skiptomylo

Where do you buy unigrit sandpaper?

picus

I got it online direct from Meguairs. It's kind of expensive, but a pack of 25 or 50 sheets lasts a lot time and, imo, it's totally worth it. I hope this helps.

skiptomylo

would 3m paper be ok to use?

picus

You can use any paper just be aware of the difficulties each one will present. I use uni-grit only because it provides me with the best results. Most sandpaper is an average of other grits (example, 3M 2000 grit is actually grains from 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 all mixed together that averages 2000 grit), so it has some larger grains. The pro is it'll work faster than unigrit 3000, the con is if you get one of those 1000 grit grains in the paint you'll have a tough scratch to remove.

AznJason

iTrader: (5)

[n00b question] What's a PC? I'm assuming it's not a personal computer... some sort of polishing tool?

I'm looking to get rid of some minor rock chips and dings, primarily one on my door, so I was gonna give this a go on my bumper before I did the door.

When do you use 2000 grit and when do you use 3000 grit? I didn't see mention of specifically using one or the other. Also, just so I don't freak out as I'm attempting all this... after you do the sanding, the blob should be gone and there will be very minor marks from the sandpaper, that's why you do the polish... the polish will get rid of those marks, yes? The worst thing would be to have a heart attack after making tiny scratches and never getting to do the polish that would fix it right up.

picus

A PC is a Porter Cable 7427 or 7336 - a dual action polisher commonly used by DIY'ers because it works well and is relatively fool-proof.

As a novice I would use 3000 unigrit only. It is much more difficult to mess up with 3k grit as opposed to 2k grit. Yes, after sanding the blob should be level however the sanding marks will look rather intimidating - this picture says it all:



If you've remained cautious and checked your work often even though it looks bad it should polish out relatively easily. 3k grit marks are very fine. If you have any other questions let me know.

skiptomylo

can you buy sonus or poorboy products in stores or is it online only? What are good retailers? Thanks!

picus

Both online only. In Canada you can buy PB's products at eshine.ca, in the U.S I like Detailed Image (http://detailedimage.com). You can only get Sonus at autopia-carecare.net.

There are definitely alternatives. For example, Menzerna IP and FPII would suit well, as would Optimum Compound and Polish. For locally available Meguairs #83 (DACP) and Meguairs #80 (speed glaze) would also serve well.

Cheers.

skiptomylo

are those good for by hand applications? Thanks for the help!

skiptomylo

which is better: Meguiar's ScratchX or Sonus SFX-3?

picus

FPII and SFX-3 are ok by hand. SFX-2 might be also.

It depends on what you're trying to do. ScratchX is designed for hand use, so it works well by hand but it's very, very light. It normally takes a few passes to get the results you're after. SFX-3 is made for machine use but will work by hand, it's slightly more abrasive than ScratchX so it will require even more elbow grease, but has a bit more bite when removing defects. If I was wetsanding and wanted to remove the marks by hand I'd buy SFX-2 and 3, since I don't think ScratchX will take out 3000 grit marring entirely by itself.

AznJason

iTrader: (5)

Would something like Zaino Z-5 work as a substitute for Sonus SFX-2 or ScratchX? Or is it something completely different?

tuan92129

will this work on a door panel that got keyed?

picus

Totally different. Z5 is a sealant, not a polish.

picus

It will, but how well it works will depend on a number of factors. How long is the scratch, how wide and deep is it, is it straight or wavy, what color is the car, is it metallic, etc...