1000 grit sandpaper

PopinJohn

Member
Question:
I have a ten year old automobile, solid black that looks ok when washed, but the paint has tiny specs of tree sap and stuff on it. Is 1000 grit sandpaper too aggressive for cleaning the paint? Or stick with rubbing compound and a buffer wheel?
Thanks. MikeS.
 

Stick with the polishing compound. A good auto parts supplier will have something that works. Just go talk to them.
 
You would work yourself to death to bring the sheen back after using 1000 grit especially on black paint. Before you start sanding you might try some bug and tar remover to see if you can wash it off. If you do resort to sanding use at least 1500 grit, 2000 would be better. It would still need to be buffed afterwards. Try not to make it a habit of sanding or even using rubbing compound on a car. Every time you do it, it removes paint and there isn't that much to begin with. I know someone that used rubbing compound on a car pretty often and primer spots started showing up.
 
Ask around and find a good auto detailer,one that has been around for a few years. Drop a hundred and it should look like a new paint job.
 
Good cleaner to dissolve the sap, thorough washing all around, then clay bar, followed by a good coat of wax.

You really shouldn't use rubbing compound if you can avoid it, and definitely should avoid sanding.

Best thing to do is avoid parking under evergreens at all cost.
 

I had some dried pitch once that I got softened pretty well by putting a fuel soaked cloth over it. I added a little fuel a couple times to keep it wet. It worked well.
 
I would do what 504 down below said. I was in auto collision/restoration for a living for 40 yrs and can tell you that by the time you experiment with countless products to finally get sap off and then compounds and buffers to get shine back etc.....they already have the products and equipment and you'll be happier paying them $ 100 - $ 120 to do it. They do it everyday and know what it takes and make it look easy. Same issue many get into when they choose to re-build their own carb...then send to you to have made right. They can't but all the tools and parts for what you can do complete job for.
 

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