Good finish required

[spock500]

A long day today rubbing down and preping one side of the car for paint - the good news is that after 3 coats of primer and 4 coats (+ 1 mist coat) of colour it looks great

Colour match is spot on and apart from the slightly dull finish it's hard to tell the difference -

On my first attempt (see rust repair thread) I ended up with a tide mark which I managed to sort out with a second re-paint. In terms of buffing the paint is it best to use G3 from the off with loads of elbow grease or to use 600 grit then g3?

Thanks all,

 

[adam87]

If you're going to flat it before buffing don't use 600grit!!!

You need to flat it with minimum of 1500 wetordry, preferably 2000 then if you'll be using the G3 by hand you should follow the 2000 wetordry up with 3000/4000 to make removing the sanding marks easier. After the G3 you'll need to use a finer polish to remove the marks left from the G3.

600 grit will take most if not all the paint off the car.

 

[spock500]

Thanks for the reply adam,

yes, I thought the 600 was a bit harsh when I flatted back the primer, had to use plenty of water to prevent it taking that off.

The packs that I ordered only came with max 600 grit as they suggested using G3 straight away but I didnt think it would get an even flat finish.

I'll order some finer grit before proceeding.

Cheers,

 

[l5foye]

1200 grade paper in soapy water would do the job provided you use a light hand. Then compound, followed by a good polish.

 

[spock500]

1200 is ok, no higher - would you use a block with that or just by hand?

Sorry, don't want to ignore the advice by adam just curious.

 

[adam87]

1200 is still quite harsh and will be hard to remove the lines left if polishing by hand.

Elite might sell some 2000 or 3000 grade. You would be much better off using these, it will leave a much smoother finish and be easier to polish out. Remember you can always take more off if you need to but hit it with a harsh paper and take off to much and you'll have to repaint it again.

A sanding block is advised to try and leave as level as finish as possible but some areas have to be done by hand. The meguiars one is good and has a bit of flex to it.

The higher grade papers are only available online or from certain local painters if you need to buy in a shop then I think Halfords go to 1500 but 3000/4000 would be easier to use and polish out.

 

[stats007]

1200 is fine for a colour coat. 800 on a primer. 2000+ is used mainly by detailers - hence why very few places sell the stuff.

 

[spock500]

Almost done

Here are some before and after photos but still needs a bit more buffing with G3 (ran out)

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The white bit on the inner lip above is in fact metal which wraps inside furthe up, i only mention this as it looks like a long sliver of filler.

 

[rossyl]

excellent result. well done.

 

[spock500]

Thanks all, a few more bits to do but very pleased with the result.

Walking up to the car you cannot really spot the difference unless you are looking for it, even the neighbours have come up and commented.

In case others are thinking of doing the same I also used a drill bit wire brush on the inside of the arches then two coats of Jenolite followed by a thick coat of POR15 type product.

I have the infamous boot lock area to do so will take a few more before and after shots

 

[Chrishazle]

Instead of using wet and dry, what would you think of using AG Bodyshop 03B (1200 grit) followed by 02B (2000 grit), either by hand or with a machine? I've used this before (with a water mist and small machine) for paint correction with good results. The pros at Motorcare Tonbridge (where we had a recent car cleaning day) use 3M products that go to 3000 grit - but with a polishing machine, and they know how to use it!

 

[SilverSaloon]

Try some Meguires Ultimate Compound. I've found its excellent stuff.

 

[spock500]

Will give the Meguires stuff a try next time around, the G3 I am using is unbranded but very impressed with the results.

The only draw back is the size of the bottles which are 30ml.