How do I remove overspray?

[Zack1978]

Hi everyone,
I had to do some touch-up paint on my Nissan Pathfinder, and I guess the wind was blowing a bit, and I have overspray on the quarter panel. It is not a lot of overspray, however it makes the surface rough to the touch, and it can be seen. I have used "Heavy" compound, and one of the clay bar kits to no avail. I assume that I must use wet sanding? I want to avoid messing up the paint below, as it is in great shape. I also want to avoid getting any scratches on anything. What grit paper should I use? And should it be "wet" sandpaper?


Thanks,
Zack

 

[spdwaver]

Hi everyone,
I had to do some touch-up paint on my Nissan Pathfinder, and I guess the wind was blowing a bit, and I have overspray on the quarter panel. It is not a lot of overspray, however it makes the surface rough to the touch, and it can be seen. I have used "Heavy" compound, and one of the clay bar kits to no avail. I assume that I must use wet sanding? I want to avoid messing up the paint below, as it is in great shape. I also want to avoid getting any scratches on anything. What grit paper should I use? And should it be "wet" sandpaper?


Thanks,
Zack

Yes, it must be "wet sand paper." Get 1500-grit and use lots of water in the process, dipping the paper often to remove particulates: you do not want to use the particulates as your contact medium.

After the wet sand, go over the area with a polishing compound. The best method for using the compound is to apply with a wet terry cloth, rub horizontally ONLY (on the hood, apply from front to back), then wipe off the excess with another clean, wet cloth.

Use caution: The above process can be risky, and if not done properly, could scratch the paint (during wet-sand).

Alternative:

I have always used nail polish remover, the kind with "conditioners" in it so that it is not full strength. I have never had an issue using this method followed by a polishing compound and a wax.

In some cases, I have used full-strength acetone, as a test, and did not have any issues (but I recommend the nail polish remover first).

HTH

 

[spdwaver]

Were you able to resolve this?