How to Cut and Polish Paint

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

How to Cut and Polish Paint

68sd396rag · Poncho Master!

Excellent step by step.The only thing I would add is if you are first timer trying this-tape off any edges with 1/4" masking tape to prevent burn through-it is a lot easier to do than you think( been there done that).The darker the color the more polishing you will be doing to get the paint free of sanding scratches etc..as shown in this excellent step by step explanation above the results are super impressive-but it is not a quick process.It takes a ton of hours and lots of patience to achieve a perfect finish.

I can feel the pain involved in polishing a station wagons roof-as I just did mine as well-it took me well over 50 hours!

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

Important tip not added but yes I used painters tape as it was cheaper but covering sharp edges can be a great help eleven someone expierenced can burn through in the blink of an eye

427carl · A Poncho Legend!

Interesting and so complete .

I have a 30 year old Suburban with original paint .

I was going to "try" cutting and polishing

Would there be a different procedure for a old paint job?

maybe I'll just clay bar it and hand polish?

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

427carl wrote:
Interesting and so complete .
I have a 30 year old Suburban with original paint .
I was going to "try" cutting and polishing
Would there be a different procedure for a old paint job?

maybe I'll just clay bar it and hand polish?

Yes - you would want to clay bar the truck to remove contaminates from the paint. Then start after he sanding process and be very gently to not burn the old paint. Little pressure Go easy as you would want to restore some luster rather than smooth out that thin old paint.

Guru

HI i my 2 cents base clear make sure you put at least 3-4 coats of clear .. and a great step by step polishing thanks

canso_SD · Addicted!

this is a great write up and and on the money!
using mequire`s is the best i have found as well.
just want to add I only work on a 2-3 ft square at one time
and i use a soft block to hand sand everything, time consuming and tedious.
but its so worth it in the end.

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

Great write-up & info.