Wet sanding/ color sanding?

Whats the difference between the two?

 

Color sanding is an old term used by bodymen when one shot laquer and enamel was used. Wet sanding the base coat brings out the paint color into the water.

 

Thanks for the clarification, i really appreciate it.

 

wetsanding is also when you wetsand the clear coat of a two part paint system to smooth out the "orange peel". usually using 600 + grit paper in this stage. I used to use 1000 and 1500 after that.

The water keeps the sanding debris from sticking and digging deeper and its a nice smooth surface when its wet. Wipe it dry after and its a hazy mess, buff it out and its smooth like glass

 

Thanks for the help, going to start wet sanding tonight after work.

 

What kind of buffing compound do you use?

 

Go to your paint supplier and get a system. I.E. 3M makes a series of cutting/buffing compounds that get progressivedly finer.

 

Will have to check it out, on the way home.

 

T-mans right. Also spend the money on a good buffer pad.
Don't use the wool. (works but old technology) Use the sponge type pads that 3M has. They work great and wont swirl or burn.
They have different pads for differerent cuts.

 

I used 3M's system to wet sand and had great results. Biggest piece of advice I can give you is to be careful around any edges. You can burn through the paint in a HURRY!

 

Thanks dmac i will keep this in mind.

 

Buffing compound vary greatly, I like Meguiers and #M mixtures and pads, I have a little process that seems to work, start with 3m then to Meg, then another 3M then another Meg, and so on...cheap pads and compounds don't work..

 

And be careful as the pads don't inter-change, brand wise. I use Maguires (?) pads with great results. I use 3M compounds. I do this going in a front to back direction (never up or down or circular motion). Basically how you apply the paint. Anybody have input on this? I guess they use the terminology going with the grain.

 

You may tape-off sharp body line's, edge's ect. The finer the sandpaper, the less aggressive the compound.

 

I detailed cars for a while after HS and I went every direction but circular. It depends on the body panel. Sometimes you have to go up and down. Its not the direction you go that gives you the result. Its the detail and attention of the buffing pad. I used to use the wool pad, had good results, but use the technology of today if possible. Shoot it was 2001 when I last detailed for pay.

Burning edges only happens if you stay on the edge. There is no reason to buff for an extended amount on the edge. scuff and buff the edge and it will be smooth.

use 600-1000-1500 grit in the order, usually choose one or two and you'll be ok. Use fresh water with each body panel. Only sand about a 2x2 area, then buff it smooth and move on. dont hold the buffer at an angle, thats how swirl marks will get the best of you.

 

Cool guys thanks again. This helps out alot!

 

Yep tad of dish soap works! Also, I let the paper sit in the bucket for a few and use the the square soft rubber sponges (there are countless ones to chose from), I rarely use just the paper folded, maybe on small, small items, then you can rub it out by hand.

Ken

 

i've found that a spray bottle works great for wet sanding. using the bottle, you always have fresh chean water flushing the paint away, rather than the same ol dirty water. it also conserves water, not an issue for most, but here in colorado, we've sold all our water to california, so alex gambino needs it!

 

"then you can rub it out by hand."

Ken[/quote]

Hum, I guess I have wet sanded

 

wear old shoes and prepare to have wet feet all day.

 

And wet knees, and butt, and arms...

I use 3M Perfect-It II series, but I've also used Maguire's both with good results. Theres a buffing and wetsanding tech here in the tech archive. Look it up its a great read.

 

Hey,

Back in the "Good Ol' Days" water wasn't the only thing used to
colour sand a finish. Mineral sprits (paint thinner), white gas (un-
leaded gasoline) and kerosine all were used to give the sanding a
wet edge. The paper didn't dry out, and thus clog nearly as much.
I'm bettin' that more than one shop went up in smoke, though!

Swankey Devils C.C.

"Meanwhile, back aboard The Tainted Pork"

 

3M is the best stuff out there

 

Wet sand is what you call it when your prepping your car for paint. Color sanding is what painters call wet sanding after its painted to remove dirt,orange peel or in some cases runs. It's all wet sanding but color sanding is what it's called after the color is applied. There is some dry color sanding d/a papers but I dont like them because it's too easy to trap dirt and scratch the surface.