How to: Wet Sand + Polish Clear Coat Paint - Part 2

Last week I sanded and re-painted to repair the faded/flaking clear coat on the $350 Acura Legend. Today I'll show how to bring it to a mirror finish with wet sanding and polishing, to get the car looking as shiny as it did when it was brand new.
Products used:
Meguiars E-7200 sanding block: amzn.to/3EUotPo
3M Wetordry Sponge Pad #20: amzn.to/3ykdOv7
1200 grit sand paper: amzn.to/3m25ICm
1500 grit sand paper: amzn.to/3pSwjTv
2000 grit sand paper: amzn.to/3ynWlln
Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound, 32 oz: amzn.to/3mKsjUz
Meguiar's DMX6 DA Microfiber Xtra Cut Disc, 2 Pack: amzn.to/3Flx0uW
Meguiar's DMC6 DA Microfiber Cutting Disc, 2 Pack: amzn.to/3H18iR9
Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher: amzn.to/3EqxL6q
Related Videos:
How to: prep and re-clear damaged clear coat (Part 1)
• How to: Fix/Repair fad...
How to: Spray Automotive Paint in your Garage with Professional Results - Complete Guide! • How to: Spray Automoti...
How to Repair & Paint a Scratched Plastic Bumper - Easy Fix!
• How to Repair & Paint ...
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6thGearGarage

[@questerbob]

I absolutely love how you don't gloss over your mistakes to make yourself look better. In fact, you look better by showing the mistakes you've made and showing how you've dealt with them. Anybody who's watched your videos, including myself, can now truely feel confident taking on these tasks. You show how to get by all the hurdles we'll inevitably have to jump over while we learn how to get better. The pro videos mainly show us how to hone in on the finest details for perfect results while you show us all the practical skills we really need to learn. It's great to see content like yours that's not all about the showmanship here on KZbin. Thank you for your very well made educational content.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! We've all made mistakes trying to do what professionals make look easy on screen... I figure I'd keep my videos honest because everyone can learn from a good mistake!

[@questerbob]

@@6thGearGarage I completely agree. That's the positive side of mistakes and failures. It's easy for us to become discouraged by our drawbacks because of what we lose in the process, however the knowledge we gain as a result often outweighs the losses and proves to be more valuable than if we did everything properly from the get-go. That's why I think we shouldn't see mistakes as being taboo that need to be completely removed from videos because we feel they represent incompetence. I mean, who doesn't like a good blooper reel at the end of a movie? So I'm glad that people like you and Tanner from Serpadesign, among a few others, retain the mistakes you make along the way in your how-to videos and talk about how you managed to fix them.

[@SkunkRadio]

Gloss over ^^

[@tomislavtrgovac5439]

After you polish your car how long will that last after it gets all whiteis from sanding?

[@markanderson2904]

​@@tomislavtrgovac5439How or why would it get all "whiteis" from sanding? Why would it be sanded after polishing?

[@brandonchappell8545]

"it's a $350 car I'm not worried about the finish too much" Proceeds to lay down a show finish anyhow😂

[@evilgenius3646]

I hope you don't mind a suggestion. Next time, you should try putting an HVAC filter in one door and seal around it, then put a fan blowing out the other door. Also, you should keep your floor wet to prevent dust from being kicked up as you walk around the car.

[@alanpules4105]

I was gonna mention that too. Sure woulda helped earlier when his neighbor was mowing lawn....🤷🏻

[@theedeevynegoddess]

I was gonna suggest a fine netting of some sort as well that would allow ventilation but keep some debris out too but what you said is better

[@hedgepethracing9590]

No matter what painting in a garage you're going to have crap in your paint

[@enriquedossantos3283]

@@hedgepethracing9590 build a plastic tent, top to bottom, clean the floor good with lots of water, a filter and a fan, 90% clean enviroment at home

[@joselaverniyabut9298]

I enjoy watching and learning do it yourself, thanks !

[@davidmoye9736]

Just a suggestion from another KZbinr page. Paint Society. When you mask for blending do what is call back masking. You tape your paper just below where you want to bend the back fold it to have a roll paper edge instead of a hard line. This is the first of your videos I had come across and I subscribed immediately. You are down to earth and show the good with the bad. I can't wait to watch other video's of yours.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for that tip! I learned about that after the fact and it will definitely make blending so much easier in the future. I'll probably paint my next vehicle in late 2024 if all projects stay on schedule. (and if I stop buying more projects lol)

[@JasonWelchMusic]

Dude!.... I don't even know you, but I'm so stinkin proud of you like you're my little brother or something. Amazing transformation!

