Hi guys,

I know we have some paint experts on here so I was hoping to get some quick advice regarding a small painting project...non Ford related.

I'm painting a set of aluminum handlebars for a road bike and I need to know how to smooth out the glossy finish. I stripped the old paint off yesterday down to the black finish on the aluminum. I painted it up with Krylon Gloss Black Primer/Paint combo and let it dry overnight. Today I wet sanded it with 1500 grit and applied a few coats of clear. Once the clear is dry should I buff or polish it to smooth out the finish? If so, how long does the clear need to dry? Finest polish I have is a Chemical Guys P40.

Thanks.

 

I usually wet sand clear prior to compounding and polish. Usually 1500 grit does the job providing the clear isn't badly orange peeled. Then follow up with a heavy cut compound
Working your way up to a polishing compound. Read the manufactures instructions for dry times. Your certainly good to go after 24 hours at room temp.

 

yea a light cut with 1500, follow with 3000, compound, polish

 

A heavy cut compound would be 3000ish. I prefer it over paper because the compound will work down and get finer while being worked. I know the average DIY'er doesn't keep multiple compounds on their shelf but being an AB painter on the side, it's my line of thinking lol.

 

i know my way around a paint gun as well lol...i just prefer finishing with 3000..less marring and less work with a buffer

 

Something else the OP should know, these compounds are all but useless if applying by hand. So yeah, in this instance papering down to 3000 would be his best choice.

 

yep they are heat activated

 

So 3000 grit paper and call it done? Wet correct?