Just tinted my tails and was wondering how to wet sand them to make them look more glossy? I've tried searching the site and google for some guidance in wet sanding, but I come up with crap. Are there any alternatives or other options?

 

Plastic polish, if it's an acrylic paint.

Try a little bit first.

That, and you might be able to wax them, or use a rubbing compound.

 

use rubbing compoud before you attempt to wet sand. it's too easy to make a mistake when you wetsand.

i almost had a heart attack when i saw the title of this thread, minus the potential spelling error, i thought you were going to tell a tale about how you wet sanded the paint...i would never attempt that on our fragile fragile paint

 

Start with 1500 grit, then 2000. Make sure to keep the sanding surface and the paper very wet. Then move on to a polishing compound, and finally a good wax/glaze.

 

When using rubbing compound, should I apply clear coat before, after, or both?

 

your going to first apply the rubbing compound. After you let it dry, wipe it up. What's going to be left is a badly swirled mess, don't fear though! Your going to want to then take some isopropyl alcohol and moisten a foam applicator and wipe off the taillights. This step will remove any left over rubbing compound from the surface of the taillight. Next, spray on a coat of clearcoat. The rubbing compound created a rough surface that the clear could adhere to. Once this clearcoat has dried fully you can either apply a series of polishes to smooth it out and then wax them to give them a high gloss or you can continue adding more clear by first using rubbing compound, then the alcohol, then more clear coat.

 

i wondered about this also. i might just go to a local body shop and have them put some clear coat on it??

 

Thanks a lot Neothin. Do you have any reccomendation as to which rubbing compound and polish I should use? I think I'm going to use 3M's rubbing compound and plastic polish but I'm not sure if there are better products out there.

 

Hmm. My vinyl overlaid tails are pretty glossy, especially after a simple coat of wax.

 

3m will work. PlastX by meguiars works well.

 

3m works well IMO

 

2000 grit sandpaper, wet, and clearcoat.
















simple......nightshades, 2 coats clear coat....wetsand w/ 2000 grit....2 more coats clear coat. Bout' 20 bux to do.

 

Let me know which route you take to do your tailights....

 

i think vynl overlays are better and less of a pain in the a$$. I'm gonna have zoltiz do mine pretty soon. i just think that its too easy to mess it up with the paint. you might make them too dark and the transition is permanent. just remember. what happens when you apply sanding paper to plastic? but hey, they're your lights. enjoy!

 

Looks good Bp4life71. Most impressive...

 

tcmann

I dont agree with you. Vynals are not as nice in my opinion. Also, it is not permanent as you state either. I could have mine back to stock in about 30 min. using my clay bar if need be. Also, remember that you are not SANDING your plastic.....but the 2 coats of CLEAR COAT that you put on. Also, using 2000 sandgrit with water (ie. wetsanding) is safe. As for making it too dark with the "PAINT", well, its not paint...its transparent nightshades to be exact. You can make it as dark as you want, just keep adding coats until you get your desired look. Its simple really, and very safe. Like I said, this is my opinion, but I think you get a better look with the nightshades/clear coat as opposed to the overlays. Also, you can get them as dark or light as you want with the nightshades....another plus......and they can look like glass depending on how many clear coats you do.

Later.