Scratches (wet sand) Before and after pics

[Roll_the_Dice]

So today, I decided to try my hand at wet sanding a few scratches. I didn't take before and after pics of both areas I have done so far, but I did take a picture of the largest scratch on the rear passenger quarter panel.


I had a few scratches that bugged me. I could feel the scratches with my fingernail, so I knew it was on the clearcoat and fortunately, it wasn't down to the base coat or to the metal. I took my car to a buddy of mine who has an auto blemish repair shop and he said the scratches might wet sand out, if not he could feather paint part of the rear quarter panel for me.

I figured worse case scenario he paints it for me....so off I went with sand paper and plenty of water.

I very lightly wet sanded with the 1500 then went to the 2000 and held my breath...then used Adams compounds and polishes to restore the haze left by the sand paper. I am going to get some 3k and 4k paper as well, but it has turned out better than I expected so far...

This was on my BMW not Camaro, but I thought you guys would appreciate it all the same.

...I have a few more I am going to do this week. One before picture and two after...

[ihaveacamaro]

nice job!!

[ActNup NY]

Good work ! How difficult is it to wet sand. I have one or two blemishes that I would love to try my hand at. Just scared with my luck I try wet sanding and make something minor..... A major deal. Lol !

[Roll_the_Dice]

Originally Posted by ihaveacamaro

nice job!!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by ActNup NY

Good work ! How difficult is it to wet sand. I have one or two blemishes that I would love to try my hand at. Just scared with my luck I try wet sanding and make something minor..... A major deal. Lol !

I was scared too, but my buddy told me he would paint cheap if I needed it, so it helped knowing I had a backup plan.

It was not nearly as difficult as I thought. I did another on my trunk lid this morning. This time all I did was use 2000 grit (lots of water). I used a very light pressure and a small piece of sand paper...maybe 1/2" wide and 2" long...then I used my index finger in the middle of the paper and lightly sanded with the direction of the scratch. Don't freak out, the paint will look like crap...It will be hazed above and below the scratch, but that's OK. Dry off the area and inspect. If you can still see the scratch do a little more sanding.

If not, buff and polish out the wet sand haze/scratches. I used some buffing and polish pads on the end of my cordless drill. If you have a Porter Cable use it...I was too lazy to get mine out. Again, don't press the pads into the car, but go in a random motion to buff it out.

Then inspect....repeat if necessary, but if you have to contort yourself to see the scratch, no one will ever notice it. I am going to get some 3000 grit this afternoon and do a little more in the same areas, just to clean it up a little better. Once contorted...I can see it just a little.

[chicagobulls]

Wow amazing job, looks perfect!!!

I have gotten a car just painted and could do some wetsanding and buffing on it thanks for the info!

[Roll_the_Dice]

Originally Posted by chicagobulls

Wow amazing job, looks perfect!!!

I have gotten a car just painted and could do some wetsanding and buffing on it thanks for the info!

Thanks dude...I appreciate it! Try a small inconspicuous place before you go crazy.

I was actually thinking of going to the junk yard and getting an old fender or hood to practice on before I ever did my car, but what the heck...you only live once.

[charlietuna]

Great write up glad she's back scratch free

[Secret Squirrel]

Very nice. Wet sanding is one of those things that has always made me really nervous. The first time I tried it was on the bottom of my front fascia (thank God). It turned out well, but I was sweating bullets. Glad everything turned out right.

[Roll_the_Dice]

Originally Posted by charlietuna

Great write up glad she's back scratch free

Thanks, me too! I have a few small ones to do still. Touched up some rock chips this evening too. She is getting back to where I want her to be!

Originally Posted by Secret Squirrel

Very nice. Wet sanding is one of those things that has always made me really nervous. The first time I tried it was on the bottom of my front fascia (thank God). It turned out well, but I was sweating bullets. Glad everything turned out right.

Thanks! I have always wanted to try it too, but was scared to do it and make things worse. This time I had the out with my buddy being able to paint if necessary...so I said what the heck. I have been doing some carbon fiber work, so I had been wet sanding the resin layers, so I had more confidence to try it.

[Vengeance Graphix]

great job, looks like it was never even there

[Roll_the_Dice]

Originally Posted by xVengeancex28

great job, looks like it was never even there

thanks, I did this same method with a few rock chips in the paint also...I put the paint in the "crater" left from the rock and made sure the paint was a little higher than the OEM paint. After I let the touch-up paint dry (overnight), I lightly wet sanded with 1500 then 2000 grit sand paper. This made the touch-up paint flush with the OEM paint level. I then buffed and polished the haze out of the clear coat and paint.

I am terrible at remembering to take pics for the most part...but here are 2...one after the wet sanding and one after the buff/polish.