Color sanding C2 laquer paint

[Jerry G.]

I have a 65 That was painted in laquer about 5 years ago. I left the car in and unbuffed condition during assembly.The car is now assembled and I'm color sanding and buffing. When the car came back from the painters 5 years ago it had been scuffed in.
To color sand the car I have been using 1000 grit wet and dry. I have noticed that there are deeper scratches in the paint that I'm assuming came fron the painters scuffing process. He probably used a much courser grit. My thought at this point is to go back and re color sand and buff with the next courser grit, 800. I hope this gets me to the level of the scratches without sanding through color.
One thing that occured to me though is that since this is an NCRS type restoration I'm trying to duplicate the look of the factory paint job. I'm reasonably sure The UAW guys in St. Louis didn't spend all day with 1000 grit color sanding. Does anyone know what grit they did use? If I can find that out it will help me get a correct "patina" or sheen to the paint.
Cars I'm seeing on the judging field today have WAY too much shine to them. Which is probbaly a combination of using 1000 or 1500 grit paper and more modern paint systems. Any thoughts, help or adivice is appreciated. Any old painters out there?? Jerry

[Philip Whitaker Member# 2024]

Re: Color sanding C2 laquer paint

Jerry,

I've colored sanded enamel before and found it hard to buff out the scratches left by 1000 grit. Lacquer usually lays down flat enough out of the gun that all that is required is buffing to remove a slight amount of "orange peel" and bring the surface to a luster.

The "way too shiney" paint jobs you are seeing are probably BC/CC. Or they could be lacquer with a clear coat.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say your painter "scuffed in the paint".

I don't know for sure, but I doubt the factory did much if any color sanding. I think that original lacquer paint jobs probably show a very very slight amount of "orange peel". The JM says that there should be some "orange peel" but that it shouldn't be excessive.

If I were going to color sand any painted surface, in preporation for buffing, I'd start with nothing coarser than 1500 grit. But that's just me. I'm sure others will have a different opinion or method of sanding and buffing.

Good luck. Phil

[Richard G.]

[Karl #35089]

Re: Color sanding C2 laquer paint

I, too, am not sure what you mean by "scuffed in". Are you sure the "scratches" you see are actually on the surface and not paint sinking into sanding scratches in the substrate. It is possible to generate a paint job that looks good at first but as things dry and the paint sinks into primers/fillers, the scratches beneath become evident through the paint. -k

[Karl #35089]

Re: Color sanding C2 laquer paint

"...we painted them in lacquer, but it was a different mixture back then"

Hi Rich: I'm working on an article related to this. What is your source for that statement? I'd like to follow-up if I may. Thank you, Karl

[Richard G.]

Re: Color sanding C2 laquer paint

Karl

I don't work for PPG or in a body shop any longer but I know that the Lead additives that used to be in the mixture are out-lawed and so the mixture has changed. Again, I'm not an expert, but if you search the archives you'll see a number of discussions on this topic. I would agree that the Shrinking that I believe he is referring to is typical for Lacquer, especially in areas that have had work done in them. As the curing process happens the thinners help elevate the sanding marks.

All the best

Rich Grant

[Jerry G.]

Re: Color sanding C2 laquer paint

The painter, a shop called Rudy's in Tulsa OK. sanded with I'm assuming was a wet and dry paper prior to my picking up the car. It has been in storage for several years and I'm now color sanding a buffing. This isn't shrinkage in my opinion just deeper scratches than my 1000 grit could get at. I suppose if I spend days with the 1000 that I'll eventually get there but... since we are looking for the "way the general" did it, I'm sure it wasn't with 1000 or 1500 grit.

[Richard G.]

Re: Color sanding C2 laquer paint

Jerry

Lots of luck, I'm sure it'll look great when your done. You might try using the wheel a bit, if the marks are that light, the heat of the wheel could be your solution.

Rich

[Lenn #40977]

Re: Color sanding C2 laquer paint

Watch for dirt/build-up under your sandpaper as this can cut in deeper scratches. Use lots and lots and lots of water (I put a little liquid soap in mine and use a hose combined with a spritzer bottle and check often) and clean the sandpaper often. Also, 2500 grit is not unheard of in the color sanding world on a BC/CC with a rubber or foam sandpaper block backing your sandpaper. I soak the sandpaer overnight before I use it, also.

But, color sanding can easily get you a mirror shine that is a none-correct finish.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Color sanding C2 laquer paint

Forget trying to match the General. You've already gone too far. The Factory did NOT colot sand. They only buffed. Go ahead and make it slick. It will look better anyway.