When to stop sanding/when to start buffing

  • Thread starter 242 Motorsports
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242 Motorsports

Seems like most guys go 1000/1500/2000/3000 and maybe even 5000.

I start my buff with Chem Guys orange pad and V32.

V32 feels very gritty and claims to take out 1200-1500 grit scratches.

I then move to Orange with V34.

It claims to pull out 1500-2000 scratches.

Here's my real question.

Why sand to 3000 or 5000 or even 2500 if the compound is so gritty and will cover 1200-1500 scratches?

Are you not stepping backwards?

Ive not experimented with this but thought you guys might have some insight.

Why not:

(1) stop at 2000 and start with V32

or

(2) sand to 3000 or more and start with V36 (specs at 2000-2500 scratches)
 
You have to make up your mind whether you like sanding or buffing more. You can stop at 1000 grit if you want and start buffing with a coarse compound and progress to a finer compound and polish and achieve the same level of shine. I like to perfect it in the sanding stage to a fine grit and keep buffing to a minimum. The end results are better that way IMO-the surface of the paint ends up straighter/flatter.
 
I was going to say "when your arm gets tired," but as usual Bob says it better! :)

Then afer you use the buffer for a while, if you are like me your back will get tired and you will wish you sanding again.
 
Okay, well then let's try this.

If I take it to 5000 Trizact (which I have in stock) can I skip the V32/orange pad and go to V34/orange
or maybe even V36 (2000-2500 grit sanding scratches) on a white pad and still get great results??

I'll still finish with V38 final polish on a black pad.

Not trying to cheap out, but time is money.

If I sand further should I be able to buff less?
 
hold a buffer in one hand and a da in the other .
and the longer you buff the hotter you are getting the paint and the more chance to burn. you will waste more time trying to buff out scratches than it takes to sand them out. i never skip any step
 
shine;41498 said:
i never skip any step
Click to expand...

I know you don't.

I have your entire process written down.

You're the reason i tried Chemical Guys.
 
every time i get cute and skip a grit or something i end up working my ass off then bitching about knowing better. but i'm old , i have an excuse :)

when i complete every step right polishing become fun. i spend all that extra time doing finish polish.
 
I sand out to 5k then start at v32 because it makes things move faster as well as eliminate any spots I may not have sanded thru the steps enough.

And shine is right. I think trying to get any scratches that are 2000 or coarser out is a real pia
 
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