final steps in painting wheels

[nhmtns]

After several days of work, I'm approaching the final steps in painting some wheels a dark gray color. I've taken my time and tried to do a decent job. Steps so far:

1) cleaned

2) sanded

3) cleaned

4) primed

5) sanded

6) cleaned

7) painted

The paint feels slightly gritty so I'm thinking I should wet sand (suggested grit?) before applying the clear coat, but it seems like even a very fine grit will leave marks. Should I wet sand, then apply one more even coat of paint before clear coating? Should I wet sand after clear coating?

 

[-=Lobstah=-]

try 1500-2000 and rubbing compound afer..

-----Added 8/26/2009 at 06:56:20-----

PS: try rubbing compound on a unconpicuous (Sp?) spot to make sure it doesn't discolor the paint....

 

[nhmtns]

try 1500-2000 and rubbing compound afer..

After the paint or the clear coat?

Oh, and why can't I edit my post?

 

[-=Lobstah=-]

After the paint or the clear coat?

Oh, and why can't I edit my post?

you can wetsand before the clear, probably 2000 woulde be best, light to no pressure.

depending on the paint sometimes rubbing compound works as super-fine sandpaper. BUt you have to try it first on a tiny spot to make sure it wont dissolve the paint; or you can safely use it on the clear (after it's cure for a few days)

PS: I haven't been able to edit them either, so i just double-post

 

[nhmtns]

Ok, thanks. I'll try that tomorrow.

 

[nhmtns]

Well, I wet sanded with 2000 grit and the paint feels very smooth now. Unfortunately, I forgot to use "light to no pressure" at first and took off a bit too much on the ridges of the spokes.

It wasn't much, but I think I'll respray tomorrow and then wet sand again VERY lightly. Haven't decided if I'll try the rubbing compound or not.

 

[boxer3main]

the gritty color coat could be texture for its type of color coat. When fulfilled with lots of clear coat, you will understand why, it looks very rugged, and deep. Any metallic oe sube codes do this too, it is worth the 10minute wait inbetween and up to 3+ coats of real urethane. I wouldn't sand it, if it is consistent. I learned that this year, my first gun, and playing with oe code and real urethane. I am never touching a bumpy consistent color code with any sand at all.