Polishing a new clear coat involves careful preparation and the right tools to achieve a smooth, high-gloss finish.
To polish a new clear coat effectively, you should first allow the clear coat adequate time to harden. If imperfections like "orange peel" or "trash" are present, wet sanding is the next critical step before using a buffer to bring out the shine.
Preparing the New Clear Coat
Before you begin the polishing process, patience is key.
Waiting Period
- Wait a day or so to let the clear coat harden if the finishing is new. This initial curing period allows the clear coat to become stable enough to work on without causing damage or issues with subsequent steps.
Inspecting the Surface
Once the clear coat has hardened, carefully inspect the surface for common imperfections found after painting. These might include:
- "Orange Peel": A texture resembling the skin of an orange, caused by the clear coat not flowing out completely smoothly.
- "Trash": Small dust particles, lint, or other debris that landed on the surface while the clear coat was wet.
Addressing Imperfections: Wet Sanding
If you identify "orange peel" or "trash" on the surface, these need to be removed before polishing can achieve a smooth, reflective finish.
- If you see "orange peel" or "trash" on the surface, wet sand with 1000 or 1200 grit wet or dry automotive grade sandpaper. Wet sanding uses water (often with a lubricant) to help the sandpaper glide smoothly over the surface, carrying away removed material and reducing heat buildup.
- This will smooth out the surface and allow for a super shine finish. The goal of this sanding step is to create a uniformly smooth surface by leveling out the high points of orange peel or sanding down debris, providing a perfect base for polishing.
Polishing for Shine
After wet sanding has smoothed the surface, the final step is to polish it to a high gloss.
- Get a buffer. A buffer (or polisher) is essential for working polishing compounds into the clear coat surface. This process removes the fine sanding marks left by the 1000 or 1200 grit paper and brings out the deep shine.
Using the right polishing pads and compounds with your buffer will gradually refine the surface, progressing from removing sanding marks to achieving a swirl-free, mirror-like finish.
