Painting question

[cacmd]

I repainted my wife's front fender. The paint came out good, but the clear did not. It had alot of orange peel...I think I probably didn't apply it thick enough. I have sanded it down, but I think I have totally sanded the clear off. Can I just reclear now or do I have to start all over?

[Sponsor]

[dorfeater]

I don't know much about exterior painting, but if it follows the same theories as general painting, then yes, I would start all over just to be safe.

But... worse comes to worse just paint the clear again, see how it looks, if it still doesn't look good, start all over.

[viney266]

Wait a week first. The paint under the clear was prolly not compatible with the clear. Were you using the same brand paint and clear? You should. If you let the paint dry longer, you may be fine. Before you clear wipe it down with a prep and then tack cloth it. THEN clear it. Most clear you shoot in several, and I mean several thin coats.

[tuned focus]

If you are using a base coat,clear coat system.You dont have to let the color dry per say.There is a about a 15 min gap between coats.That way the clear can cemicaly adhere to the color.Orange peel is very comon.Look around when you are driving at the new cars.About 75 % of them have it from the factory.No you donot have to start over.All you have to do is block the fender with 400 grit sand paper so the clear can adhere to the existing paint.WHEN you still have orange peel wet sand with a block and 1500 grit paper then buff it out.

[cacmd]

so if I block it down with 400 grit and then clear over this, won't the scratches caused by the sanding show through the clear?

[tuned focus]

NO the 400 will not show through the clear.If you dont feel compfy with 400 you can go as much as 600,but the 400 is better.Also do it wet with a little dish soap in the water.Just keep it wet.It will be fine.The clear will cover the small scratches.Use 4 or 5 coats of clear.that way if you need to block the clear when you are done.you wont sand through it.Just take your time and you shouldnt have any problems.Just remember when you thing you are done prepming (blocking)it,do it again.

[cacmd]

thanks for the help...I'm gonna try it this weekend.

[viney266]

When he says dish soap he means a few drops only. Just to help.

[tuned focus]

Yes you are corect.The soap is to give the paper a slick surface to work with.If you just use water it will dry up quick ,and you will spend more time getting the paper wet than sanding.Remember dont rush it.take your time itwill come out beter.Let me know how it comes out.

[Cajun Boy876]

Lol, I had same problem! I ended up going buy two different guns one for clear and one for paint. I had to clear my fender about 4 times :-). But i finally learned. Just sand it with 400, go over lightly and make sure you have the settings right on ur gun.