Fresh Paint: When to Polish?

Hi.

I just painted a small scratch (metallic paint with clear coat).

When is the earliest I can use a color touch-up to blend the roots a little?

m;

How should I apply the paint? With a spray can or a spray gun? And do I need to sand the surface first?

Hello,

The drying time is highly dependent on temperature, so please be cautious given the current temperatures.
At 20°C, with properly mixed automotive paint (hardener, thinner, and paint) and a normal layer thickness, you can expect approximately 1 day of drying time. The exact data is usually provided in the processing instructions for each specific product.
The spray can from the hardware store works a bit faster, but it's only suitable for temporary, low-cost solutions.

Best regards, Rainer.

Can in the heated garage .

Should the edges be sanded with 600 grit sandpaper or something similar?
I was planning to treat it only with red and white polishing compound.

But even with just the initial layers, it already looks better than the previous state, which was "scratched except for the primer."

m;

"Apply in a thin, even coat, and wait at least 24 hours before proceeding. If you're particular, give the paint an extra day to dry. You could also try parking it near a heater."

dieselmartin wrote:

Do you sand the edges with 600 grit or something similar?

NO! You'll never get it smooth again. Do it the way Hutfahrer says, that's 100% correct.

Oops

Where can I get some 2000s [clothes/items]?
I guess I'll have to search here... or maybe I'll ask Volkswagen .

Since the garage is going to be cooler again anyway, I'd rather do it at the end of the week.

Thank you.
m;

dieselmartin wrote:

Where can I get some 2000s?

It's actually found in almost every public restroom, in roll form. *loud laugh*

No, you can usually find it at any accessory supplier (like Stahlgruber, Leise, etc.). I mean, I've even seen some in hardware stores.

P.S. A grit of 1600 is also fine, but you might need to polish it for about 2 seconds longer.

And: Use plenty of water, and rinse away the sanding dust frequently, and rinse the paper thoroughly! It's best to use a soft block of foam rubber as a sanding aid. Place the paper on top of it. It provides some pressure, but it doesn't pose the risk of sanding in the edges.

By the way, "2000 grit" (Koernung) is the finest sandpaper you can still easily buy, for example, at a hardware store. Be patient when sanding, wash it frequently, and check the results. You can use polishing paste (even a mild one) afterwards, but only when you're finished with everything else!


Thank you for the plus point!

You can then use polishing paste (even a very mild one!). But only after you have finished everything!

You'll have to go over it with a polishing finish anyway, as those areas will become slightly dull. Even with a 2000 grit .

That's right! I actually meant that the paste should only be applied after the sanding is finished. As a final "finish," so to speak...

I once polished something with a 2000-grit abrasive in a less conspicuous spot.
The red and white paste doesn't give a glossy finish anymore; it remains matte.

Therefore, I'll leave it as it is for now (at least it's blue and not that primer beige anymore), and let nature take its course. It's right in front of the wheel arch, so it's in the most likely place to get dirty anyway.

Thank you for all your help.
m;

dieselmartin wrote:

The red and white paste won't get shiny anymore; it will remain matte.

Yes, a good polish is also called 3M!

Oh... Kay.

Then I have to go shopping again .

Does she have a first name?

m;

Polishing paste PLUS.

3M Part Number: 50417

Cap color: Green.

Cost: Approximately 40€ per kilogram, unfortunately, it's only available in kilogram-sized bottles.

Eigentlich is das aber machinel zuverarbeitende Politur. Bei kleinen Stellen gehts aber auch mit der Hand, dann aber gut aufdrücken und schnelle Bewegungen ausführen. Wenn du damit zu langsam arbeitest, macht das Zeug dir Kratzer ohne Ende in Lack. ASo, be careful!

My tip: Go to your local paint shop, and give the person there a 10-euro bill; it usually works.

Quote:

Michael wrote: My tip: Go to your local paint shop, and give the guy a 10-euro bill, it usually works.

Okay! That's the most economical solution. The painter will be concerned about their (good?) reputation and will want to deliver a good result, even on such minor jobs.