Color sanding and buffing

[miller]

Finally at a stage on my 64, to finish up the body. First time, could use some recommendations on the best way to go.

Quick history on the paint job...good friend of mine wanted to shoot the car for me. He was closing his truck body shop, retiring, and mine was the last job done in the shop. Original paint mixed for it. Car has been painted for a handful of years. The car was totally tore down for paint.

A few minor chips in the paint, two small runs, taken care of. Two light passes (so far) of color sanding, one with 600 grit, next with 1000 grit. Mostly cleaned up, but thinking about one more using 1500 grit, to get anything missed. Just have to be careful not to go through. Any thoughts, guys?

And my dumb question...what buffing pad to use? Wool, or foam??

Thanks for any clues!

 

[eric383]

Is this a base clear job? If it is hopefully there is enough clear left after using 600 grit. I usually start with 1000 and then 1500. Sometimes I will go to 2000 next depending on how it goes after a test buff. Make sure to watch the edges so you don't burn through. You can always tape the edges just to make sure. Wool is more aggressive than foam so if you have some sanding scratches the wool pad may work better for you but be careful. Then move to foam to get the swirls out. Good luck.

 

[mrforspeed]

The only time I would ever use 600 grit paper on a color sand would be for excessive orange peel. I personally start with 1000 and work downto 3000 then I buff the paint with 3M compound for dark colors. This compound has finer abrasives that leave less swirl marks. I also used a foam pad. tap all your edges to avoid burn through, and don't be skimpy with the compound. This helps to keep the area being buffed cool.

 

[miller]

Thanks for the replies!

No base clear. Only used 600 wet real light, to take the tops off inperfections in the paint. Unfortunately, because of the circumstances, prep on the primer was light, and a quicky on the painting. Did put three coats on.

Okay on the pads. Probably pick up one of each, wool and foam, and get a feel on both.

Not looking for any show stuff, or the like. Just a reasonable paint job I can live with.