Just completed my first paint job! Now what?

Y

y5mgisi

Has a bit if dust in it and a couple minor runs. It's just a daily driver so it doesn't need to be perfect. I just don't know what step one, two, three and so on would be on me your way to a "cut and buff". Do I wet sand the whole thing with 1500, 2000 etc and then buff? Do I just sand off the dust marks and then buff? Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!
 
Lol I did on my other thread but it was in the primer section. Here is a few for this thread.





 
Looks good. Painting a truck that size makes you really love a small car! That's a lot of truck.
 
Thanks! Not bad for a first timer with cheaper guns, in a garage, with a mediocre compressor setup...
 
From one in the process of his first paint job to another, I am excited for you. I have followed your threads asking for advice and seemingly taking much of it to heart. You have done well on your first paint job.
Charlie D.
 
Thanks! Now I just need to figure out how to denib nib and cut and buff!
 
Well, how about taking a look at the information already presented in this SPI subforum:

Wetsanding /Polishing / Detailing

www.spiuserforum.com

Lots of good info buried in those threads. Someday we might have to put together a buffing tutorial, problem is, everybody does things a little different.

Some of us guys have typed out the same answers many times over. Read as much as you can, and post back with very specific questions. That will help ensure a good response.
 
That's the sub forum I'm in now right? I have cruised many of the threads in here but still haven't found how to know when to do what. I'll post specific pics with specific questions attached.
 
Definitely has some dirt and trash that needs to be taken care of. I'm thinking I might just try buffing with cutting compound and see how that does with the nibs?
 
No, you have to sand to remove dirt. I was hoping some of the other users would help out because the way I do things is considered outdated and I don't want to muddy the water. Most guys are using DA paper to colorsand and foam buffing pads all the way through. One thing that is always true is that the bigger the imperfection, the coarser the starting grit. There is a sticky about run removal that will help you with that part. Big pieces of dirt get taken care of similarly, start with a coarser grit and work your way out to 2500 or finer.
 
I agree with Crash in that everyone does things a little differently but if it were me I would first use wetsand 1000grt then 1500 and finish with 2000 on a 2sided foam block for a daily driver. Buff with a 2" wool pad and heavy cut Meguires then use a medium cut then a finishing cream mixed 50/50 with hand glaze on a fine polishing pad. I would also let it set outside for a day or two before doing anything. For a daily driver it will look great.
Looks real nice for your first paint job as it sits.
 
My first question would be how many coats of clear do you have on there?
It is very easy to sand through and cause yourself a lot of work.
 
I think that those who are new to buffing do well to stick to some of the finer grits and not a ton of sanding, it's very common to hear of problems getting scratches out and/or buffing right through the clear. For instance, 1000 grit is a good starter for an experienced hand, but might be a bit aggressive for someone less experienced, at least for use over the entire vehicle. 1000 is probably best used in trouble spots only, imo, until the user knows just how rough the scratches are and what it takes to get them out.
 
Thanks everybody! There are 3 coats of clear. It's looking like I might not be bale to get back to doing the sanding and buffing for a few weeks. Is that OK?
 
y5mgisi;n76911 said:
Thanks everybody! There are 3 coats of clear. It's looking like I might not be bale to get back to doing the sanding and buffing for a few weeks. Is that OK?
Click to expand...

Yes not a problem at all. You will best be served if in that time you can leave it outside as much as possible if not for the entire time to let the sun do it's magic. The sun will get the clear to harden up better then another process you or I can do.
 
Sounds good. Is there any problem with getting a newly painted vehicle cold? Mine has been done for a week now and starting next weekend it will have to be outside semi permanently. The Temps will be down into the lower 40s. No big deal?
 
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