's crucial to understand that not all paint types are suitable for wet sanding. It’s generally advised to do this only on cured automotive clear coat. According to a reference from 2014, it's important to understand the type of paint that should be wet sanded. This means you should generally avoid wet sanding single-stage paint or any freshly applied paint that hasn’t had the chance to fully cure. Always ensure the paint has completely hardened before starting the process.
Steps to Wet Sanding
Here's a simplified view of the wet sanding process:
- Prepare: Thoroughly clean your car's surface. Gather your materials – fine-grit sandpaper (start with something like 1500-2000 grit and move up to 2500-3000 if needed), a spray bottle filled with water (possibly with a few drops of soap as a lubricant), a sanding block, and microfiber cloths for wiping down.
- Sand: Soak your sandpaper in water for a few minutes. Lightly sand the paint using a sanding block. It's crucial to keep the surface consistently wet to reduce friction and prevent scratches. Use light, even strokes, in a crosshatch pattern. Do not apply heavy pressure and check often to avoid over-sanding.
- Clean: Wipe away the sanding residue and check your progress. Repeat the sanding, if necessary.
- Polish: After you are done with wet sanding, use a polishing compound to bring out the final shine.
Key Considerations
- Patience is Key: Wet sanding is time-consuming. Do not rush and focus on achieving an even surface.
- Practice: It may be wise to practice on an inconspicuous area first.
- Proper Equipment: Use fine-grit paper, a sanding block, and plenty of water to avoid gouging or damaging the paint.
- Safety: Use proper safety gear such as gloves and a face mask, to prevent any skin irritation or inhalation of dust.
