Wet sanding an econo paint job?

[ZDriver96]

I got an econo paint job with integrated clear coat. Do you think wet sanding will make an "ok" paint job look alittle better?

[maddreject]

I wouldn't do it. They spray it on thin. And if you go through the paint your FUBARED.

[importguy1208]

I would seriously recommend NOT doing it. The clear coat isn't "integrated" into anything. What you have is a very basic single-stage paint job.

Single-stage is very hard to buff to any decent shine and if you burn the paint you've ruined your paint job, regardless of how cheap it was it still sucks that it now is screwed.

My two cents says to just deal with the fact that you were a cheap ass and got what you payed for.

[oldschool98]

Yeah once you go Econo your done. Save money for real paint.

[jlmaxima4sale]

yup and if you want a good paint job your going to have to pay someone now to strip that BS of your car because 9x out of 10 they dont even catalize it so when we spray real paint over it , it lifts and messes up or spend money and get a waterbourne primer but still going to cost you more then you would have originaly spent ..... GOOD ONE

[ZDriver96]

Hey sparky.. who said anything about getting a good paint job? its a 12 year old car with 210,000 miles. Im not spending a thousand bucks on a good paint job.. I wanted to spend 50 bucks on wet sanding materials to see if I can cheaply make it look alittle better.

[killerMikeD]

a thousand will not get you a good paint job either :), I say go for it, whats the worst you can do eh?

[bb6ek9]

a man i was thinking about sending my car over to get painted where u went are they good.. and do u know there prices..?

[ZDriver96]

Econo Paint on 9th street and 22nd ave (or something). St Pete

I paid like 300 bucks for their integrated clear coat paint job. 200 bucks would get the cheapest paint job. For 300 they used a different type of paint. Its been on for a year now.. The original paint on my car all but peeled off and looked bad.. this paint job looks ok and probably last a few years.
I saw their 1000 paint job and it sucked. If spending a lot of money I'd go somewhere else... But if your car has no paint and is a beater then I'd recommend them..

[surealconcepts]

its still econo paint... and if its single stage all your doin is sanding off the paint lol.. you can still wet sand it and buff it and shit.. just wont last

[djerickd]

I got an econo paint job with integrated clear coat. Do you think wet sanding will make an "ok" paint job look alittle better?

it should, go easy on it.. maybe just a good polish with a rotary

[MCOR]

Along with all the other things we do here, I have the used car business. Alot of the cars in the $2000 to $3000 have the Econo-type paint job that is a year or two old and my detailer can usually shine it up pretty good. We start with a power wash, claying, slow speed buffing with a wool pad and a compound, re-pressure wash it, hit it with an orbital and Mequiars wax (these are pro chemicals-not the stuff at the local WalMart). If you don't have all the euipment, we can usualy get it done for you for around $100 or so. Let me know...

[importguy1208]

Power wash? Like a pressure washer? If that's the case you fail. That is one of the worst things you can do to a paint job.

[MCOR]

Power wash? Like a pressure washer? If that's the case you fail. That is one of the worst things you can do to a paint job.

Funny, Mequiars own dealer website suggests a light power wash (1700 psi through a 45 degree nozzle) after machine compounding (without soap) to remove all deposits and set up the paint to accept the machine wax job.

Also, how many professional detail shops have you walked into (or even mobile) that are using a garden hose and nozzle? Maybe a high school Saturday fundraiser. Pros all use power washers (only maybe again 1700 psi and 45 degree nozzle). This is the only way to completely and efficiently remove all debris from door and body seams, mouldings, wheel wells, etc. and keep the car wet while washing.

Fail huh? I guess me and 90 percent or so of the shops out there fail then. To each there own however I guess...

[surealconcepts]

every shop ive worked at the detailers uses pressure washers for sure

[351coupe]

I'll agree with the pressure washing after compounding,it makes clean up easier and helps not to pick up compound on the next step.

Fuck Meguiers though,I've made there so called "pros" look bad.

