Sanding Automotive Clear Coat with 1200 Grit eQualle Sandpaper Sheets

Automotive clear coats protect paint and add shine, but over time they can develop scratches, oxidation, or orange peel texture. To restore a smooth, high-gloss finish, sanding is often required. eQualle Sandpaper Sheets in 1200 grit (9x11 inches) are perfect for leveling clear coat safely before polishing.

Why 1200 Grit for Clear Coat?

1200 grit is an ultra-fine abrasive that removes imperfections without cutting too aggressively. It’s fine enough to refine surfaces for polishing but still coarse enough to correct light texture issues. Used wet, it reduces heat, prevents clogging, and delivers a smooth surface ready for buffing.

Best Applications for 1200 Grit Sheets

• Smoothing orange peel texture on clear coat.
• Removing shallow scratches and swirl marks.
• Blending new paint jobs into existing panels.
• Leveling clear coat before polishing and waxing.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Clear Coat

1. Wash the car. Clean thoroughly to remove dirt and debris that could scratch the surface.
2. Soak the sandpaper. Place 1200 grit (25-pack) eQualle Sandpaper Sheets in water for 10–15 minutes before use.
3. Sand lightly. Work in small sections with gentle, even strokes, keeping the surface wet at all times.
4. Check progress. Wipe the surface frequently with a microfiber cloth to avoid oversanding.
5. Polish and protect. Follow sanding with polishing compound, then apply wax or ceramic coating to restore shine and protection.

Special Considerations

Never stay too long in one spot—clear coat is thin and easy to sand through. For deeper scratches, start with 1000 grit and finish with 1200 grit before polishing.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand clear coat to minimize scratches and heat.
• Use a sanding block on flat panels for consistent pressure.
• Work in shaded areas to avoid drying out the surface too quickly.
• Finish with finer grits (1500–2000) for ultimate clarity before polishing.

Aftercare

• Store leftover eQualle Sandpaper Sheets flat and dry.
• Apply protective wax or ceramic coating after polishing to extend results.
• Wash regularly with pH-balanced car shampoo to preserve the finish.

FAQs

• Can I dry sand clear coat with 1200 grit? Wet sanding is always recommended for best results.
• Is 1200 grit too fine for scratch removal? It works for light scratches—use 800–1000 grit for deeper ones before finishing with 1200.
• Do I need to polish afterward? Yes, polishing restores gloss after sanding dulls the surface.

Watch & Learn

Restore your vehicle’s finish with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets. Shop our super fine grit collection for automotive sanding projects.