Wet Sanding / Color Sanding Your Paint

Tools Needed:

Filtered Water	Dish Soap
2000 Grit Sandpaper (wet)	Polishing Cloth
Polish	Wax

If you have a red or black Volvo, chances are you have seen the paint condition above. Oxidation or hazing is caused by the combination of environmental effects like UV, acid rain, smog, or just age. The good news is that it can be removed. Before you attempt this you need to be sure of a few things.

First you need to be working on a non clear coated area, or an area where you are willing to remove the clear coat. You also need to be comfortable removing a small amount of your paint. If you have any doubt do not continue. Seek the assistance of a professional detailer.

Start by mixing 5-10 drops of dish soap with filtered water in a large glass. Now cut your sandpaper in half and roll it up so it will fit in the glass. It is important you are using a wet sandpaper that is at the least 2000 grit. Next wet the surface you will b working on with the soap and water solution. I like to wrap the sandpaper around a sponge to allow even application of pressure. The sanding motion should be in large circular motion. Apply VERY little pressure. While the surface is wet, you will not be able to tell material is being removed so periodically dry the paint and evaluate progress.

Above is what the paint should look like post wet sanding. You will notice lots of tiny scratches and swirls. This is normal and should not cause panic. At this point you will want to tape off any trim that should not have polish or wax applied to it.

The next step is to polish the paint. There are several very good polish/swirl removers on the market. Use what is available to you. I prefer to do this stage with a buffer, but if you do not have one this can be done by hand. Once the paint is polished and no more swirls are present you need to wax the entire area. The paint should feel very smooth to the touch and be clean. If not, continue to polish it until it is.