Sanding Auto Clear Coat Runs and Dust Nibs: 1000–3000 Grit Sheets

Clear coat imperfections like runs, drips, or dust nibs are common in automotive painting. Instead of living with them, you can correct these flaws with the right 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets. eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets allow you to level defects and polish clear coat back to a showroom shine.

Why Sand Clear Coat?

Sanding clear coat removes surface irregularities and creates a uniform texture for polishing. By moving through finer grits, you gradually eliminate scratches until the surface reflects light evenly.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle fine sandpaper sheets
• Soft sanding block or interface pad
• Spray bottle with water
• Microfiber towels
• Automotive polishing compound

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 1000 grit — Levels clear coat runs and larger dust nibs. 1000 Grit (100-pack).
• 1500 grit — Refines scratches from 1000 grit. 1500 Grit (25-pack).
• 2000 grit — Smooths surface for polishing. 2000 Grit (25-pack).
• 3000 grit — Prepares clear coat for high-gloss polish. 3000 Grit (50-pack).

Step-by-Step Clear Coat Sanding

1. Start with 1000 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand carefully over the run or dust nib, keeping the block flat. Stop once the defect is leveled.
2. Switch to 1500 grit. Cross-sand to remove scratches left by 1000 grit. Keep water flowing for lubrication.
3. Continue with 2000 grit. Smooth the surface until it looks uniformly hazy.
4. Finish with 3000 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand lightly in circular motions to prepare for polishing.
5. Polish. Apply automotive polishing compound with a soft pad until the clear coat shines.

Special Cases

For very severe clear coat runs, carefully start at 800 grit—but only on localized defects—then work through the full 1000–3000 sequence.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to control heat and avoid damaging clear coat.
• Sand only the defect area, then feather outward to blend.
• Use sandpaper sheets that don’t clog with dust for consistent performance.

Aftercare

• Seal polished clear coat with wax or ceramic coating.
• Inspect under bright lighting to confirm all scratches are removed.
• Store leftover sheets flat in labeled envelopes for next projects.

FAQs

• Can I polish without sanding? No—runs and nibs must be leveled with sandpaper first.
• What’s the safest grit to start with? 1000 grit is the standard for most clear coat corrections.
• Which packs should I buy? For auto projects, 1000 Grit (100-pack) and 3000 Grit (50-pack) are the most useful.

Watch & Learn

Achieve a flawless finish on your car’s clear coat with eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. See more options in the Fine Sandpaper Collection.