How to Wet Sand Car Paint for a Mirror-Like Finish

Wet sanding is a pro-level technique that can transform dull, scratched, or orange-peeled car paint into a deep, glassy shine. With the right grit sequence and technique, you can safely level imperfections and prepare your vehicle for polishing and waxing.

Why Wet Sanding Matters

Car paint often develops minor defects—like scratches, clear coat runs, or uneven textures. Wet sanding removes a controlled layer of clear coat, flattening the surface so polishing compounds can bring out a flawless gloss. Without sanding, these imperfections remain visible under light.

Tools You’ll Need

• Spray bottle with clean water (add a drop of dish soap)
• Microfiber towels
• Rubber sanding block
• Automotive masking tape
• Silicon carbide wet/dry sandpaper sheets

Best Grit Sequence for Wet Sanding Car Paint

• 1000 grit: Initial leveling of orange peel and surface texture.
• 1500 grit: Refining scratches from 1000 grit.
• 2000 grit: Smoothing surface for polishing.
• 3000 grit: Ultra-fine prep for mirror-like clarity.

Step-by-Step: Wet Sanding Car Paint

1. Mask off edges. Use tape to protect trim and sharp body lines.
2. Start with 1000 grit. Wrap 1000 grit (25-pack) around a sanding block. Keep the surface wet and sand gently in straight motions.
3. Move to 1500 grit. Switch to 1500 grit (50-pack) to refine scratches left by the coarser grit.
4. Polish with 2000 grit. Use 2000 grit (100-pack) to prepare the surface for high-gloss polishing.
5. Finish with 3000 grit. Ultra-fine sanding ensures a flawless surface ready for compound and polish.
6. Rinse and dry. Clean thoroughly with water and microfiber towels before polishing.

Special Cases

For headlights, you can use the same grit sequence but stop at 2000 grit before sealing with UV protectant. For deep scratches, repeat 1000 grit sanding in a localized area before moving up grits.

Pro Tips

• Always keep the surface wet to prevent scratches and clogging.
• Sand lightly—let the paper do the work, not pressure.
• Check progress often under bright light.

Aftercare

• Follow sanding with a polishing compound, then a finishing polish.
• Apply a wax or ceramic coating to protect the clear coat.
• Store sandpaper sheets flat and dry for reuse.

FAQs

• Can wet sanding damage my clear coat? Not if done correctly—always keep water flowing and use light pressure.
• Do I need a machine polisher afterward? Yes, to restore gloss after sanding.

Watch & Learn

Wet sanding takes patience, but the results rival professional detailing. Stock up on the full range of automotive wet/dry grits in our auto body sanding collection for your next project.