[@gregt722]

This Chanel contains some of the best DIY automotive painting instructions on KZbin. While there are plenty of great videos, this one is in-depth & contains extremely simplistic instructions. The narration is absolutely professional and completely entertaining. The final results speaks for itself. I love how you had to remind yourself this car was not destined for SEMA, but honestly, this is an example of Show quality paint job viewers can achieve themselves at home. Absolutely Brilliant.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks so much for this comment! It made my morning and reminds me that these videos make a difference and help so many👍

[@OPyamumsyadad]

I would trust you with my car more than I would trust a commercial paint business. You’re amazing!

[@hidesertdave6166]

You put alot of work due to conditions you cannot control. I like the way you overcame them and for doing this at home, your finished car came out better than some pros out there. I liked the way you dealt with the clear coat failures. After being quoted 3k for painting my truck with the sane similarities as your ACURA paint problems, I think I am going to go your route and try this in my garage. Good job

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you! With the price of body shops, I figured I'd have nothing to lose if I tried it myself. It just took me a lot longer!

[@anilec333]

No joke! Meguiars is the big boss in detailing 😎

[@PakIlloni]

Yup I agree they are the best.

[@tiranathonsourusrex9669]

by far one of the best DIY paint jobs, with excellent explanations and demonstrations I have seen, much kudos, keep making these videos! Great for the average joe who wanna give it a go!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@patchrockit]

You and ChrisFix talk the same way haha. I'd crack up if I met someone at a bar and they talked this way. I understand it's for camera and for clarity of speech; it's just funny, like a news person talking or an old showtunes hollywood accent.

[@6thGearGarage]

Depending how long I had been at the bar, you might not understand half of what I was saying =D But yeah it's 100% for clarity.

[@blainebowling3303]

Superb job at keeping it real! You’re helping to teach me to not get so upset at myself for making mistakes. Like yourself, I always seem to figure a way to fix it. I just wish I could learn to jump over the part where I yell at myself, feel like an idiot and swear I’m the only one “this stupid”!! 😁. Thanks so much!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks, Encountering problems and fixing them are part of DIY projects that many don't show in their videos. I also have to edit out swearing from time to time.

[@71tbomb]

I worked in a lot of panel shops over the last 24 years as a detailer and had the finishing job. You've done a great job for an amature in a home garage. As an experienced person I always sanded down to 5000 grit to get the best finish in less time,. I also had the right power tools too. It just takes time to learn these things. I made some costly mistakes along the way. A trick I was taught to get rid of big runs in clear coat was to use a razor blade first ( be careful though ). Anyway I love your video's. Cheers Brother.

[@Headlights.restorations]

Polishing should be done after 3000 grit. You can quicken the process using 3M Trizact and pneumatic orbital tools.

[@GlassWolfLH]

After the 105 compound, switch to Meg's 205 polish for a deep luster on that paint. Then, for about another $25, you can hit it with Meg's spray-on graphene coating for even more depth, and a solid 6 months of protection before re-applying. Easy, cheap solution with good protection, and easier than a wax. Great work on that Legend! I remember installing stereo systems in those back in the early 1990s when I worked at a mobile sound shop in Va. Brings back memories.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks, I always enjoy advice from professional detailers!

[@poormansracing]

Never block sand in a circular motion. When removing

[@Rick-Williams59]

Clean your black trim with alcohol and then use liquid shoe polish, you will be amazed how that will accent the paint. I love painting and detailing, I've done it for years.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for that info!

[@KainsFleshlight]

Mink oil ok ? Or just polish

[@Rev22-21]

I've got three cars that need this done....one more than the other two. Thanks for the videos and tips on how not to panic.

[@Jon_98]

Been struggling to find the motivation to paint again and this makes it all the worth. Nice work man

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad to hear it!

[@rheadog9546]

Wow, a lot of patience on a $350.00 car. But great video. I don't think people realize why a paint job is so expensive. even a cheap paint job takes a lot of work and elbow grease. I have an F-350 with flaking clear coat like this one and I want to have it painted. I am getting 10 to 15K bids which I could do but it would hurt. I am thinking about doing it myself and videos like this one get me excited to maybe start sanding!

