Paint Polishing Guide - Tools And Sanding

Tools for the Trade
The most expensive part of cutting and rubbing paint is your time. Except for one power tool, such as a DeWalt variable-speed polisher, everything else is exceedingly affordable. Santini likes to make his own custom hand-rubbing blocks for radius work and for tight areas. Another important tool is standard wet/dry sandpaper ranging from 800 grit to 2,000 grit. Santini suggests soaking the paper overnight to make it more pliable. As for the polishing, start with a wool pad and work out the big scratches before moving to a softer foam pad for the final steps to completion. There are probably a dozen companies that make liquid rubbing and polishing compounds. If you don't have a favorite, start with the name companies like 3M, Meguiar's, or Mothers until you find one you prefer.

These are some of the tools you'll need to start a polishing project. The DeWalt polisher is a variable-speed unit. Santini recommends running the polisher at around 1,000 rpm.
These are some of the tools you'll need to start a polishing project. The DeWalt polisher
Raoul uses round tubing wrapped with wet/dry sandpaper to get into radius areas like the transition of a hoodscoop. He also uses foam packing material like the triangle foam shipping edges used to protect a hood during shipping.
Raoul uses round tubing wrapped with wet/dry sandpaper to get into radius areas like the t
In the final stages of polishing, tight areas might require a smaller pad, so Santini will fit a right-angle air drill with a smaller pad. Reduce the speed of the gun by reducing air pressure.
In the final stages of polishing, tight areas might require a smaller pad, so Santini will

Chemicals like 3M rubbing compound, Meguiar's, or Mothers can be used for the final buffing. Santini likes to use this System One product that uses the same polishing compound with two different pads to obtain a great final surface. Start with a wool pad and finish with a soft foam pad.
Chemicals like 3M rubbing compound, Meguiar's, or Mothers can be used for the final buffin

The Art of Sanding
If you're like us, you may never have tried color sanding. In this case, the first step is to work indoors on a cool surface under bright, fluorescent lights. "Daylight hides scratches that will show up huge under fluorescent lights," Santini says. Use the long, straight lines of the reflected light bulbs to help find imperfections. He also recommends first thoroughly cleaning the area to be sanded. Concentrate on a small area about 2 by 4 feet, such as roughly half the area of a hood. If necessary, use masking tape on all the hard edges around hoods and fenders to prevent burning the paint. It's also essential to apply a very soft touch. Let the paper do the work, and avoid digging the sanding block into the paint. Instead, apply light pressure using the entire surface of the sanding block. Be extra careful not to cut troughs or wide grooves in the paint. Always sand with the block at a slight angle to straight ahead.

If the paint is heavily orange-peeled, start with 800 grit. Otherwise, use 1,000-grit paper with lots of water. Raoul uses a clean bucket and a big sponge to keep the area wet. If using bare hands, keep your hand flat against the painted surface. Always sand "with the grain," in this case lengthwise along the hood.
If the paint is heavily orange-peeled, start with 800 grit. Otherwise, use 1,000-grit pape
Before you get too deep in this, use a soft squeegee, then a clean soft cotton towel to dry the surface and inspect your work. Look for an even texture shiny spots will need extra attention.
Before you get too deep in this, use a soft squeegee, then a clean soft cotton towel to dr
Remember to work slowly, repeating the process of cleaning the surface, wet sanding up to the 2,000 grit, and drying to inspect the work surface.
Remember to work slowly, repeating the process of cleaning the surface, wet sanding up to