ok im getting ready to paint my 4th gen and i need to know how to sand the curves so they dont get uneven and when it comes to wetsanding how do i sand all the curves evenly with the rest of the body???? sorry its not third gen but i can try...when i sanded my 91 RS it was hard too but it was easier than the 4th gen....and what grits should i use on what primer coats and colorsanding coats

 

Use a "soft-block" (sb-1) to sand the curves. When sanding, do so in a criss-cross "X" pattern across the curve. Also for tight curves, corners, etc, I have a wedge "DuraBlock" and round (cylinder shaped) "DuraBlock". The blocks can be used wet or dry, and take regular and stick-it style papers. You can find them at a local autobody/paint supply company.

General idea on paper:
400-800 for primer wetsand before paint.
Check on paint manf., some paints dont grip as well as others and need the heavier grit paper

1500-2500 on clear before buffing (depends on clearcoat surface blemishes/amount of orange peel/etc.) .

 

ok cool thanks....ill either be using PPG or Dupont

 

hehe, im gonna paint my IROC in the next month.. Good to know!

Actually, how do you go about wetsanding the clear? I mean, do you use a long block? a short block?? What is the exact technique there?

 

I'm ot an expert, but I did see them wet sand clear by hand on the edges and corners of the body as not to "cut through the clear" on television

 

Sand up to the edges, not on them. It's very easy to go right through the clear and/or color.

 

Use a long block on longer, straighter panels, like the hood or quarters...you'll get them far straighter, faster than using a short block. Use the shorter block in smaller areas, soft blocks where there are curves. You can also improvise with blocks...they don't have to be premade. For example, paint stir sticks can make decent, semi-flexible blocks. If you are afraid of going through the edges, tape them with some fineline tape.