Newbie help on polishing

[Mr Mario]

I have used the search menu to look for help on this topic.
But none of them answer my question I think?
I have the Tamiya Polishing compound and here is my questions?

1. Can I put some polishing compound on my body(car) after the clear coat was put on?

2. Do I have to wet sand the body after the clear coat was put on then apply the polishing compund?

3. Will the polising compund remove some paint?
I am using Tamiya Acrylic paints on my model.
Any help would be great.

Thanks

[TheSyndicate]

I don't know if this applies to models, but in real life clearcoat makes paint imperfections more visible. I assume you would remove as much orange peel by sanding with 2000+ grit sandpaper and then polishing it down, then applying clearcoat after its smooth as glass. And then I suppose you can polish the clearcoat to give the whole model a clean finish.

I've never experienced with tamiya polish, but turtle wax polishing compound seems to work fine for me.

[Jacobs40K]

It isn't necessary to add clearcoat if you polish the paint directly.

you can polish the clearcoat tho if you have laid one down.

get a nice set of sanding cloths: 4000-12000 grit.

I try to use only 6000 and above to get rid of orange peel. i usually wet sand to save wear on the sanding cloths.

after you sand with the 12000 grit, you will have a decent shine already, but then you start with the waxes. there is a 4 step process that well worth the money that you spend on the wax.

1. use Meguiars #2 - it is a fine scratch remover
2. use Meguiars #9 - swirl remover
3. use Meguiars #7 - polishing wax
4. finish with Meguiars #26 - liquid not paste

this works great with lacquers too.

Jake

[Mr Mario]

Great thanks for the advice!
I'll try that

[Wthermans]

I've looked all over town for some high grit polishing cloths. Anyone know where I can get some online?

[modelfan1]

Micro-Surface has all the polishing cloths anyone will need online !
:bandit: Mike

[daggerlee]

One thing you have to be wary of is cure time for the paints. Generally wait 10 days after spraying for enamels, and 4 days after lacquers (assuming you keep them in 60-70 degree or above weather). Otherwise the paint is too soft and does not respond well to polishing.