paint finish

[geo737]

Hello, just a quick update on my ongoing Rancher project. I rubbed and buffed out the fenders this weekend and was a little disappointed in the outcome. I wet sanded the clear coat with 1500 grit, the hit the fenders with Meguiers diamond cut ( what I had on hand), finishing up with Meguires polishing compound. I used a foam waffle pad with the diamond cut and a foam polishing pad with the polishing compound. After reviewing the results, I had noticeable paint defects that looks like elephant skin under the clear, although the clear is smooth. Did this come from not color sanding? What is the fix?( I'll post some pictures a little bit later)

[Mustangerpvg]

I had a simlar problem. I think the clear went on dry and didn't flow. From what I'm told, you need to hold the gun closer with the clear than the base and let it flow on the heavy side.

[geo737]

Thanks for the input Mustanger. I have a bit of what you have mentioned with one fender, but the other fender is smooth with the defect noticeable under the clear. I am begining to think that the paint may have reacted with the sealer. Waiting to see what Brian's take is on this and what a solution may be. I have an idea the way to fix this is to sand smooth and re-shoot the color, then re-clear. I did shoot the clear at 20 psi, held the gun 4-6 inches off the surface and moved slowly. ( I have a couple clear runs to show for it) I was going to post some pics, but the file was too large to be accepted.

[Mustangerpvg]

Not sure if you can tell from these pics, but there's still some major work to be done (I mean redone!).

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd68/Mustangerpvg/CIMG2802.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd68/Mustangerpvg/CIMG2804.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd68/Mustangerpvg/DSC_0145.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd68/Mustangerpvg/CIMG2749.jpg

[geo737]

Wow! nice ride! Hopefully, mine turns out as nice when its finished. I had the opportunity to work on the fenders this week. I took one and sanded it down to where it was smooth again using 400 grit wet/dry. Shot another coat of color, as I had some burn thru from the previous buffing, then clear coated. So far, it looks alot better than before. The second fender, I sanded all the way down to the color, removing all the clear coat, again with 400 grit wet/dry. I have a nice smooth surface that is flat red. I haven't had a chance to shoot clear on this fender, I hope to this weekend if the weather cooperates. I don't believe I'll have to recolor coat before I shoot the clear, as the clear should bring back the gloss. I'll let you know how it turns out. I'm finding it is relatively easy to fix your mistakes, as the Paint Shop products seems to be fairly forgiving, as opposed to polyurethane, or enamel. The learning curve seems to be shorter also

[Mustangerpvg]

Sounds good, look forward to seeing your ride....

[Dupli-Color-Specialist]

Hey guys. I am a little late on this post. I have to take a look at your pictures at home since they are blocked on my end. I will take a look tonight and reply tomorrow.

Thanks

[geo737]

I am still having the same issues - the clear coat goes on what appears to be descent, good gloss, and relatively smooth. Its when I go to wet sand does the clear start showing "texture". I am having trouble sanding it down smooth. without going too thin. I use 1500 grit wet/dry. I'm thnking its because of the temp - I've been spraying in the 50's, then giving it at least 48 hrs or more to cure. I think I'm going to take a break and wait until spring to keep going. Any advice Brian??

[Dupli-Color-Specialist]

I am still having the same issues - the clear coat goes on what appears to be descent, good gloss, and relatively smooth. Its when I go to wet sand does the clear start showing "texture". I am having trouble sanding it down smooth. without going too thin. I use 1500 grit wet/dry. I'm thnking its because of the temp - I've been spraying in the 50's, then giving it at least 48 hrs or more to cure. I think I'm going to take a break and wait until spring to keep going. Any advice Brian??

You need more clear. The temp your spraying at is a little cold so it might also be best to wait.

What it sounds like it that once you start wet sanding you are unable to fully get rid of the 'texture' aka orange peel without breaking through to the color coat. I just sprayed a truck bed using 3 new 2010 colors for an upcoming trade show. I put down 5 slow wet coats of clear after the color coat. I let it dry for 3-4 days and then wet sanded with 1500 and then lightly went over it with 2000. I buffed with a whool pad then foam waffle pad using 3M's Perfect It compound. It came out like glass!

I hope this helps.

[geo737]

Thanks for the input Brian. The question comes out is how much clear is enough? I know it can be a fine line sometimes, but, I'm using almost a half quart per fender (give or take), I'm thinking some of it as before, is temp, but, as I spray as noted previously, I spray at 20 psi on an HVLP,(regulated into the gun) moving slowly, holding the gun 4-6 inches off the surface. any other technique advise?

[Dupli-Color-Specialist]

Thanks for the input Brian. The question comes out is how much clear is enough? I know it can be a fine line sometimes, but, I'm using almost a half quart per fender (give or take), I'm thinking some of it as before, is temp, but, as I spray as noted previously, I spray at 20 psi on an HVLP,(regulated into the gun) moving slowly, holding the gun 4-6 inches off the surface. any other technique advise?

Well it sounds like you pretty much have the technique down. I always put on 5 coats only because I am paranoid I will sand through and I hate having to redo things. As long as the clear flows enough to eliminate most of the orange peel then 3-4 coats should be plenty considering the sanding will be minimal. Make sure you pay close attention when wet sanding and also make sure you put on plenty of clear on the edges. People tend to forget those areas and then you end up sanding or buffing through there.

[geo737]

Thanks again for the input, I too, have been away for awhile, hence a delayed response. I'm going to let things sit for the rest of the year and hit it again when the warmer weather comes back - unless of course, I can find a nice warm paint booth somewhere.........LOL!!!

[GuitarCrazyo]

Hey Guys, just wondering if you guys could let me know the best way to remove paint fill. Im sure I could figure it out after a while but I would be scared to see what it looked like when I was done. Thanks for your help.

[Dupli-Color-Specialist]

Hey Guys, just wondering if you guys could let me know the best way to remove paint fill. Im sure I could figure it out after a while but I would be scared to see what it looked like when I was done. Thanks for your help.

I am not exactly sure what you mean by "paint fill"?