Lacquer runs advice please.

[vw1]

Happy Easter all.

I have taken my car wing back to bare metal after I welded in new metal repair. I epoxy hole panel then a filler primer then metallic base coat and 2k clear.

My question is as I never used 2k clear and I got two runs on the second coat. So I assume I need sand back runs through the grades ? Then use a G3 polishing compound ?

So again what's grade wet and dry sould I use and polishing compound afterwards ?

This is my first time attempt and not a show car .

Also don't have a polishing machine ?

Thank you.

 

[bert]

I've never flattened between coats, just put 3 coats on 15 minutes apart. Let dry and then 2k grit w&d to remove dust or runs.

I then use 3k and 6k trizac discs before compound polishing.

 

[MetalMonkey]

You need to get a firm sanding block and very carefully block the runs out, this is the only way to level it without rubbing through the clearcoat around the run.

If it is a big run you can use something like 320 if you are careful initially, then as you get it close switch to finer grits until you finish with 1500 or 2000 when it is flush.

You can polish from 1500, but it is much easier from finer grits or from a 3000 trizact disc.

However, you will need a buffer - I’m not saying you couldn’t do it by hand but I don’t know anybody that would.

I've heard of a trick using fine filler to act as support around the run to stop you rubbing through - but I've never used it myself.

Here is a video of that technique it in action:

 

[anjum]

Depends on how many runs, the dimensionms of them and whether you want another coat on top or level it and polish.
Some info here,

I Use the run razor method for small runs, I haven't used the filler method.

The grit guides he uses may be a bit harsh I normally use 400 then 600 then, if you are putting another lacquer coat, then do the rest of the panel with 600 and recoat it

If not recoating then use the grades he recommends up to 2000. I then use the trizact 3000 and 6000 grade discs (you don't have to use them on a machine) wet. Leaves the paint ready for the final polish.

There are many other methods and it's a case of seeing which one fits you.

 

[steveo3002]

i start with 1200 , then 1500/2000 , polish with farecla g3

be aware you can often sand through and need to redo it , if so let it sit a week or so then be very light with the basecoat or it can react

 

[vw1]

I have 3 runs 1inch apart from each other about 1 1/2 long. I was hoping I could remove them through the grades only going over the area that's affected.

Then just use one of the G3 polishing compounds . That was my plan.

I do plan on buying a min polisher kit just so I can learn . As said first time round.

I'm pleased with the gun I brought from spraygunsdirect it's a devilbiss GPI

 

[bert]

Just flatten them with a block with 2k grit then work up from there after 6k hand polishing is easily done. I do that on wheel arches where the machine polisher would send them across the workshop.

 

[the snooper]

If you wasn't in a heated booth what activator did you use, it should have been fast, if you used standard it will take a while before the run will successfully flat out, if it's not cured properly it will run off In tiny rolls

 

[anjum]

If you have a single sided blade then follow the guides on youtube for razor removal run
One must do is to deburr and decorner the razor on a sheet of 2000.

 

[Slowcoach]

You can use a short length of bodyfile to shave the worst of it off. (Or if it’s really bad don’t cut it down in length .)
Are the runs in a horizontal line or one above the other.
If you do go through the lacquer I’d be inclined to spot prime before recoating.

 

[anjum]

Another useful tool is thin metal "masks" for run. trash removal I can't find a link or image of it but it is a very thin sheet of stainless steel with slots, spots and curves cut out in it.

 

[vw1]

If you wasn't in a heated booth what activator did you use, it should have been fast, if you used standard it will take a while before the run will successfully flat out, if it's not cured properly it will run off In tiny rolls

Hi yes I used fast activator.