[@hidesertdave6166]

I could live with a paint job of your finished car. Very good job for doing it at home even with the slightest and mostly corrected mistakes. I have seen the same or even worst mistakes with so called pros charging thousands. Thanks for the video

[@6thGearGarage]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching

[@broccolihart1]

Griots FTW !!!! And oh yeah MEGS 105 👍😊

[@6thGearGarage]

Definitely good stuff!

[@CraigG21]

Incredible! Excellent work 🙌

[@jamesvozar1]

You did an amazing job man, well done and well explained.

[@GavincredibleAU2]

Really great results 👌

[@sweats55]

Wow!! Awesome job for a budget restoration!! Subscribed!!! Keep it coming

[@Anthony-tg9vs]

Great job! This is why taking your time and going the extra mile pays off! The wet sanding was helpful to me and polishing. Awesome!

[@jackalninezeronine]

Much respect for your hard work and attention to detail, I just subscribed (:

[@michaelalberson126]

Absolutely awesome job it looks almost new again.

[@camwalt.4197]

Just watched both parts, and I have to say this is an awsome abundance of diy advice and you did an awsome job for being in a garage

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you!

[@alanpules4105]

Dude, you did good! Made the car come out like a pro! Happy for you on a job well done! 👍😎👌

[@andrewachholz7922]

Love to see your progress wit this nice car. And finally some pretty good music in the background!

[@martymcfly3986]

great videos man, loved it. also very inspiring for amateurs like me

[@figueroapa1]

New subscriber! Can't wait to see what you do with the trim

[@leeanderson5955]

Thank you for the instructional video, It does give me confidence to touch up a couple spots

[@theFLshark]

You should finish with the Meguires polishing compound for extra gloss.

[@garrygoode1265]

thankyou for sharing,,, im learning allsorts on paint/clearcoat repairs polishing and waxing,,, this is a great video and have been back to it several times. :)

[@honda16001]

Awesome job!!!! One of the best 2 part diy videos ive seen. Job well done. You remind me of Chris fix it 🤣

[@MrMonermoner]

AMAZING! Thank you, gonna use this as a guide I appreciate your time to make this series.

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Kwaka28]

Great video mate. Finally a genuine paint job with the drama's you have doing things yourself and not in a booth.i think you did a nice job..and the budget was exactly what I'm looking at.. Take care thanks for sharing your experience..

[@raypelletier9920]

Awsome job, Having same problem with clear coat will follow your pattern you answered all questions with money savings too. Great video.

[@LeeMooEez]

I learn more watching your video than those professional shop youtuber combined 😂 THANKS

[@santanaautobody7336]

I love this, we are going to try it in class next week. Keep it real fam!

[@getnalinewet5199]

As a person who does finish work in homes (cabinets/trim etc) and I know how I am with perfection, it's great to see the effort and quality you put into the last 2 video and then to see how the final product looks great! I'd have no problem paying you to do the same in garage body work knowing your attention to detail over the guy in a "professional" shop. Also "we" can use this information on other paint finish objects around the garage like on toolboxes...either was awesome job and you just got a new subscriber...can't wait to watch some of your other videos to see what the new projects you've done/working on!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks, I’m not perfect and even make mistakes, but I like to share those as well and how to overcome them.

[@KainsFleshlight]

Cabnits .......rip ....those can be hell .

[@CarlosPerdomo]

This is so inspiring... as soon as I can set up my garage, I'll take on my old 03 automobile. Thanks.

[@nicholasr7987]

You are a good teacher. Nice job.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! I like to show people that is isn't as hard as you might think.

[@davidhall5520]

Love it bud...good job on explaining.. Exactly what I was wanting to know...my truck hood has water spots.. I'm gonna try the 1500 sand paper...and the McGyers...

[@Runescape.]

absolutely stunning job mate, you did a pro job at home,. big props and thank you for the guide, im going to save this guide for later when i repaint my car. thanks mate.

[@thewaltbrownellchannel9318]

I learn more from this guy than the pros.

[@greghill5296]

Just finished watching Parts 1 and 2. Amazing job brother. Great camera work, editing, and narration. And the fact that you left your mistakes in and showed how to fix them is priceless for us DIYers. I just bought a vehicle with mostly good paint but the plastic spoiler has some serious sun damage, peeling clear coat. I’ll have to smooth her down, repaint and new clear coat. Any tips on restoring plastic VS metal? Things to watch out for, etc?

