To Wet Sand... or Not to Wet Sand

**Ohio Detailing** · 05-05-2008, 05:00 PM

You know, this is some of the most sound advice I've gotten (along with the other awesome help here on AG) because I tend to always go with more is better methodology of detailing and life in general.

I should start with a light cut, and then med-heavy, and so on, until I can differentiate the true deep scratches from the surface blemishes. Is that correct? Is it safe to go over my car with 3 coats of varying compounds in a single day to wash out the major scratches from the surface ones?

Originally Posted by ZoranC

I know that subconcious reaction to hearing word "scratches" is "compound". But let's first make sure scratches are really scratches and not something lesser. Starting with least aggressive method first (at least sight unseen) might be erring with advice on side of caution, but it is safe.

**Totoland Mach** · 05-05-2008, 08:55 PM

And, let's not forget: it's also pressure + pads + product. One of my shortcomings the dealer points out is: I'd rather use light pressure and make multiple passes rather than heavy pressure and take a chance on the paint (but heck, I'm old...what did he expect?) LOL.

Pressure is really an unknown unlike pads and product. Too bad there's not a pressure gauge on the top of machines. What a nice combo that would make: Use Pad X with Product Y at 20Lbs of pressure.

Toto

**bryansbestwax** · 05-06-2008, 06:29 AM

A couple of things, although i would agree with Toto on grit, I have used 1500 and followed up with 2000 grit using Presta cutting creme and then Menz final polish with flawless results. A word of caution like Toto said, this should only be done if you know the depth and are very skilled in paint refinishing. There is a lot of literature out there that states you show always start with the least abrasive polish, if that doesn't work than try a pad with more cut and the same polish. Then work your way into compounds.