The 15-year-old factory paint on my 92 had held up quite well, but I know it is not reaching its full potential. It doesn't warrant a new paint job AT ALL, but it is not as shiny as I would like for it to be.

Is it a good idea to wet sand and polish old factory paint? Would any harm come from it? And if it is OK, what steps would I take to achieve the best results?

 

what does the finish look like? Is it frosty....or does it just look dull? If it looks dull...I wouldn't wetsand it...I would just buff it first with some perfect it III and see what that brings. If the car has a frosty look.....it really doesn't matter what you do....clear doesn't last forever. good luck

 

pretty much what he said, i would jus hit it with some compound see what happens, start with a coarse one then use perfect it 2 or 3 then system one then glaze it, if that dont bring back the shine, its time for new paint.

 

& if you wet sand use a really fine paper, & do not push hard!

 

Your probably better off with a little compound as others have said, but is you want to wet sand use a 2000 grit and be carefull not to go too far. Wet sanding it will turn out better, but it's a lot more work and you run the risk of messing up the paint.

 

I was always told NEVER to wet sand a factory paint job unless you're an experienced professional. The clear on factory paint is very thin.

 

it is thin
\
if you are going to wet sand it all you have to do is lightly scuff it with 2000

two back and forth movements is more than enough

hit all the side marker lights and taillights while you are at it

when using a rubbing compound set the buffer at the lowest speed

do small sections and stay away from the edges with the buffer and the sand paper