Hi,
My cars paint job is 22 yrs. old. I was wondering if i wet sanded it could i still remove orange peel? It is still in really good shape (garaged), i'd just like to get a mirror finish on it. If i remember right it's base coat/clear coat and i'm pretty sure it's enamel because that was more of a stock paint job. Color is white with black rally stripes. Thanks

Maybe you could shoot a few coats of clear and wetsand after that. Problem with your current paint might be that you don't know how thick it is and you might sand through the paint easily. Just a thought, but i would get some other opinions from more experienced painters...

sometimes when were not busy at our shop, i do some detailing work. But to tell you the truth, ive never done anything older then a week; so I wouldnt be a rather valuable source. I would say it would be fine as long as you stay away from edges because of the fact that the paint is easier to burn through there. If it still has orange peel, im sure it hasnt been wetsanded yet and it most likely has enough coats on to wetsand out. I dont recomend clearing over since you dont know what types of paint are used. I would wait for martinsr to come in here to answer your questions.

Thanks for the help guys. If i would do this how should i go about it besides being careful on edges. What pisses me off is when i got it painted i knew nothing about (I was 19 yo) painting not that i know alot now about it either but i had know idea it was never wet sanded and i paid about $1,400.00 at the time for the paint job if i would of known this i would have had it done. I did have it buffed with a wheel and i've polished it a few times with Liquid Glass will that matter? What grit sandpaper to use wet?

Ofcourse i don't know this is the way you want to go, it is more expensive and will take more time but if your car is in great shape otherwise i think it is worth it. I have painted clear over existing older paint and haven't had any problems.

You may try a little spot somewhere to make sure. I think a few coats of clear and then wetsanding/polishing will make a showquality paintjob if your car is straight and the current paint is ok.

But a more profesional opinion would be nice...

if it is in good shape dont use sand paper. it makes buffing the scratches to hard. just used a good cutting block(used for taking out runs), im sure you could get one from an autobody store. make sure you keep it very wet and move around so you dont undercut it. then take some cutting compound and a foam wheel, then take some polish on a wool wheel and go over it ,then get some swirl free polish and put it on by hand. if the orange pell isnt to bad just use the cutting compound and skip the cutting block. i have taken cutting compound to 78 firbird with factory paint and didnt burn through it.

[This message has been edited by Marky_24 (edited 10-30-2002).]