FINISHING
This is the area that makes or breaks a good paint job. We like to let the clear cure for less than 24 hours before we start color sanding and buffing. This is early enough to be able to work the clear and move it around. Yet, its hard enough to not have to worry too much about burning through. Note: This is only done by using Matrix Systems MS-20 clear. We used to do all the color sanding by hand with 3M or Mirka (25% less in cost than 3M) Wet or Dry paper. Starting with 1500 grit and ending with 2000 grit. We were recently introduced to a fantastic new product by MIRKA ABRASIVES. The MIRKA Bulldog Sanding Kit. We can't say enough good things about this product. Its a small wetsanding DA for finishing. What we thought were are best finishes have now gotten better and in less time. The show trucks we have used this on have the best finishes to date, and in half the time. Everyone knows how much work you have to put into a hood to make it perfect. This machine will not only provide a better finish but, in a fraction of the time.

If you are currently using PPG, DUPONT paint systems, we highly recommend you contact a MATRIX SYSTEM representative. They make a wide variety of direct replacement primers, reducers, hardners, precleaners and clears for all three companies at a savings of 30% to 40% of what your paying now.

You have two different base pads to work from. The stationary base helps flatten the surface and a 1 inch thick foam attachment makes it so you can go over curved areas. First you start with 1200 grit paper to knock out the orange peel. Then you continue with 1500 grit to relieve the 1200 scratches. After this you change to a revolutionary foam pad that's equal to 2000 grit sandpaper. The final step is done with a foam 4000 pad. One you go over it with this the water will bead of as if youn just polished it. This may seem like a long process but it's not. you can do a complete car in two to three hours. This process makes buffing easier than you can imagine. Very little effort is need to achieve a show finish. We use all 3M products from this point on. We start with 3M Perfect It -2 Microfinish Compound and use a 3M white foam pad. We use these now because they are aggressive enough to work the clear to a pristine finish but not burn or leave any swirl marks. Then we switch to 3M Foam Polish with a black 3M foam pad. This gives us the extreme wet look and takes out any imperfections from buffing.
This process can not be done on all jobs though. We still like to go over the car after using the MIRKA BULLDOG by hand to remove any waves caused by leveling the graphics. This is done with a 3M wetsanding block and 1200 to 2000 wet or dry paper. If you are interested in a MIRKA BULLDOG KIT contact your local MIRKA representative for a demonstration or contact SCR Distributing listed below.
Another product we highly recommend is for the final washing of the vehicle to remove the compound. If you haven't yet tried one THE ABSORBER available at Wal-Mart is best thing we've found to dry the vehicle with. It's by far better than a chamois or baby diapers. It won't scratch the clear or leave and swirl or stroke marks. We give these to our customers on high dollar completes and recommend them to everyone else.