After the spraying you can really make a paint job beautiful by sanding and buffing and using the right products will make this labor intensive task much easier and achieve better results. |
The four major steps to maximum beauty are...
1. Fix mistakes (runs, dirt, etc.)
2. Sanding to make the surface flat.
3. Buffing to make the surface smooth.
4. Polish to make the surface shine.
First step - Fix Mistakes
Click HERE to see Mistake Fixers
Second step - Sanding the finish
Sanding is the first step in "post-painting" labor before the actual buffing takes place. This will help eliminate orange peel and help remove dust nibs and minor surface imperfections.
Sanding By Hand
The least expensive but most labor intensive way to color sand the surface in order to eliminate orange peel and/or dust nibs is by using Ultra-fine wet sandpaper. This material comes in 1200, 1500 and 2000 grit half sheet sandpaper, that is available in units of 10 sheets and full sleeves of 50 sheets. This method can take an entire day to sand a vehicle properly and should be used to address certain problem areas even when power sanding (see below) is used. |
3M Micro fine wet sanding paper
Sanding By Machine
More expensive dollar-wise but much less costly labor-wise is power sanding your finish with a fine grit sanding "film" that is used in conjunction with a soft sponge pad and the correct type of sander. Using this process a person can sand an entire car in an hour of guiding the machine rather than an entire day of hand labor. |
By 3M
For color sanding paints prior to buffing
Finishing Film can take the long difficult
job of color sanding and turn it into a few
minutes of easy work.
(Click on image to enlarge) |
While many machines can be used to do this job the best we've found
has been the Airvantage Sander because of it's size, weight, action and price.
To check the price of the Airvantage click HERE.
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The finishing Film
By 3M
(Click to Enlarge)
3M Finishing Film
for color sanding paints
Finishing Film is used with an sponge pad (shown) and is best used with a
Hutchins or the Airvantage Sander .
Several Grits are of Finishing Film are Available
Click HERE for options and price info on Finishing Film
Click HERE for options and info on AirVantage Sanders
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The next step in the process is buffing
Buffers
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Makita 9227C
Picture by Sumner Patterson |
The 10 Amp
Makita
Order Num. MAK-9227C
This buffer is a new advancement in buffing, It allows you to vary the speed from 0 to 3000 RPM and still maintain the set speed under load. You can use this machine in places where, before, you could only hand rub in order to achieve maximum smoothness. This machine comes with a hook and loop mounting disk.
To see the low Autobodystore price click Here
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Sure Finish
This is the biggest advance in polish we've seen in 30 years of polishing cars. Sure Finish is easy to use, cuts quickly and produces much less swirl mark than other products. Our shop has switched over totally to this compound because, in many cases, we can stop buffing after using this and not need to go over the surface with another polish to remove swirls.
For Sure Finish Pricing click HERE
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Presta Products |
Presta Compounds
to
Remove Scratches and Smoothing the Surface
Strata Ultra-Cutting Cream
Aggressive compound designed to remove P1200 and finer sand scratches and similar sized defects from fresh and aged coatings. Produces outstanding gloss. Ideal for detailing weathered and oxidized finishes. Silicone-free.
Aggressive compound designed to remove P1200 and finer sand scratches and similar sized defects from fresh and aged coatings. Produces outstanding gloss. Ideal for detailing weathered and oxidized finishes. Silicone-free. |
30 oz. bottle
3.0 kg. Pail
Click HERE for Pricing |
Strata 1000 Compound
Versatile compound removes P1200 and finer scratches form both aged and fresh coatings. Strata 1000 will remove a broad variety of paint defects and common damage. Silicone-free |
32 oz bottle &
1 Gallon container
Click HERE for Pricing |
Presta Glazes
for
High Gloss Polishing After Smoothing
Chroma 1500 Cleaner-Glaze
Designed to remove swirls, oxidation and fine scratches form both aged and fresh coatings. Does not contain waxes or fillers to hide defects. Produces and extremely high gloss finish that won't wash away. Silicone and wax-free |
32 oz bottle
OR
1 Gal. container
Click HERE for Pricing |
Presta Swirl Remover
Will remove micro-scratches and mild oxidation. Can be used for new car prep or to restore gloss on dull finishes. Designed to create ultimate gloss on blacks and other dark colors. Ideal for classic and show cars.
Silicone and wax-free. |
32 oz bottle
OR
1 Gal. container
Click HERE for Pricing |
3M Buffing and polishing pads
Check out our Buffing Tips Page
