Unpopular opinion: That "sand to 400 grit before paint" advice is overkill for most jobs

Got told by a shop owner I respected that I was wasting time going past 220 on a daily driver. I argued for weeks that smoother means better finish. Finally tried his way on a Honda Civic bumper and honestly? Couldn't tell the difference after clear coat. Now I only go fine on show cars. Anyone else find themselves doing more work than needed because some old rule stuck in your head?

2 comments

2 Comments

charlesb4225d ago

and 220 leaves visible scratches under metallic paint.

michaelw2625d ago

Yeah "leaves visible scratches under metallic paint" is exactly what I've heard too. I was reading a car detailing forum the other day and a guy who paints hot rods said 220 grit is basically just for rough shaping and you'd never use it under a final coat of metallic because the scratches will show right through. He said you gotta step up to at least 400 grit if not higher before laying down metallics, otherwise you're just wasting your time and paint.