How to properly buff out dust particles from a paint job

CFB · Sep 5, 2021

Hello,
I'm using the finish paint from YT on my 8N fenders and wheels. I'm brushing. Didn't notice that much after using the primer, but now that a coat is down of the finish, there are a few here and there I guess dust particles that settled on the paint that I can feel when rubbing my hand over the paint.

How do you buff or sand those particles smooth without ruining the shine of the finish?

thank you.

JD Dave · Sep 6, 2021

How you perform sanding and buffing will be determined by what paint you used, either alkyd-based (softer) or poly or two part paint (harder). The paint must be fully dry. Start wet with 400 or finer sandpaper
and finish with 1000. Start buffing with a coarse compound and finish with a finer compound.

Stephen Newell · Sep 6, 2021

Probably your best fix since you are brushing the paint would be to wet sand the paint with 400 grit paper and put another coat of paint on. Brushing the paint puts a texture to it which would be difficult to rub out and buff. Anyway in order to be safe to buff it you
would need to dry a month. Buffing creates heat which can soften uncured paint and pull it off in chunks.

504 · Sep 7, 2021

Really,a year from now no one will see them.I have painted around a dozen tractors with a brush and
roller. Then you park them outside for 6 months, and they sell like hotcakes.

CFB · Sep 8, 2021

Thank you all for your comments. While not a show tractor, this is the first restoration I've done. I like learning and making something better than when acquired. I have no immediate plans to sell. While it is not perfect, I would like to have it as good as possible.

I did put another coat on and it does look pretty good. I will wait a month before doing any buffing. The wheels did not collect much dust as I had then standing up whereas the fenders were on their sides. Maybe I'll wait till the hood is done before attempting any buffing.

When buffing, do you use a car rubbing compound or a polishing compound or both? Most of what I find on-line are car youtubes. I guess the principle is probably the same.
thanks again for your helpful thoughts.

10fingers · Oct 1, 2021

3000 grit wet sandpaper followed by 3M final glaze. Use wool polishing bonnet mounted to an electrical
grinder that has a variable speed control. Tape off sharp edges so you don't cut through. The finer the
sandpaper the less polishing you have to do and the fewer sand scratches to remove. PS add water to aid in
cutting action. You will need to clean the bonnet as the compound dries quickly. I repurposed my Snap On trim
tool seen below. Yes, they make a special tool for conditioning the bonnet but the Porsche customers never
complained.

How to properly buff out dust particles from a paint job

CFB

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Stephen Newell

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504

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CFB

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10fingers

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