Did I wet sand through my clear coat?

[wesquire]

Hi Guys,

I was trying to fix a scratch with a 3m Scratch kit with 3000 grit sandpaper. I'm pretty sure I sanded all the way through the clear. Can you please confirm or is this still fixable? Thanks very much for your help.


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[PaulMys]

Yeah, that's not only through the clear, but all the way down to the primer.

Sorry, man.

 

[Thomkirby]

I agree with PaulMys observation. You use 3000 grit to slightly haze the surface and most of the time that is only the clear coat. You must have a section that is not original paint or you kept using too much pressure. Time for touch up paint, try Dr. ColorChip or run down to autoparts store for some matching colors. Hard lesson, but you will not do this again!

 

[Rsurfer]

People think because it's a finishing grit (3000) they can just go at it. With a fair amount of pressure even 3000 can remove a lot of clear quickly.

 

[PaulMys]

People think because it's a finishing grit (3000) they can just go at it. With a fair amount of pressure even 3000 can remove a lot of clear quickly.

And base coat.

 

[Ochnob]

It’s a tough lesson to learn. But I have done it. Look at it this way. You now know what not to do. Wet sanding is one of those finicky things due to the varying hardness and thickness of today’s paints.




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[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Thats through clear, basecoat, and well into primer. Almost down to bare metal. Only a repaint will fix that.

 

[jonohio]

Whoops, yeah, definitely needs a respray now. Bummer man, but now you know.

When I wet sand a spot I barely use any pressure at all - like seriously, butterfly wings pressure!

 

[Bobby B.]

Yes, that will require a repaint to be fixed. I would recommend contacting a reputable body shop in your area and have that professionally repainted.

Good luck!

 

[TTQ B4U]

I think it's really important that people realize the delicate nature clear coat presents. I think the general understanding is that it's very thick when it's really just a whisper. I also think it's important to realize that there's no "removing" a scratch through polishing or sanding and instead what's taking place is the leveling of the surrounding finish to match that of the scratch and thus blending it away. It's really a detrimental process in hopes of chasing perfection.