buffing questions, determine how much clear left

B

bmxpegan411

Hi Guys,

I buffed the trunk of my car to get away from sanding everything else for a while and I'm curious, how do you know how much clear is left after wet sanding? Also, how long should you work the compound? It seemed like I was wiping alot off that didn't get worked in, and I don't think I was using too much because I'd just do a couple quarter sized drop per 2x2 section.

I used euro 2020 mixed 4:1:2ish and applied 4 coats, then sanded with 1500 then 2000 until all the peel and imperfections were gone, which wasn't a lot surprisingly.

after it was flat I used a wool pad with Meguires Ultimate Compound, followed by Ultimate Polish on a foam finishing pad. On the other panels I'd like to use something more abrasive for the first pass, but don't want to cut it too much.
 
bmxpegan411;30682 said:
Hi Guys,

I buffed the trunk of my car to get away from sanding everything else for a while and I'm curious, how do you know how much clear is left after wet sanding? Also, how long should you work the compound? It seemed like I was wiping alot off that didn't get worked in, and I don't think I was using too much because I'd just do a couple quarter sized drop per 2x2 section.

I used euro 2020 mixed 4:1:2ish and applied 4 coats, then sanded with 1500 then 2000 until all the peel and imperfections were gone, which wasn't a lot surprisingly.

after it was flat I used a wool pad with Meguires Ultimate Compound, followed by Ultimate Polish on a foam finishing pad. On the other panels I'd like to use something more abrasive for the first pass, but don't want to cut it too much.
Click to expand...

You would need a paint gauge to really know how much clear you have to work with. The buffing questions I think are hard to answer because we can't see your technique. I can suggest moving your buffer slowly across the panel. That allows the pad to cut better. Once the pad gets seasoned (filled with product) you can spritz some water on it to "re-activate" the embedded polish.

If the 1500-2000 routine worked, why go coarser? That just means more buffing. I would say take the sanding up to 2500 or even 3000. If you want to go nuts on it then sand it all with 800 and put 4 more coats of Euro. Then you will have more than enough to work with.
 
One of the most important things a painter should know is how many mils average he sprays per coat of clear.
All clears vary and all guns make a difference. It has been recommended for ever, that when you are done buffing you need at least 2 mils of clear for maximum protection, there is no way to guess at the amount you have left, with out measuring the net mils.

Here is my normal results:
Universal clear with RP 1.4 I average 4 mils per coat. A friend of mine averages with same gun and clear 3.5 mils per coat.
LPH400LV 1.4 3.2 mils per coat.
Another brand of production clear with RP 1.9 mils per coat.
A second brand of crap company all over clear. 1.4 mils per coat.

As you can see it is very important to know what you are doing and a digital mil gauge is money well spent, if you have to live with a job.
 
I see, thanks Barry! I think when I'm done with the car I'll give all of the panels some 800 grit and put a few more coats of clear on, just to be on the safe side.
 
Barry;30698 said:
One of the most important things a painter should know is how many mils average he sprays per coat of clear.
All clears vary and all guns make a difference. It has been recommended for ever, that when you are done buffing you need at least 2 mils of clear for maximum protection, there is no way to guess at the amount you have left, with out measuring the net mils.

Here is my normal results:
Universal clear with RP 1.4 I average 4 mils per coat. A friend of mine averages with same gun and clear 3.5 mils per coat.
LPH400LV 1.4 3.2 mils per coat.
Another brand of production clear with RP 1.9 mils per coat.
A second brand of crap company all over clear. 1.4 mils per coat.

As you can see it is very important to know what you are doing and a digital mil gauge is money well spent, if you have to live with a job.
Click to expand...

Any suggestions on a decent digital mil gauge that is on the lower end of the price scale? thx.
 
The mechanical ones are useless, the electronic ones run fro about $200 up last i look, I have a pro-something and paid about $500 for it 10-12 years ago but they are cheaper now.
 
Just bought a Extech CG204 off amazon for $199.40 , seems pretty descent. Granger store had the exact same one for $306.00 , and another place 259.99.Got it yesterday and playing with it and some different thickness vinyl (I do computer cut graphics and lettering in my shop also) is very accurate. Not sure if there are cheaper gauges of the same quality , usually Granger handles better quality items.
 
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