Re: re: Color Sanding and Buffing

[James Fawcett <jfawcett@mail.win.org>]

>For color sanding, I use 1000-1500 grit (at $2/sheet) with lots of soapy

I am a professional in this field, and the only time I use 1000 is when
there is a run or sag in the paint.  If it is not a fresh paint job you are
talking about then don't sand it at all, just buff the whole thing with
some Finesse-It.  If it is, then use 1500 on tough dust nibs or a lot of
orange peel.  If the finish isn't too bad freshly painted then get the
little dust nibs out with 2000.  Always finish with 2000, it makes buffing
so easy.  

>water. (Coarser VERY rarely.)  Then I buff with 3M fine and mircofine
>polishing compound... about $30/container.  All creases and edges done

If you go to your local paint jobber you can get 3M rubbing compound for
about $10 a quart.  Start with that and finish up with 3M Finesse-It at
about $12 a quart.

>clearcoats (typically harder) you can use a little coarser girt.

I wouldn't recommend it.  You start sanding with 1200 or 1000 then you are
gonna have a tough time getting the shine into it.  You will have to go
over it all with 1500 and then 2000.  That can be a real bummer.

I hope that helps.  I know how much af a bummer sanding and buffing can be,
but don't make things harder on yourself than they have to be.  Good luck.

James Fawcett
jfawcett@mail.win.org
Bitchin' '86 Audi 5KTQ
http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Sands/1150
(314) 477-1415