Wet sanding can be used on new paint to give it an even finish and get rid of what people commonly refer to as the “orange peel” effect, when the paint appears to have an orange peel texture. On old paint, wet sandpaper can be used to remove scuffs and shallow scratches or restore the paint's shine. Wet sandpaper can damage car paint if not done properly so don't rush through the process.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Wet Sanding
Step 1. Determine if wet sanding is right for your car
Wet sanding can be a great way to restore paint to its new shine, but sometimes it's not the optimal solution. For example, deep scratches that have reached the metal cannot be repaired using only wet sandpaper. However, wet sanding can treat scuffs and scratches on clear paint.
- Scratches deep enough to expose metal cannot be treated with wet sandpaper alone.
- Wet sandpaper primarily repairs damage to the top coat of paint and clear paint.
Step 2. Assess the type of sanding that needs to be done
The damage that is being repaired determines the amount of sanding and the type of paper required. Significant clear paint damage requires several steps, but scuffs can be treated in one step.
- If the paint damage is minor, skip the 1,200 or 1,500 grit sandpaper and start with 2,000 or 3,000 grit.
- If you are wet sanding a freshly painted surface, go straight to 2,000 or 3,000 grit sandpaper.
Step 3. Purchase 1,200 or 1,500 grit sandpaper
When repairing worn, scuffed, or scratched paint, start with 1,200 or 1,500 grit sandpaper. You can buy this paper at a hardware, hardware, or repair shop.
- Sandpaper with a grit less than 1,200 can cause scratches that are difficult to smooth.
- The higher the grit number of the sandpaper, the smoother the surface will be.
Step 4. Fill the bucket with water and a small amount of car shampoo
Sandpaper needs a lubricant to prevent it from burning the paint. Fill a bucket with water and some car shampoo. Do not use shampoos that also contain polishes or waxes.
You can also use dish soap for this step
Step 5. Cut a long sheet of sandpaper in half
Remove the sandpaper from its packaging and hold it like a sheet of paper so that the long sides are on the right and left. Use strong scissors to cut the width of the sandpaper in half so that you now have 2 sandpapers.
- The width of the cut sheet will better wrap the squeegee and handle of the sandpaper.
- The strip should be long instead of wide to be able to be submerged halfway in the water.
Step 6. Soak each sheet of sandpaper for 5 minutes
Rest the sandpaper against the edge of the bucket so that it is halfway submerged in the soapy water. Leave it for 5 minutes
- The half-soaked sandpaper should be completely soaked in the soapy water before proceeding.
- The dry portion of the sandpaper will be firmly attached to the tool of your choice.
Part 2 of 3: Wet Sanding of Vehicles
Step 1. Wash and dry the area
Before starting wet sanding, be sure to remove any debris or wax from the area you're working on. Use car shampoo and a sponge to wash it off, then rinse thoroughly with a hose.
- Do not use car shampoos that contain polishes or waxes.
- You don't have to wait for the area to dry before continuing.
Step 2. Wrap the sandpaper on a squeegee or sanding pad
Try not to use your hands when sanding wet. The gaps between the fingers create an uneven sanding surface resulting in inconsistent results. It's a good idea to wrap the sandpaper around the pad, handle, or squeegee, however you prefer.
- Depending on the wet sanded area, you can choose a flat, curved, or bendable handle.
- Read the tool's user manual before purchasing to find out how to apply sandpaper to the tool.
- You can buy sanding tools at most hardware stores and repair shops.
Step 3. Sand gently in a circle
Begin sanding the area in small, gentle circles using the soaking sandpaper. If the sandpaper doesn't seem to be affecting the clear paint, press a little harder. However, do not press too hard to scratch the car paint itself.
- Try a little practice to determine how much pressure to apply to the sandpaper.
- Reduce the pressure of the sandpaper if it appears to be penetrating the clear paint or damaging the paint
Step 4. Move the sandpaper in several directions to ensure an even finish
Change the direction of the circular motion from time to time or approach the area from a different angle. This ensures that you sand the entire surface evenly.
- Uneven sanding is hard to see as you work, but it will be obvious in the final product.
- Be careful not to add pressure when changing angles or directions.
- The paint color should seep into the water and slightly tint it. If the water is dark, you are sanding too hard.
Step 5. Add water if needed
Do not allow the sandpaper to dry while the sandpaper is wet. Keep the area drenched in soapy water throughout the process by frequently dipping the sandpaper in the bucket and even pouring some of the soapy water on the vehicle.
- When it dries, the sandpaper will generate heat that burns the paint.
- If the paint burns, the area may need to be repainted.
- Replace a sheet of sandpaper with a fresh, soaked one if it is worn or mushy.
Step 6. Be careful with the edges of your tool
When sanding, your hands will get tired at some point. When you get tired, you can accidentally use the edge of the tool instead of keeping it flat on the vehicle.
- Take frequent breaks to fight fatigue.
- Be careful not to scratch the paint with the tool handle or one of the edges of the wrapped sandpaper.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Sanded Areas
Step 1. Do wet sanding again with 2,000 and 3,000 grit paper
Once you have completely wet sanded the area using 1,200 or 1,500 grit paper, repeat with 2,000 or 3,000 grit paper. This step removes any shallow scratches and abrasions left by the first stage of wet sanding.
- If the damage you want to repair is light enough, you can just do this step.
- Don't forget to keep the area completely wet when sanding.
Step 2. Rinse the sanded area
After you have finished wet sanding, use the hose to rinse off any soap residue or debris on the vehicle. Make sure the area is thoroughly rinsed because when it's dry it will be followed by a glaze or wax.
Touch the area with your hands to make sure no soap residue remains
Step 3. Allow the area to dry completely
The emery area needs to be completely dried before it can be buffed properly. Do not expose this area to direct sunlight as this could damage or fade the paint. Instead, let it dry for a few hours in a shady area.
- You can use a towel to dry the area, but allow any remaining moisture to dry completely before proceeding.
- You can use a hairdryer or other heat source to speed drying.
Step 4. Use a buffer or scouring compound to polish the area
Once the sanding area is completely dry, apply the scrubbing compound to the buffer pad and power buffer to polish the area. Use medium speed and light pressure when applying the compound to the car paint.
- While the buffer is on, move it in a circle as it rotates.
- The paint can burn if you press too hard so start lightly and increase the pressure if necessary to push the compound into the paint.
Step 5. Smear the wax on the finished area
The finished product of your work should be visible after the area is buffed. Use high quality car wax to protect the area. Wet sanding can make the area of paint slightly shallower than the surrounding area, so a coat of wax can help prevent it from fading sooner or later than the surrounding paint.
- You can wash and wax the entire car to make sure no sanding dust remains on the vehicle when you're done.
- The car wax will protect the paint and give it a shinier shine.
