Attempted to clear faded paint. (not good)

[RENO88]

So my paint on my truck is in so-so condition. There are a few parts where the factory clear flaked off. So I decided to spray it with rattle can clear. I prepped the surface with 300 grit, then wet sanded with 2000. Its much more difficult than I though. Any tips on how to blend with factory paint? I also used Rubbing compound, and mothers polish. Its not horrible, just want to make it blend better.

 

[RENO88]

I one side is ok, the other large spot might need more clear.

 

[vortec]

that is tricky, IMO. i like steel wool because you can go really really fine with it. i'd spray, dry, steel wool, repeat until it looks uniform. only method that's worked for me.

 

[RENO88]

Steel wool, ok. I'm glad I was'nt the only one to try that. Any specific texture to look for?

 

[vortec]

i use "extra fine", usually. it makes for more work than using a coarser one first, but if you "color outside the lines" accidentally, your accidental swipe won't show up as bad, if at all. some of the even finer grades feel like cotton balls or something. barely abbrasive at all. i'm no pro with paint stuff, so i err on the side of caution.

 

[RENO88]

I figured I'll try that too. Much cheaper than a whole new paint job..

 

[ryoken]

You'll never get it to look right without overcoating the basecoat...

300 is way too rough, and 2000 will take forever to get 300 scratches out... ya shoulda done like 600, then 1200... 2000 is like freakin notebook paper... in my life i've never used more than 1500, and I've painted over 2 thousand cars...

to blend clear onto clear, buff the area with orange compound... denature alcohol damp towel/dry towel for all your cleaning... you can get blending reducers too.. butt iirc, you said your rattlecanning..

go hunt around the body shop forum for awhile, I've written tons of long posts on this kinda stuff..

 

[vortec]

Don't listen to Ryoken. he's only done about 1999.6 cars more than i have. haha.

kidding of course. Good info.

 

[RENO88]

Ok, thanx for the replies. When I did it, it was spur of the moment type situation. Im sure I can un F-this..

 

[ryoken]

Don't listen to Ryoken. he's only done about 1999.6 cars more than i have. haha.

kidding of course. Good info.

4 nights till midnight a week, in addition to your 40 hrs, spraying 25 a week, HAS to teach ya something...

I could right novels on that stuff...

 

[odoa3]

Ryoken,
I don't believe you have painted cars. Come up here and paint my K5 to prove it!