Re: [DML] Re graining our car

["Walter Coe" <Whalt@xxxx>]

To get the correct texture, I have found that anything finer than 80 grit
sandpaper is a waste of time -- it polishes instead of textures. Once the
grain is set proper then a coarse Scotch-Bite pad will mellow it to the OEM
finish.

>From experience, I have found that long smooth strokes are bad -- very bad.
What happens is if you get the slightest bit crooked then you get long
crooked deep scratches. The secret to an OEM finish is to use very short
strokes. Another lesson I've learned from experience is to not use a "touch
& to" technique. (This is how a pilot lands the plane & takes off again
without stopping.) If you do this with your sandpaper, then you end up with
J-shaped scratches. So... in order to refinish a small area by hand, put
the 80 grit paper on a sanding block (preferably one used for automotive
use. They are rubber & conform to the panel's contour unlike a wood block.)
Carefully place the pad on the panel without shifting it. Then press hard
and quickly lift off. This will produce very short scratches which best
emulate the OEM finish put on using a flapper wheel.

For large areas, I have had great success using a belt sander, BUT -- DON'T
TRY THIS WITHOUT FIRST PRACTICING ON A SCRAP PIECE OF SHEET METAL. The
problem with belt sanders is the backing to the paper is hard and
unforgiving. It will put an uneven deep gouge pattern in the metal.
Instead place a small sponge behind the platen (the thin piece of sheet
metal that backs the sandpaper). This will create a raised area on the belt
sander's working surface, and this is the only part of it you want touching
the car. This works great for broad flat areas but will not get near curves
such as the fender flairs. It produces a pattern of short straight
scratches that looks just like the OEM finish from a flapper wheel.

The last time I was at NAPA, I saw on the shelf a small 80 grit flapper
wheel made to fit a power drill. This was around 1.5 to 2" diameter. I'm
tempted to try it in the "hard to reach" areas.

Or you can just spend the bucks and buy a really flapper wheel (if you can
find one).

Walt Tampa, FL