Whats up people I am wanting to know proper techniques for wet sanding. I know the type and grit off paper, but I need to know what the correct way to do it. I was restoring my friends lights and one of the lights the housing is just all scratched up. Did I sand it to hard, or did I not sand it the right amount of time? I did use the search and I see the DIY on restoring the light but what is the corret way to wet sand? I have the scratch X polish, dont think that works to well. This is my 100th post!!!!!!

 

I have wet sanded a couple of cars. After you sand the paint (don't press hard, and keep it wet) you will want to buff out the little scratches. Then remove the excess cleaner (use a wool type pad with your buffer). Then you will have to use a polish to get out the even smaller scratches (use a foam pad with this application). You could even glaze it after that use somthing similair to 3m's perfect it foam polish. I use 3m's perfect it polished pad to finish. That final step will really bring out the paint. If you are using a rotary buffer make sure you are careful, work in sections of 3ft by 3ft, aways move in one direction, and don't rush it.

 

the finer the paper you use the easier it will be to get teh scratches out. Start out with something like 1000-1500 then work up to 2000. Use plenty of water and put a little car soap in the water to hel keep it lubricated. it will sand easier. Alot of pressure isnt needed.

 

You need to get a micro polishing kit for the lights. wet sanding alone will not make the lens clear. Auto parts store should carry it, if not try looking online.

 

Does anyone know where i can get this 3M product in Toronto, Canada?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

Correct. Just about any product designed for removing sand scratches will work. I prefer meguairs products for that. You can find them in many auto parts stores, napa. Also look in your local phone book for automotive "paints" stores. they will carry that kind of product. You can also check out those type of products at meguiars web site

 

Thanks for the help guys, My friend want me to sand her BMW lights and try to bring them back to life. I want to do this for her cause She fine and I want to know how to do this right. I was told always use a back and foward motion when sanding, is this right? How lond should I sand the lights? Also after they are sanded, and I apply the polish how long should the polish stay on the lights before I buff them? It looks so easy, When wet sanding should I also soak the sand paper in the soapy water or should I just use a spounge wet the lights and then sand, And repeat?

 

yes always sand in 1 direction. You sand the lights till they are uniform in sanding. (ie meaning there arent un sanded areas or some areas arent more than others) The polish doesnt need to sit on the lights. It doesnt do any thing till YOU start rubbing it in to polish. It doesnt do the work for you. Yes soak the paper in water for 10-15 min before using

 

I would stick to 1500 to 2000 grit.

 

Thanks for all the info, How long should I sand with the
1000 grit
1500 grit
2000 grit
Should it be like 10-15 each one?