[fasteddy]

Hey guys, what kind of pad or block should I use for color sanding 1500/2000 grit. I started with the soft 3M pad last night but it seemed to dance over the "fosils" leaving slightly raised but glossy bumps after buffing. Would it be better to use a more firm sanding block or perhaps the 3m sanding film on a Hutchins? Thanks, Eddy

[FORSALE]

Color sanding is a rough question to answer without knowing the type and amount of paint applied. If I know the car is going to be sanded I add about 2 additional coats to prevent burn through.


For a novice I would start with 1000 grit. then progress to the 1500 and finish with 2000. Be carefull and watch constantly. Also add a couple drops of diswashing soap to your water it aids in the cutting.


I use a pad that has a soft grey side and a hard black side.

Honestly you are usually better off paying someone who does it all day. The polishing is even more difficult. Be careful and good luck.

[Walter Lansing]

Like forsale said start with 1000 grit and work up.The 3M pad should work. What type of paint and how many coats? Go to your local auto body supply and get some 3M guide coat, it will be a big help.
Walter

[Hammered]

I use to use the softer pads and started with 1000, but recently saw some advice from a pro who suggested a piece of balsa wood and starting with 1500. I have to say it works great and there's less chance of sanding through when you start with 1500. I also went all the way to 2500 on my most recent paint. Balsa would came from a hobby store, 1/2"x3" and cut to same length as a block so you can use 1/4 sheets. I also rounded the corners so it wouldn't dig.

John

[64catdroptop]

Here is some more confusion.... I painted my dads van last week. I started out with 2000 and end with 4000. I have used the balsa and it does work well. Best advise, take your time if your a beginner at the color sanding, but you should end up with nice finish.

-r-

[fasteddy]

I painted the car with Chromabase and used Chromaclear , with 3 wet heavy coats. It seems that, everywhere there is a small inclusion of dust, it doesn't want to sand flat. I started with 1500 and am sanding with 2000 now. Maybe I am just being too careful? I think I will try the bulsa wood thing with the 1500. Thanks guys

[cblandin]

I used a hard rubber pad and started with 1500 and went to 2000. The 1500 wasn't really aggressive enough to get rid of all the peel (at least not quickly) - should have started with 1000 (do they make 1200???).

[Hammered]

They do make 1200 but 1500 will do just fine if you use the balsa wood block. I only use 1000 or 1200 if I've got a run or sag to level.

[PetesPonies]

I have never used 2000. Also, the coarser the paer, the flatter it will cut. This is a basic of sand paper. So if it use a fine grit..1500 or 2000 first, you will be following the peel that is there. This is good for people wantyed to match a factory llok, which always has peel in it. However, if you want it FLAT..start with 1000. Then progress up to 1200 and then 1500. I personally have seen no reason to go past that, although I know people do. I can get out the 1500 scratches so easily with buffing.