I repainted the entire raised trunk lid of my ‘17 Hyundai Sonata as the summer Georgia sun cooked the paint (despite frequent waxing) . I prepped the trunk lid properly then painted and clear coated (both were a spray can kit) . The outcome was good except I have a few areas where the clear coat is slightly raised and rough. I tried a polishing compound which did nothing. I probably will need a rubbing compound or use a 2000 grit sand paper with water or polishing compound . *My objective is to smooth and blend the clear coat raised , rough areas with the areas that turned out good. I don’t want to dull the clear coat though hence why I was thinking of lightly trying 2000 grit wet sanding or rubbing compound … Your opinions and experiences how to improve rough clear cost areas ?
How to Smooth Rough Clear Coat Finish ?
- Thread starter ChrisD46
- Start date
Wet sand followed by compound usually does the trick. You can cut down the time compounding if you step up a few times while wet sanding, such as a 3000/5000 grit paper.
Do you have access to a buffer/polisher? Progressive step up with wet sanding like @ctechbob said, then machine compound with a fine cutting pad will level it out. Final polish with a glaze and you should be good to go. Compounding and polishing by hand with give you Popeye arms. Be careful, if you make it look too good you'll be painting the rest of the car.
Because you painted it, only you can tell us if you put enough clear on to be able to carry out a wetsand and buff procedure. If using the activated spary cans where you pop the bladder to allow both parts to mix then that is an excellent professional grade product. There are many brands but eastwood is one of the most popular. It would require two coats minimum for you to be able to wetsand. If you put one coat on, do not wetsand or buff. You will loose your clearcoat in approx 2 years.
If you feel you put enough on, like 2 or 3 coats, proceed below:
1.) Place a 2000 grit paper on a small piece of firm wood block. Wetsand with water and a small amount of dawn soap.
2.) Step to a 3000 grit and repeat.
3.) Buff with a microfiber or foam pad using a DA. Select an aggressive compound. 3d one ACA510 works well.
4.) Switch to a soft foam finishing pad and buff again using a DA, however use a finishing compound.
It really will be that easy.
If you feel you put enough on, like 2 or 3 coats, proceed below:
1.) Place a 2000 grit paper on a small piece of firm wood block. Wetsand with water and a small amount of dawn soap.
2.) Step to a 3000 grit and repeat.
3.) Buff with a microfiber or foam pad using a DA. Select an aggressive compound. 3d one ACA510 works well.
4.) Switch to a soft foam finishing pad and buff again using a DA, however use a finishing compound.
It really will be that easy.
I also have a 3000 grit but it is not paper - it’s like a thin foam (not traditional sand paper) … When I bought it at the auto store I was surprised .
