I've read everything from 320 to 800. Im just trying to get the best grit to use. The entire car is in primer, just need to know what grit to block sand the car with. I'd really appreciate all responses.

 

Different people use different grit, I have had good results with 600....

 

i block the whole car the spray on another coat of primer then wet sand with 600

 

400 wet the primer before base. Let the paper soak in the bucket for a while before use.

 

thanks for the responses helped me out. Is it a bad idea on having maaco paint the car? Me and my buddy are doing all of the prep work because we all know how well they do prep.

 

As long as you do the prep properly, paying special attention to the cracks and crevices, and degreasing it a couple of times before taking it up there, I see no problem with it. I'd also buck up for the optional clear coat.

 

Alright will do, thanks man. We dont have much of a budget so its are only option as of right now so is what it is.

 

400 dry works just fine and saves alot of time and mess. Blow the car off with air really good then clean it with prep all and finally a tack cloth, ready for paint and clear.

 

Maaco will give you little to no better of a job then doing it yourself. They use very cheap quality paint that just doesn't last. This was my first attempt at a garage paint job. Only did the back of the car just to get it one color again. Just make sure your painting area is clean as possible and prior to clearing you see no imperfections. Yes this was my first time so it's not perfect but it looks a lot better and I will eventually repaint whole car. You are better off spending your money on high quality paint verses maaco's services. Yes I know there is a mismatch in color, but couldn't take the car where I moved multicolored and I should have just done the whole car. But sadly was in a rush to get my car moved and also ordered wrong shade of arctic white. But if I can do it anyone can hell I even used my 3.5hp what 15 gallon compressor. Next I am going to prep the whole car and rent a booth and do it all.

best things you can do or buy

good quality paint gun
make sure you tack/tack/tack
filter/filter/filter the paint
where rubber gloves to avoid grease from hands
just practice on a spare body part
the darker the color the more prep
then go for it!

 

Do you guys use air tools for any of this sanding? Or just long blocks and regular sanding blocks?

 

I went to some hardware store and bought this sander. Then bought 220 discs for it and it worked great. Then after just blocked and then primered and shot the car. It is a orbital sander just got tired of constantly waiting for my weak compressor to build pressure. This would work a lot better on a metal bodied car but just have to be careful on the bumper covers and obviously on the fiberglass since this was a vette. But if it worked great on a vette I'm sure it would do just as good on a f-body.

 

Don't think you would want to use an orbital sander I believe a DA is what you should be using.

 

I agree but if you don't have a good compressor it will do the job. If it didn't hurt this vette a f-body will be fine.

 

Well thanks for the responses, but honestly were just going to have maaco do it. We realize it wont last long but were just looking for a coat so it doesnt rust over time. What brand paint does maaco use? It does suck not having money for a nice paint job but thats life i guess.

 

Every Maaco is different. Ask the sales guy. The key is the prep.

 

So then when is the appropriate time to use an orbital vs a dual action?

 

DA is probably an all around better option. It is more random so you don't get swirls from your sanding coming through your finish.

Also as far as what grit.......chances are the paperwork for the paint you buy will have a recommended finish grit to use before painting.

 

FYI: Its all in the prepe work...my Maaco job lasted 6 years, and really the only reason I repainted was for a slightly different color....but check with them..Maaco here in Mi use PPG..so...poor quality paint...don't think so..

again if the prep is good it will be fine


this was mine just before I repainted...6 year old Maaco paint

 

I'm very skeptical about them still. They shot a friends car, didn't spray the underside of anything (spoiler, front/rear bumper) and left all the panels on. So a panel was shifted in the slightest, you could see the prior color.

 

They don't remove panels when they do paint services unless you pay them to do so.

 

Im doing the same with mine doing the prep work myself my final grit will be 2000 even though anything over a 1000 it wont feel any different. I do have a question that somebody may be able to answer is it okay if i ship the car with fenders, bumper, etc all off to maaco?

 

Does Maaco wet sand the clear, or just polish it? Or neither?

 

Wow that looks great even after a few years. Which maaco did you go to if you dont mind me asking man?

 

That's way too fine for primer. Sand primer to 400, preferably wet, before paint.

I'm sure Maaco will do anything you want, if you pay for it. Essentially they degrease, sand, and paint a car. They only remove the antenna and emblems before paint. They don't remove fenders, taillights, etc. unless you pay them to do so.

 

If you can't do it yourself, you are better off finding a out of work painter and have him shoot the car. Most will do it for around a maaco price & most have access to a booth or can rent one.

 

I paid 1500...included 4 coats of clear, color sand and buff...I also gave them a desposable camera and they took pictures in process

I did however strip it down myself...lights and such