Uneven paint

[Turismo]

Hi guys,

 

I just got my white car a month ago. The paint work feel smooth and shiny but when strong light shine on it. The paint work seem to be uneven. Doesn't seem to have a mirror effect look. Anyone can help me on this????

 

 

Thanks

[Davc]

We call that orange peel.

 

To save money, since it is new car, just go to the dealer to complain, depend how severe. You might be able to get them to solve the problem, but mind you if respray, the colour of respray almost too difficult to match 100%. But also. I see Hyundai and Kia 99% have peel , Subaru also quite a lot of peel, Nissan and Toyota not bad actually, Honda in the middle. Even mercedes also no guarantee but generally german car at least the top 3 panels less peel, Lexus very good .

 

If they have good skill, instead of respray, they might sand it down with something like Abralon(Mirka) or 3M etc, if clear coat became too thin or strike through, have to respray the clear coat and re-sand. Do consider all these.

 

Good Luck.

Edited December 19, 2008 by Davc

[Turismo]

Yes this is what I am mean. And mine is a white Merc...... . I dun think I wanna re-spary. Any DIY detailing product that can solve or reduce this issue?

[Davc]

If do it yourself, you need to sand it down. Either sand paper or sanding pad with a machine. Then compound and polish. But why do it yourself and all these requires experience. The materials can get from Tonita at #01-06 Uni Tech Park Block 50. Or TRG at Northlink 10 Admiralty Street #03-61. Their customers actually are mostly body shop people. So I think you shouldn't take the risk yourself.

 

Those people at body shop do this everyday, tell them you want mirror finish, they know how to do it. Go back to agent you even might got it free and if they strike through the clear coat, then they have to respray for you.

Edited December 19, 2008 by Davc

[Turismo]

Bro,

 

thanks for the prompt reply. I read about something call wetsanding is it wat u are referring t

Yes I know those ppl in bodyshop can do the job but I take the pleasure to DIY and learn. At the end of the day, seeing the end result is very satifying dun you agree...

 

Back to the topic, sand paper you dun mean the normal sandpaper that we get at thoes DIY shop right?

[Davc]

You want to wet sand your new Mercedes for the gratification of DIY? I assume you are experienced in technical jobs some how.

 

For the wet sanding paper I'll say Meguiars (get from Hypercoat Singapore). The abrasive are uniform in size, must use this type to create even sanding. After sanding, you still need to compound with something like Meguiars #105, or #85 or something similar like Menzerna equivalant etc. Then polish again. This job can easily take days to complete include final waxing. Basicall you need a machine.

 

Sanding is not easy already then you still have to remove sanding mark, very easy to create a mess.

 

The first time I wet sand my door, I tell you it takes a long long time. One door, include wool pad to remove sanding mark and polish (exclude wax) already nearly 2 hours...

Edited December 19, 2008 by Davc

[Turismo]

That seem to be a lot of work. I will try doing it on a sall panel first. probably the front fender then if successful will move on to do the rest... Hopefully I don't screw up.

[Turismo]

yeap talking about machine polish. U have any good one to recommand for polishing. I read a lot about PC is it good?

[Four4s]

yah... like davc mentioned, it sounds like orange peel... Many cars do suffer from this except certain luxurious marques. I agree that Lexus probably has the least amount of orange peel.

 

there's not much u can do abt it to be honest. Apparently it's caused by moving to a water-based VOC complaint paint. I would hesistate to resort to wetsanding cos I have been warned by a mechanic that the orange peel might be occurring below the clear coat and wetsanding the clear coat might not fully make the paint "flat". Best to get some expert consultation from ur merc dealer.

Edited December 19, 2008 by Four4s

[Turismo]

ok thanks for all the advise. Feel really bad to see the 'imperfect paintwork'

[Davc]

 

These are my babies: XC3401 (in front), L602VR (behind)

[Davc]

Not only a lot of work, you got to prepare the right tools:

 

Sanding Pad/Sand Paper

Twisted Wool Pad/Lambs Wool - use with abrasive paste like Menzerna, Meg, Sonax, etc.

Polishing pad - use with polish like Meg #83

Finishing pad - I actually use Klasse AIO or Glare pro polish.

Rotary Buffer (with the right backing plate)

 

You see lower left that's the interface pad, for added cushion when sanding if required. Dn't forget water

 

I suggest you find something to practice first. Attend a workshop or something. There are just too many things that can go wrong, and most of the time if you strike through, respray is the solution

 

[Gen2]

Hi bro Turismo, I would not suggest you to do wet sanding to your brand new Mecz. It is not only going to be a very tedious and time consuming project, you will also run the risk of burning through the clearcoat. Furthermore as bro Four4s has mentioned, you will not know which layer of the paintwork the orange peel starts.

 

If you really want to have an orange peel free paint work, than I suggest you go to a good painter to get the car respray. I have seen some paint job done with minimal orange peel.

[Booboon]

Bro,

 

thanks for the prompt reply. I read about something call wetsanding is it wat u are referring t

Yes I know those ppl in bodyshop can do the job but I take the pleasure to DIY and learn. At the end of the day, seeing the end result is very satifying dun you agree...

 

Back to the topic, sand paper you dun mean the normal sandpaper that we get at thoes DIY shop right?

 

This is really no joke. I did my ride this week with DA. Wash>Dry>Clay>Machine polish>>Wax. It takes me 5 hrs and tons of water.

[Davc]

Before Sanding:

 

 

After Sanding:

 

 

1)Sanded with Meguiars Unigrit 2500 and 3000 papers.

2)Compounded with Sonax Fine Abrasive + Sonax Lambs wool pad

3)Polish with Swissvax Professional Polish + Meguiars Polishing Pad

4)Final Polish with Glare Professional Polish + Meguiars Finishing Pad

5)Application of Klasse SG + Meguiars Finishing Pad

6)2 layers of Zymol Titanium (24 hrs in between layers)