Hey, as I said, I need some expert advice. I have an '03 C4S that is a rebuilt. My friend, who is a body man replaced a fender and the bumper covers and then decided to repaint the whole thing. It looks "pretty" good, but I think he lost interest towards the end, as the paint looks a little rough, like 3000 grit sand paper.

What do I do? Where do I buy the products?

I just bought a Porter Cable 7424 (I haven't gotten it yet) with some pads. I plan to practice on my 98 Explorer before I attempt my baby.

Thanks in advance.

 

Needs to be wet sanded.

 

Can you post a few pictures. Without seeing it, it's hard to tell what should be done.

 

Okay, I'll find someone to post some pics (I don't know how...old, ya know....er, old... er) I won't go to Home Depot and buy some sandpaper, yet ; ) I'll try to take pics like they do in the " paint correction" posts.....with a light (?) and a close up? Lead me through this, guys.

But, is there something I should order now? Like, rubbing compound, polish, sealant, wax? I am a little anxious to learn and get going and would kind of like to learn on the Ford when the PC 7424 arrives.

 

First of all try polishing it first because using the PC is a little more time consuming getting those sanding marks out than it is working with a rotary (which takes time and practice). The PC is a great machine to learn polishing on.
As far as sandpaper goes. Go to an auto supply store like o'reillys cuz they have a hand backing plate (must buy that) and wet sand paper from 600-2000 grit. Make sure and use that backing plate for a more even finish. And alsways finish off with a higher grit sandpaper.
I really like using menzerna Polish's. I have their entire line up. I would think you might need to use an orange LC pad with their Super intensive polish or their Powergloss polish which is like their compound. but try your lease aggressive polish first and if that doesn't work, work another polish. I would recommend going to DetailedImage.com for your supply's

 

I really dont think wet sanding your car (especially removing OP) is something you should do with no experience.

 

Thanks again, "an orange LC pad"? Supposedly, when I recieve my PC, I will have 3 pads that come with it...."LC" is 'light cut'? Are all pads color coded? i.e. all orange pads..light cut?

First off we should talk about the Ford, my practice vehicle. It's white, looks good for a 1998. It has very little wax on it (just bought it) and has, what, typical swirl marks and patina. It will be a good canvas to learn on....the P car is next.

What product should I buy to start with

what for the intermediary

and the finish coat

and the final finish coat

PS I am not a **** about this, as per "Teflon wax makes the car look to sterile" I am more, "Holy ****, Dawg, that car has itself soommme shine!" Hear what I'm sayin'? Maybe, "I'm not going for an A+, and A (or even an A-) is good enough for me". I can get the A+ by spending $400, but I chose not to, and will settle for the best job I (we ) can do.

How about Meguire's stuff?

Let me know

I should get some pics up on Tues.

 

LC is Lake COunty, just the manufacturer that makes those pads. I've also heard the surbuf pads are great with the PC.
All pads are color coded... Orange is for cutting, white is for polishing, black and blue is for finishing and red is for applying a sealant.
If I was you I'd get the meguairs M105 and M205. M105 is the compound that cut's more and it dries quick so be careful and watch it. M205 is more of the polish that shine's your ride up! If you don't knwo what your doing I'd really recommend taking it to a professional

 

If this is the case, just get some Menzerna Power Finish and some Power Lock Sealant and call it a day. You can use a LC White pad with the power finish and a red pad with the power lock using your PC. This set up will give the shine you're looking for without the expense of time or money, Dawg

 

Not necessarily.

I have fixed cars that had sanding marks, that were as the OP described, with just a Makita and a Flex.

OP, if you can't fix the sanding marks yourself, take your car to a professional. I would suggest getting 3 different opinions on it before you have someone sand it.

 

+1..