Wetsanded, best way to get gloss back?

Question

Okay, doing a full repainting. I've got the base coat down / cured / etc... it's a Gloss Black color. After wetsanding with 1500grit, the paint is nice and smooth now, but absolutely no gloss. I have 3M Polishing Compound (the white stuff), a 10" orbital buffer (I have a LOT of free time, I'm unemployed), and a 7" electric buffer from Harbor Freight on order, arriving on Monday.

Is there any way I can use the orbital buffer / hand polishing to get the gloss back, even if it takes forever? I tried a small (1x1 foot) panel, but after twenty minutes there's no difference, be it by hand or with the orbital.

Answer 1

I saw what you are talking about.you should use a rubbing compound first then the polishing compound, rubbing compound is a tan color, there are different cuts fine ,medium and heavy. if you wet sanded with 1500 use medium rubbing compound the 3m perfect-it is good for that. and like Pat S said use the rotary

Answer 2

By "orbital buffer" did you mean a random orbital (PC, UDM) or a rotary? If it is indeed a random orbital you're never going to completely get rid of the scratches. The compound will break down and rid most of the visible swirls but once you shine halo lights or even sunlight you'll see the residual remainings from the wet sanding, that even polishes can't get rid of. But if you have a rotary you're in luck. Make sure you first use lamb wool pads, most aggressive pad with a compound. Afterwards follow through with a light polish and pad, I recommend Menzerna PO106FA with either a white pad or orange depending on its condition. Just a FYI, never polish by hand especially when its severe like from wet sanding.  

Answer 3

always you need to pratince first.