Color Sanding a ‘93 Ford Mustang

-From the Surface Care Specialist

This week’s project was color sanding on a ‘93 Ford Mustang. The paint on this vehicle is far from perfect but there is still life left in it. By using the color sanding process we can remove imperfections, refine the paint surface and prepare for buffing.

The Color Sanding Process

I began with 1500 grit sand paper working on the hood of the vehicle. In color sanding it is important to maintain even pressure and use plenty of water to wash the swarf away during sanding. I repeated the process with 2000 grit and 2500 grit sandpaper respectively.

Color sanding has removed significant blemishes but has left the paint surface dull. To restore gloss and clarity the paint must be buffed and polished. I used a 3 step process that began with a Makita Variable Speed Polisher equipped with an Avenger Wool Cutting Pad paired with a light cut compound or swirl remover.

For the next step I changed the pad to a Challenger Wool Finishing Pad then we used the same compound to repeat the buffing process.

Finally I switched to the UDM Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher 7424XP equipped with the UDM Eliminator Orange Foam Swirl Remover Pad to perfect the surface.

The results speak for themselves.

BEFORE	AFTER

Notice how the reflection has become clearer after sanding and buffing, a smoother surface causes less refraction of light increasing the clarity of paint surfaces.

As I always say, it's about the products and the process...