Materials Needed:
- Sandpaper (1500 grit and 2000 grit)
- Sanding block or orbital sander
- Tack cloth
- Polishing compound
- Polishing pad or buffer
- Water
Step 1: Preparation
- Start by washing and drying the car to remove any dirt or contaminants.
Step 2: Sanding
- Sand affected areas using 1500 grit sandpaper. Avoid sanding into the original car paint.
- Use a sanding block or orbital sander for even pressure.
- Wet sand by spraying water onto the paint surface to help lubricate the sandpaper and prevent scratches.
Step 3: Repeat Sanding
- Clean the area with a tack cloth.
- Repeat the sanding process with 2000 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface further.
Step 4: Clean and Dry
- Thoroughly clean the area again to remove any sanding dust.
- Let the area dry completely.
Step 5: Apply Polishing Compound
- Apply a small amount of polishing compound to the affected area.
- Use a polishing pad or buffer and work with a circular motion to buff the surface.
Step 6: Repeat Polishing
- Continue polishing until the orange peel effect is removed, gradually increasing the speed of the buffer as you go.
- Check the progress under bright lighting.
Step 7: Final Clean-up
- Wipe off any excess polishing compound with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Inspect the area to ensure the orange peel is gone.
- Wax or seal the area to protect the newly polished surface.
Tips:
- Always test the sanding and polishing process on an inconspicuous area first.
- Be patient and apply minimal pressure when sanding to avoid damaging the paint further.
- Use slow, consistent strokes when buffing.
- Protect the surrounding areas from sanding and polishing dust.
- For deep orange peel, you might need to reapply the base coat and clear coat.