Proper sanding makes a big difference in a car's appearance.
If you're restoring an automobile, or have an automobile that you'd want to keep in tip-top condition, you'll inevitably find yourself having to sand the vehicle. Sanding can come up when you're repainting your vehicle, repairing scratches and even removing rust. Before you attempt any kind of a restoration project, it's a good idea to learn a few major sanding techniques.
Block Sanding
Block sanding is named for the blocks that the sandpaper wraps around. For optimum results when block sanding, you will need to use many different blocks to reach different parts of the automobile's body. For instance, a flexible block is needed to sand in places where the vehicle's outer panels are curved. A rounded block, often made from foam, may be necessary when sanding around the concave section near a roof. Small metal spreaders can get the sections in between doors. PVC pipe works as a sanding block around tight areas. Block sanding usually involves sanding side-to-side and then sanding up and down. You can buy your own sanding blocks or make your own.
Wet Sanding
Wet sanding is a technique used to repair a deep scratch in the automobile's finish. However, it can also be used to level out scuffs and marks caused by others cars. Wet sanding removes a very small layer of the paint on the vehicle. When wet sanding, the surface of the vehicle and the sanding block are lubricated with water. Wet sanding paper comes in different types. Sometimes, it must be soaked for a certain period of time before it can be used, Other times, it can just be dipped in water before use. The grit for wet sand paper will range anywhere between 300 and 4,000. When wet sanding, keep a bucket full of water and a spray bottle nearby. A towel also comes in handy to check your work as you go.
Color Sanding
Color sanding is one of the last steps involved in applying a new coat of paint to a vehicle. Color sanding smooths out the vehicle's clearcoat finish. This helps you to get the most mirror-like finish possible after you apply the buff. Color sanding also requires a bucket of water and a sanding block. Go over the coat until it's as smooth as possible. After a while, you stop using the block, so you can get the rounded areas as strongly as possible with just the sandpaper.