I cannot agree with you on going from compounding to wax though,being that you run a shop,I hope you left some steps out.

[MCOR]

I'll agree with the pressure washing after compounding,it makes clean up easier and helps not to pick up compound on the next step.

F*** Meguiers though,I've made there so called "pros" look bad.

I cannot agree with you on going from compounding to wax though,being that you run a shop,I hope you left some steps out.

Well, of course there is polishing and what not before waxing (and few other steps depending on the amount of compounding performed etc.). I wasn't getting into a complete tutorial - I am sure I can dig one up if he really wants to see it here.

As far as Meguiars goes, yeah I agree there is quite a bit of BS in their product line and tutorials, however it is impossible to cover every single paint finish in only a couple of videos. So they are okay for the beginner/hobbyist to learn from I feel. As the rest of us who do this for a living can attest to, nothing can equate to good old daily experience...;)

[interceptorvfr]

i had a eclipse with a econo paint job but it looked like they spray painted it i wet sanded it the main thing is to always be watching what your doing and dont go to deep but when i was done the car looked 2000 times better just my 2 cents

[riverviewnative]

Never buff a maaco or econo paint job. Very thin.

[1sicbu]

I got an econo paint job with integrated clear coat. Do you think wet sanding will make an "ok" paint job look alittle better?good luck wit that homie:-o

[slo_94_civic]

I knew a buddy who took his car to Econo and they painte dthe car well. The paint was on thick enough he had another guy wetsand and buff out all the orange peel. It looked good afterwards and shined fine. It wont last though. It cost him 350 to have it wet sanded and buffed though. Just my 2 cents I dont do this for a living so I wont argue it. Just sharing what I have seen.

[SCP_Celica]

You make me laugh... :lol:


Along with all the other things we do here, I have the used car business. Alot of the cars in the $2000 to $3000 have the Econo-type paint job that is a year or two old and my detailer can usually shine it up pretty good. We start with a power wash, claying, slow speed buffing with a wool pad and a compound, re-pressure wash it, hit it with an orbital and Mequiars wax (these are pro chemicals-not the stuff at the local WalMart). If you don't have all the euipment, we can usualy get it done for you for around $100 or so. Let me know...

[TampaHonda813]

Yeah once you go Econo your done. Save money for real paint. <------listen!

[Tre Thompson]

LOL at pressure washing car after compounding.
If you learn how to use a buffer and how to apply the right amount of product you wont have spray everywhere or crap in the cracks.

And who the hell uses a garden hose?

Plus im tired of all these "blah blah I use the best products" guys.. the only time you need to use a "good product" on the exterior is when you wax it.
Who cares what you use for compound/polish because even the commercial products work fine. But for a sealant/wax there is better stuff out to protect your investment. (which was the time you put into the car)

Or you have all these douche bags that buy expensive top shelf stuff for carpet/interior cleaning. Ofcourse a nice name brand protectant is nice for leather care but as far as carpet cleaning its all based on knowledge and skill.

I have great experence but I wont start a pissing contest.

[95 civic hatch]

if yal are paying more then 800 to paint a car i am sorry i get my shit done for 600 bucks that is door jams and all

[RB240Mike]

and for $600 I am sure you will get a $600 paint job.. some of us dont want to lower the value of our cars.


By claybaring it you can bring out alot of shine in a single stage paint job.

[djerickd]

By claybaring it you can bring out alot of shine in a single stage paint job.

wow I need one of those claybars, the three bars I have don't do crap to help shine :lol:

[RB240Mike]

Here is my old integra after I clay bar'd it. Before it was really dull, you couldnt even see any reflection at all in it.. here it is afterwards.

http://a377.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/64/l_8eb5b5cbfde18e112b9547c616c32d28.jpg

[djerickd]

well damn, thats clay only?... no polish or wax?

[hollybear]

yea thats funny i got my camaro painted at the same econo!!! it was done lime and the paint chipped in under 6 months.. so have fun with that one.. i definitely recommend saving the money and getting a good paint job.. older car or not..