The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Wet sanding a new paint job?

I just recently painted my '49 3600 and wanted to know how long I have to wet sand it? It has been about 3 weeks...and it looks like it may be another month before I can get to it. Will that be a problem, or do I need to do it much sooner? Will the paint curing make it more difficult to do...or is that not a concern?

not a concern, do it anytime. just make sure it is clean so little dirt particles don't scratch it.

It actually depends on what paint you used. If you used the base coat/clear coat polyurethane that is so popular now you can wait as long as you want to color sand and buff {compound] it, or you can do it the next day. I would suggest you start sanding with 1500 grit{wet} to hold down the scratches, and by all means, keep it clean and flushed while sanding. If the 1500 isn't cutting the finish you might drop down to 1200 or 1000 but only where needed. If you painted your truck with some of the epoxy paints like Dupont Imron or Ameriflint you have probabely already waited too long. After these paints cure any sanding will result in scratches that you will think you are never going to get out, that is if you can get the surface to sand at all. If you used a single-stage acrylic enamel you might need to wait a couple of weeks to let it cure from inside-out. Always test sand and compound an inconspicous area to see if the results are what you want before jumping on something like the hood. Clean it, clean it, take your time, keep it flushed and clean it and you will be fine.....lamarb

I agree with Lamar...Depends what paint system you used. bc/cc can wait, although I never wait for weeks to get to it. Single stage should be lightly abraded with a scotch brite pad (I forget which grit) about 24 hours after shooting. This opens up the pores and lets the vapors escape. Makes things better for when you are ready to wet sand imho. Also, it wouldn't hurt to call up the place you bought your paint and ask them for a msds and any directions on sanding Good luck with it!
Dano