We decided to try going back to what we did several years ago with wet sanding. When the tri-zact sand paper started getting popular, I started finishing paint with 3,000 grit, jumping from 2,000 to 3,000, and have always ended up having great results. The prior way was to follow up the 2,000 with 2,500 grit. This is what I realized:
- 2,500 grit makes a pretty big difference.
- Buffing with wool and compound goes much faster.
- There is far less ‘grain’ in the clear to buff out.
- Less heat. (Less buffing)
- I did not guide coat before 2,500, I’m sure you could though, try a small area first.
- Finishing with 2,000 and then going to 3,000 tri-zact does work, but I never realized how much more work I was making for myself.
- All the other steps were the same: 600, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and then still 3000 tri-zact.
- In the end, the extra sanding step saved time over all, and I’d say quality goes up.
Always be open to trying new things, and always see if there’s somewhere to improve. I’ve always been happy with the end result, but it’s even better now!
Adam Krause did an incredible job spraying this truck at his shop, The Refinery
