As a car owner, it can be frustrating to discover that your paint job is not as smooth as you want it to be. This is particularly true if you notice orange peel on your vehicle’s paint. Orange peel is a term used to describe the bumpy, rough texture of car paint that resembles the surface of an orange peel. If you want to eliminate orange peel on your car’s paint, you can use a wet sanding technique. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to wet sand orange peel in car paint.
What is Orange Peel?
Before we start with the process of wet sanding, it’s essential to understand what orange peel is and how it occurs. Orange peel is a texture that appears on the surface of the car’s paint when it dries. The bumps are a result of the paint not spreading out evenly on the surface of the vehicle. This usually happens when there is too much paint on the surface or when the paint dries too quickly, resulting in a rough texture.
Orange peel is more common in metallic and pearl finishes, as these types of paints have larger pigment particles that tend to clump together during application. However, orange peel can occur in any type of car paint.
Why Wet Sanding is Necessary?
Wet sanding is a technique used to smooth out the rough texture of the car’s paint. It involves using sandpaper to rub the surface of the paint, which removes the bumps and leaves a smooth finish. The technique is called “wet sanding” because the sandpaper is used in conjunction with water, which lubricates the surface and prevents the paint from getting damaged.
Wet sanding is necessary when you want to achieve a smooth finish on your car’s paint. Orange peel is not only unsightly, but it can also affect the longevity of the paint job. The bumps can trap dirt and debris, which can lead to rusting and corrosion. Wet sanding will eliminate orange peel, which will make your car look new again and protect the surface of the paint.
Steps to Wet Sand Orange Peel in Car Paint
Step 1: Wash the Car
Before you start wet sanding, you need to wash your car thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grime, or debris from the surface of the paint, which can scratch the surface if not removed. Use a high-quality car wash soap and a soft sponge to wash the car. Rinse it thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean towel.
Step 2: Prepare the Sandpaper
For wet sanding, you will need a series of sandpapers with different grits. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit. The grits you will need are 1000, 1500, and 2000.
Soak each sandpaper in water for at least 10 minutes before using it. This will soften the paper and prevent it from scratching the surface of the paint. Make sure to keep the sandpaper wet during the sanding process, so it doesn’t dry out.
Step 3: Sand the Car
Start with the 1000 grit sandpaper and begin sanding the surface of the paint. Use a circular motion, and make sure to keep the sandpaper wet. Sand until the orange peel is gone, and the surface of the paint is smooth. You will see a white residue on the surface of the paint, which is normal. This is the clear coat coming off, which is necessary for the wet sanding process.
Once you’ve finished sanding with the 1000 grit sandpaper, move on to the 1500 grit sandpaper. Repeat the same circular motion, and keep the sandpaper wet. Sand until the surface of the paint is even smoother. Once again, you will see a white residue on the surface of the paint, which is normal.
Finally, move on to the 2000 grit sandpaper and repeat the same process as before. The 2000 grit will leave the surface of the paint very smooth, and any remaining orange peel will be gone.
Step 4: Buff the Surface
Once you’ve finished sanding, it’s time to buff the surface of the paint to restore its shine. Use a high-quality buffing compound and a polishing pad to buff the surface of the paint. Use a circular motion and apply a moderate amount of pressure.
Make sure to buff the surface of the paint evenly and work in small sections. Once you’ve finished buffing, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any residue.
Step 5: Apply a Wax or Sealant
Finally, apply a coat of wax or sealant to protect the surface of the paint. This will also enhance the shine of the paint and make it look brand new. Use a high-quality wax or sealant and apply it evenly using a foam applicator.
Once you’ve applied the wax or sealant, let it dry for at least 10-15 minutes, and then buff the surface with a clean microfiber cloth.
Conclusion
Wet sanding orange peel in car paint is a simple process that can make a huge difference in the appearance of your car. With the right tools and techniques about how to wet sand orange peel in car paint, you can achieve a smooth, flawless finish that will make your car look new again.
Remember to take your time and work in small sections when wet sanding. Always keep the sandpaper wet, and use a circular motion to avoid scratching the surface of the paint.
By following these steps, you can eliminate orange peel on your car’s paint and restore its shine and beauty.