Wetsanding + Buff - How do you do it?

[WOT]

Im trying to get a mirror finish on my taillights, I thought the 3 layers of clearcoat would be smooth enough, but its not. So Id like to wetsand them. Im perfectly fine doing the actual wetsanding, probably use 1000 or so.

But what I dont get is what you do AFTER wetsanding. Do you simply apply a rubbing/buffing compound by hand with a towel or something? I dont have an orbital or anything, all by hand. ANy perticular product I can buy? Hopefully a small ammount as I dont plan on wetsanding in the near future.

Thanks

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[hornedfrog1985 5,000+ posts]

I used a drill to buff after I wet sanded with about 3 different grains I think you need more like 1200 to finish it. Then get a good caranuba wax, or however you say it.

 

[hornedfrog1985 5,000+ posts]

I did have a really good diy a while ago.Basically go with this, and put a coat of good wax on afterwards.

http://www.digmyhonda.com/h/story.php?title=DIY_Wet_Sanding_Your_Head_Lights-

 

[SSS 18734 5,000+ posts]

Double Post.

 

[SSS 18734 5,000+ posts]

You can get even higher grades than that; I use 1000 grit, then 2000 grit to sand away headlight oxidation when I detail. Use very light pressure when sanding.

Then I use a plastic polish with an high speed orbital polisher. You can get Meguiar's Plast-X for like $8 from any auto store, which works pretty well.

If you're doing by hand, plan on spending several hours rubbing your headlights. It takes me about 15 minutes to restore a pair of headlights with a buffer. I would never even try it by hand, honestly. I would try to rent or borrow an orbital buffer. The drill might work too... but I've never tried one of those.

 

[WOT]

Well yeah Im just doing my taillights, as they got some orange peel

I do have an orbital buffer, but didnt wanna chance rubbing through the paint since they turned out so nice, but I might I guess

I went out and bought some rubbing compound and some polish

I'll post pics tomorrow.............. before n after

 

[fbi90909 5,000+ posts]

you need MUCHO more layers of clear coat if you want to remove all the orange peel and have a smooth finish. by the time you rid of the orange peel you will be left with a thin *** layer of clear or may end up getting into the plastic or tinting or w/e you did prior to the clear.

start with 1000, and work your way up to 2000.. then use rubbing compound, then use polishing compound. use a buffer.

 

[jeeper07 5,000+ posts]

actuallly 3 coats of clear should be fine. depending on if its rattle can or what. go 800, 1400, 2000, buff.

 

[WOT]

Ya it was rattle can krylon clear with 3 nice wet coats, I plan on pulling them off before bed and throwing 2 more coats on and letting it cure overnight, then wetsanding that bish in the am

 

[mazzasec 5,000+ posts]

What paint did you use on your taillights? When I did my buddies we just sprayed. No clear or wetsanding and they came out nice and shiny.

 

[WOT]

ummmm. how do you wetsand paint and then not clear it? Pretty sure you cant

 

[fbi90909 5,000+ posts]

ummmm. how do you wetsand paint and then not clear it? Pretty sure you cant

:facepalm:

 

[bumpweLL.nYc 10+ year member]

krylon clear?

1000, compound then polish by hand. out of a can, you can give it as many light coats as you want and youll still likely burn through with a buffer

 

[WOT]

I did it all by hand, came out pretty slick. Alot smoother than a thought, I think I could get some more shine if I had better quality products though.

 

[hornedfrog1985 5,000+ posts]

Yeah, when I did mine I think it took 1/2 hour to 45 minutes, but it looked a hundred times nicer.