JrRifleCoach

Looking for body/paint guys with experience on the factory finish of this yr model.
Will the clear coat take a light (2500 gt) sanding and polish?
Or can it be agreed that the factory clear is too thin to attempt this procedure?

Your opinions are valuable.

DUB

If my opinion means squat...I WOULD NOT sand and buff the clear...even using 2500 grit....especially if the car is going to be exposed to sunlight...versus being in a museum.

YES...it can be sanded and buffed...but the issue is the potential "die-back" that can occur due to the mil thickness of the clear can not fight against the UV's of the sun and will start to show signs of "chalking-out".

I have had people who have had be prep the car and add more clear...due to the same concerns...and seeing how I do not have the "crystal ball" at this time...I can not see into the future.

DUB

porchdog

this is why painters and detailers sometimes do not get along. there is barely enough clear on it to begin with. i flat out will refuse to do it. i have seen the results in person and it is not pretty. like dub said if it's going to be kept inside 90% of the time it's a gamble , if your going to drive it it's a disaster waiting to happen .

chevnut55

I have done it with no problem, just stay away from edges and curves.
When I clear a car I will put 2-3 heavy coats on edges and curves but the factory does not.
I would only do it on a show car and not a driver.
Also it does flatten out the orange peel but makes a mess.

JrRifleCoach

The car has some disturbing orange peel that runs from front to rear on the top of the fenders/door. Speaking to other painters in town I got the same conflict of answers. Yes & No for the same reasons you guys have offered.

So I guess I'll hit it with a number 3 pad and polish. Maybe I can get it soft and flow out some more.

chevnut55

I hit my black G/S in a few spots that were scratched up from the cheapo cover.
I used 2000 light compound, polish then went over it a few times with cali gold wax with the polish pad. perfection. I would love to do the whole car but I drive it.
Keep in mind if the polish dries your burning the clear.
Alos If your not a painter its a bigger risk because you cant fix it yourself like I can.

DUB

Highly unlikely you are going to get it to flow out some....and doing so can cause more problems. If you do...you better keep an eye on it afterwards..because once that clear starts to chalk out...you just screwed yourself really good....because there is NO coming back from that...other than applying clear.

DO as you wish...and I hope you are experienced in using a circular buffer...if that is what you are using.

I can understand that the texture is not to your expectations...and if you were willing to sand it to buff it...switching to a more aggressive sandpaper and applying clear...and then sanding and buffing it out might be the way to go....as long as you have people in your area that will take the time to do it correctly.

DUB

JrRifleCoach

Thanks for the word DUB.
Yeah I'm not that experienced and will end up practicing on wifeys Honda.
So for now the wetsanding step is dismissed.
I'll stick to a nice clean buff and wax and enjoy the summer roads.

The nose did just get a clear mask installed so the thought of buying a stretch bra has passed as well.