How to Wet Sand a Clear Coat
Clean the exterior of your car., Allow the surface to dry., Soak all of your sandpaper., Soak a rag., Focus on sanding one small section at a time., Use a sanding block or pad—not a power sander., Begin sanding., Change directions., Sand with...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Clean the exterior of your car.
Use water and a dedicated car washing solution/soap.Follow the bottle’s directions carefully.
Your goal is to remove any dirt or grime so that you can focus on the clear coat directly when you sand and buff. -
Step 2: Allow the surface to dry.
Once you have completely cleaned your body, allow it to dry by gently wiping down the surface with a towel. , Soak for at least 60 minutes in clean water to prevent sharp edges from scratching the clear coat. , Next soak a rag in water with a little bit of soap.
Use about a cap of soap per gallon of water, or as directed by your soap label. , The size of the section is up to you, but one square foot at a time is usually a good approach; just remember which sections you have done and which you haven’t.
This will make the job of sanding the entire car body more manageable.
It will also ensure that each part of the surface receives adequate attention. , Ideally, you’d use a rubber pad as it helps conform to the shape of your panel’s surface., For optimal results, start with the 600-grit sandpaper,and then sand later with the higher-grit paper, such as a 1500-2000-grit paper.
Otherwise, go straight to the higher-grit paper.
Use very little pressure.
With your soaked paper in one hand and a wet rag in the other, begin sanding with long strokes all in the direction wind travels across the car: from bumper to windshield, for example.
Sand with one hand, and use your other hand to keep the surface wet with your rag.
Remember to sand evenly.
Periodically take a step back to look at your progress and make sure everything looks even. , After sanding in one direction, cross out the original strokes with a slight diagonal direction.
Remember to keep the surface dripping wet, to prevent burning the clear coat. , If you’ve chosen to begin with 600-grit paper, now is the time to do a second sanding with 1500-grit or 2000-grit paper. , Your surface should appear very dull after sanding.
This is the goal.
Buffing will make it shine. , Experts recommend Dewalt for beginners.
B&D Buffmaster is good for more experienced buffers. , Once you have achieved a desired finish with sanding, you’re ready to start buffing.
Be sure to buff at a low RPM of about
1400.
Don’t keep the buffer in one place for more than one or two seconds.
Buff sparingly.
Buff the scratches sparingly to prevent a burn.
Keep the buffer moving and watch that you don’t overheat the surface. , If you do, you’ll end up needing to re-sand, or maybe even re-clear the surface. , Protecting your clear coat should be done on an ongoing basis.
Weekly car washing and periodic waxing are the best ways to protect the clear coat. -
Step 3: Soak all of your sandpaper.
-
Step 4: Soak a rag.
-
Step 5: Focus on sanding one small section at a time.
-
Step 6: Use a sanding block or pad—not a power sander.
-
Step 7: Begin sanding.
-
Step 8: Change directions.
-
Step 9: Sand with higher-grit paper.
-
Step 10: Make it dull.
-
Step 11: Choose a rubbing compound.
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Step 12: Start using your buffer.
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Step 13: Don’t let the buffer run dry.
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Step 14: Protect your clear coat.
Detailed Guide
Use water and a dedicated car washing solution/soap.Follow the bottle’s directions carefully.
Your goal is to remove any dirt or grime so that you can focus on the clear coat directly when you sand and buff.
Once you have completely cleaned your body, allow it to dry by gently wiping down the surface with a towel. , Soak for at least 60 minutes in clean water to prevent sharp edges from scratching the clear coat. , Next soak a rag in water with a little bit of soap.
Use about a cap of soap per gallon of water, or as directed by your soap label. , The size of the section is up to you, but one square foot at a time is usually a good approach; just remember which sections you have done and which you haven’t.
This will make the job of sanding the entire car body more manageable.
It will also ensure that each part of the surface receives adequate attention. , Ideally, you’d use a rubber pad as it helps conform to the shape of your panel’s surface., For optimal results, start with the 600-grit sandpaper,and then sand later with the higher-grit paper, such as a 1500-2000-grit paper.
Otherwise, go straight to the higher-grit paper.
Use very little pressure.
With your soaked paper in one hand and a wet rag in the other, begin sanding with long strokes all in the direction wind travels across the car: from bumper to windshield, for example.
Sand with one hand, and use your other hand to keep the surface wet with your rag.
Remember to sand evenly.
Periodically take a step back to look at your progress and make sure everything looks even. , After sanding in one direction, cross out the original strokes with a slight diagonal direction.
Remember to keep the surface dripping wet, to prevent burning the clear coat. , If you’ve chosen to begin with 600-grit paper, now is the time to do a second sanding with 1500-grit or 2000-grit paper. , Your surface should appear very dull after sanding.
This is the goal.
Buffing will make it shine. , Experts recommend Dewalt for beginners.
B&D Buffmaster is good for more experienced buffers. , Once you have achieved a desired finish with sanding, you’re ready to start buffing.
Be sure to buff at a low RPM of about
1400.
Don’t keep the buffer in one place for more than one or two seconds.
Buff sparingly.
Buff the scratches sparingly to prevent a burn.
Keep the buffer moving and watch that you don’t overheat the surface. , If you do, you’ll end up needing to re-sand, or maybe even re-clear the surface. , Protecting your clear coat should be done on an ongoing basis.
Weekly car washing and periodic waxing are the best ways to protect the clear coat.
About the Author
Laura Rodriguez
Experienced content creator specializing in creative arts guides and tutorials.
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