[@6thGearGarage]

The only thing to watch out for on plastic is that if you happen to sand through the primer down to the plastic, use an adhesion promoter, as I did when I was prepping the bumpers in part 1.

[@georgeowoh9130]

Superb! Many thanks for sharing.

[@mikesanders902]

This worked PERFECT!!! Followed your exact advice (reluctantly) but WOW!!! Boat cover looks amazing!!!. GLASS FINISH. Thank Man!!!

[@javierespinosa1587]

Great helpful video. Thanks a lot. This will help me finish off my paint job that I’m stuck on with the wet sanding scratches.

[@mikeopenshaw9128]

Great job - thank you for sharing!

[@user-ov5uu5nn3r]

Hi from Australia!, beautiful work mate!, the old Honda lives to fight another day!. Thanks for sharing!! Love your work.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks 👍 This was a fun budget restoration!

[@heinricheugenvonhelmbrecht6905]

Great, great job! Like me, doing mistakes and find the way to fix them! Nice video!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! 👍

[@fifteen8]

Super job!

[@andrewmullen4003]

Great paint job fella, well impressive.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@kguzman1105]

just seen this....good job. Legit work and much props

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you!

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

Absolutely awesome results dude I can’t believe how good you’ve made that look ! A very well done sir . 👌👍

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@thomasmattison8720]

This was very helpful for me. Im a beginner and you expain everything so well and hit every detail that this seems more manageable now. Thank you so much.

[@jamesanderson4014]

Good great job and great products. Got a good game plan for us DIY people. Thanks for sharing.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesanderson4014]

@@6thGearGarage If you will like and share my channel. Still in upstart mode on KZbin.

[@TripperTheDon]

You did your thing! ✊🏾💪🏾

[@bluzzjazz]

I'd say that's a real nice result for a home garage job. That was a ton of work but a drastic difference.

[@davidz1681]

Love the content! I'm going to paint mine soon

[@waltkasak6631]

Following up with 205 really enhances the gloss but not really necessary on all colors. Looks great.

[@bigzee6500]

Great work and efforts , thank you for the amazing work and tips.

[@williamwilkinson2942]

Great video,tons of patience,this guy would make a great vo-tec teacher Auto body repair and paint 30 yrs.and I still learned a few things,thank you

[@chrismattingly6490]

Thank you for sharing. I have watched your videos over and over because I’m going to attempt to paint my truck. You have been great explaining every step and showing the areas that was messed up and how to fix them.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks, I'm glad they are helping people do it themselves!

[@vladv7019]

Nice job! Thanks!

[@jpdoc5722]

thank you 🙏 , I’ll try this on sun-faded side of my son’s car 👍

[@TheKillermike83]

Car looks great 👍

[@ja5435]

It would be great to see you fix cars like this and give it to a single parent

[@6thGearGarage]

That would be a great idea if it was something more safe/reliable and had better parts availability. This car doesn't even have the latches for child seats because it's so old.

[@jasev587]

Turned out nice !

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@ozaixd]

Thank you for the information 👍👍 great video

[@6thGearGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theedeevynegoddess]

Great job on the car looks like a professional did it to me and you’re not even done yet! New subscriber here!

[@marvinhoodith7110]

Bro I am amazed at your work your patience and humbleness is phenomenol.Please keep making other videos.God bless.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you so much 😀

[@teetop5776]

Dude!!!! I have a 1956 Apache. A booth/right equipment. I'd let you paint it any day! Amazing job👍

[@jimgetz4886]

Great job , good explanation. Thank you.

[@6thGearGarage]

You are welcome!

[@csorrows]

Years ago, I was in a car show at the Griot's facility in Washington. It's actually pronounced "gree-oats". It's commonly miss-pronounced. If you ever have a chance to visit there, it's worth the time. Some amazing cars in the showroom!

[@32dsmitty]

I think you did a great job

[@thegeneraljoe67]

BRAVOLINGUS !! This was a great diy showing many tips & tricks with including real life / real time b.s. happening. You really scored on that great car. They are a timeless treasure. ALSO- Those rims absolutely set the car off nicely. Ive also had different brand rattle cans do the same thing you suffered through & its unacceptable in this day & age, considering their high cost per can. I was glad to see zero bad reaction when you introduced that spraymax brand to the other clear brand, as that couldve been a whole other video. LOL * keep it up the cool vids*

[@woody95124]

Darn good job bud..It is what it is..considering everything...fantastic job...

