FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Wet Sanding For Defect Removal

^ Typical paint defects that are repaired with this system include: dirt in paint, solvent "pop," cratering, "orange peel," drips, scratches, water spots, and acid rain

^ Always use the least abrasive (highest grit) sanding products possible to do this job

The following wet sanding procedure utilizes light grit sandpaper or sanding blocks for removal of surface damage. These materials cut quickly, leaving a uniform finish requiring a minimum of buffing to restore gloss.

1. Mist or apply water on the area to be sanded. Continue to flush water on the surface during sanding for maximum lubrication.

2. Use sanding blocks or paper. Keep abrasion to the immediate area of the defect. Keep blocks in water when not in use.

3. If the cutting is too slow, switch to a lower grade block or paper and resume sanding. When 90% of the defect is removed, switch to a 2000 grade sand paper or sanding block to finish smoothing and prepare the surface for buffing.

4. Sanding blocks can be shaped to work on any angle. When the block is wet, rub it against a dry sanding block for shaping.

5. When using sanding papers, wrap the paper tightly around a backing pad. This pad evenly distributes pressure over the entire surface of the sanding paper. This creates a uniform sanding pattern.

6. Plan your strokes to limit the abrasion to the smallest area possible.

7. Always finish sanding with 2000 Grit Sanding Paper. 2000 grit paper will reduce the need for heavy compound, however, the area should be finished by using a cleaner that will remove the sanding scratches left by these papers.

NOTE:
IF MULTIPLE GRIT PAPERS ARE USED, IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF SANDING STROKE TO ALLOW YOU TO SEE THAT THE PREVIOUS GRIT SCRATCH IS REMOVED.

8. Buff out sanding marks by applying Ford Medium Duty Body Shop Paint Cleaner with a "Foam" Cutting Pad (W7000). Follow with Ford Light Duty Body Shop Polish for a swirl-free gloss.