Wet Sanding Question

[ScoutV2]

What's up everyone,

Brand new to the forums and wanted to pick the brains of some experienced folks. I got an old Antec case from my brother, and decided to try my hand at some spray painting. Ran into an issue when I was wet sanding the color coat though.

Whenever I'm wetstanding, it seems that paint residue is clumping up on the sandpaper and getting ground into the finish. I wind up with some specs and/or clumps embedded in the color coat. Orange peel is also killing me. It seems no matter how much I sand with 1500/2000 grit paper, I can't seem to get it all out. I think I'm gonna have to remove it and start over Any ideas? Thanks for the help. Look forward to contributing......

Scout

[nil8]

Are you starting with 1500-2000 grit sandpaper or working down to it?

After you've done a couple of passes, resoak the sandpaper and rub the paint off into the water.

Also, a spray bottle full of water helps when it comes to the gunk.

[ScoutV2]

On the 1st go round, I started with 1500 in an effort to smooth out the orange peel. While I was working on the orange peel, I discovered a high spot a the top and worked it over with some 800. Sprayed the panel again, and used 2000 grit. I can't seem to get the orange peel out this time to save my life. I may have to start over.

[jreffy]

On the 1st go round, I started with 1500 in an effort to smooth out the orange peel. While I was working on the orange peel, I discovered a high spot a the top and worked it over with some 800. Sprayed the panel again, and used 2000 grit. I can't seem to get the orange peel out this time to save my life. I may have to start over.



Are you priming first?

When I do my painting I start with a primer coat, and sand that starting at 600, then going 800/1000/1500/2000. Then I lay down a few color coats (at least 4-5), then again I hit it with the 600/800/1000/1500/2000 grit sandpaper. Then another set of color coats, again with the same sandpaper grits. Then a few clear coats, same sanding, then more clearcoats, sand again. Finish up with polishing compound. I've never seen or had a problem with orange peel.

If you go straight tot he 1500/2000 grit sandpaper you won't be removing any of the major defects. You have to start at 800 at least, and work your way up. It takes a lot of time!

It's a long tedious process, but the more time you put in and the slower you go, the better paint job you end up with.

[ScoutV2]

Thanks for the info Jreffy. I discovered that very thing this afternoon. I hit it with 800/1000/1500, and noticed a significant improvement in the orange peel. It all but vanished on almost the entire panel with the exception of the very top. I'm gonna keep working it over and should be able to get it out. As far as my original question regarding the gunk buildup; I used the spraybottle constantly while sanding with a handheld power sander this afternoon and had no further problems. I knew I came to the right place...............thanks everyone.

Scout