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@titosuave123]

I just painted the hood and the roof of my car after watching your vids. Thaks brother.

[@fozzy6375]

I have today finally finished the roof and hood clear coat stripping and laid down some primer where necessary ready for the top coat etc thanks to your brilliant video and explanations.I had so many doubts about doing this but you just have to try ,soooo pleased with the outcome looking forward to the top coat going on now . Bit cool in the UK at moment keep up the good work.

[@scottvenema718]

great job all around the details and honesty about errors etc you give are great as well. ive done this same process and am learning along the way as well. the spot blender tip is a new one for me. yay! for my next one. i know tour hands must have been sore a few days after all of that sanding! i know mine were! lol i hope yt sends you money for all the ads they play. obviously your doing a great job and many people watch and appreciate what your doung!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!!! I wet sanded an entire vehicle once and my fingers were bleeding through the finger prints!

[@Calicarver]

An effective way to remove orange peel is to give the surface a light dusting with a contrasting color first. The guide coat will also end up in the "valleys" so when you sand it is easier to see when you reach the valleys and can stop sanding. If you do get runs, wait for it to cure and cover the area with bondo then sand down until bondo is gone. This helps you avoid sanding through the new clear and also shows you visually when youre done. When using an orbital or random orbit, make sure you dont stay too long in one area or you may create enough heat to scorch the clear coat. Another tip would be to use "uni-grit" paper to avoid those random scratches.

[@6thGearGarage]

I've done a guide coat when sanding body filler to look for low spots/scratches... never thought to apply the concept to clear coat. Thanks for the tips!

[@TheMrChaddles]

Man these two videos are awesome. Such a great job. Great narration as well. You should keep them going and make videos showing you fixing the trim and other stuff. Also I would’ve liked to have seen what difference the meguiers 205 would’ve made.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! I plan to document the rest of the restoration of this car, in between other projects of course. Right now it's in winter storage for a couple more months.

[@deandreway9682]

Where are you located?

[@squareff255]

This was amazing.

[@THOMASHERNANDEZJR]

Good job broski !!!!

[@danielludlow8960]

Awesome how to vid. I'm looking to bay an Armada that has clear coat issues...an advantage on getting the price down on the vehicle. But I really don't want to drive around looking like my SUV has psoriasis! This vid brings me confidence that I can bring the paint back to looking like sweet love! Thanks Man!

[@jz9492]

I picked up an ml500 that was sitting in arizona for 10 years with the same issues with the paint. I don't have a garage, but I figure with enough washing and sanding in between coats, I can make it look much better than it is now. Appreciate your videos on this.

[@Jay-vg2wh]

I have watched and performed your whole process I have just about the same car mine came out almost as good as yours it took me about a month to complete and about $ 1,250.00 in paint and materials thank you for the step by step instructions.

[@normanbuchanan9710]

very true and honest to the point, I've seen "professional" shops that don't even close to your work so job well done 👍.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@bigdeals2993]

Wow! What a good DIY, the explanation lives the beginners with no question, To minimize orange peal, you need to set your regulator right according to your gun, your distance between your gun and the body should be aimed right as well as the straight gun handling while moving side to side. As for the insects, it's a common problem on DIYs because of grass outside plus the paint smell it looks like insects likes it, so I use this Insects lights after painting, especially on afternoon through out the night, MAKE YOU DINT HAND IT STRAIGHT ABOVE THE CAR. OTHERWISE, WELL DONE

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! I needed to be closer to the hood and roof. I was a lot closer on the bumpers and they turned out much better.

[@eggshellskullrule7971]

Wa ha! Well done! I like the 1812 background music!

[@lloydmastin4943]

Id watch this on tv Weekly.😊

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you! I'm just happy to be doing what I love to do... working on old(er) vehicles.

[@tarheelron6891]

Ditch the orbital and get a high speed(variable speed) buffer. Wool pad for compound foam pad for polish

[@6thGearGarage]

Saves a lot of time? If so, I'm in

[@tarheelron6891]

@@6thGearGarage absolutely

[@philliparthur8672]

Wow great job! I'm looking to do this this summer on my truck, fingers crossed that I can get it looking like yours.

[@SaltyCuntno1]

thats a really nice colour when the light hits it

[@6thGearGarage]

it sure is, the faded/dull clear coat did not do it justice