polishing troubles

[Jared]

ok, so i recently have been getting more involved in my paint jobs. i'm doing a basic, prime and color job. not getting into prime, base, candies, so on and so forth. only problem is that i'm now more picky about what the end result it and i want it as smooth as i can get it. so i now have a gas tank from a R/M bike. i ran a base of red with a red candy/pearl and then many coats of clear. it came out great BUT it has a slight "peel" to it.

i have been told be a many people to do many differnt things. i had a piece that ended having a corner that "burned" through so i figured if i mess it up it dosen't matter, i have to re shoot it anyway. i have tried fine rubbing compounds and now have tried crocus cloth and it did as i thought, it went right through the clear. so what should i do?

[hookedonplastics]

Hey Jared. What works for me is a micro polish kit. I start at 3200 grit and work my way up to 12000. I use very light pressure and water while I sand. By the time I reach the finest grit, I have quite a shine. I usually finish out with a plastic polish.

[TSK]

I use 4000 grit sanding pad to remove the orange peel. Then I use 3M Rubbing Compound Professional Formula followed up with 3M Finish restorer. Both of these are a liquid and come in 8 oz bottles. I got them from Walmart but most Auto store should carry them.

My paint finishes are not Show winning quality but I think they look great on my shelf.

[bobss396]

Crocus cloth is way too coarse for polishing anything other than automotive crankshafts.

But you're on the right track by polishing out the clear. Just make sure you have enough on it, a few coats at least. Enamel s are softer and you'll tend to blow through those, I prefer lacquer products which are more forgiving.

Bob

[Jared]

well thanks guys for the tips and advise. first off. i am useing lacquers. and i think i have finally found the best thing to use!. i was cleaning up some of my jewlery tools and equipment and came across some sanding/polishing cloths made by 3M. they are made to sand silver, gold, nickel and other fine metals from 400 grit to almost 15000 grit. so it hit me! THATS IT! so i ran to my local jewlery tool supplier and got a few 1200 and a few 4000 grit cloths. there are nice. they are so soft and you can't even feel the grit in them. i hope they work! i'll let you all know as soon as i get time!

[Maliburacr]

I use the sheets from Detail Master, 4000, 6000, 8000 and then you need very little polish.