How To Wet Sand A Car (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » What Is Wet Sanding A Car » How To Wet Sand A Car (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Wet Sand a Car PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Angel Ricardo

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Preparing to Wet Sand
    • |
  • Wet Sanding the Vehicle
    • |
  • Treating the Sanded Area
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Angel Ricardo. Angel Ricardo is the owner of Ricardo's Mobile Auto Detail headquartered in Venice, California. With over 10 years of experience in mobile detailing, Angel continues to attend auto detailing trainings to improve his customer service and auto detailing skills. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 325,676 times.

Wet sanding can be used on new paint to provide an even finish and remove what is commonly referred to as the “orange peel” effect, where the paint appears to have the texture of an orange skin. On existing paint, it can be used to remove scuffs or shallow scratches or restore the luster of the paint. Wet sanding can cause damage to the paint of the vehicle if not done correctly, so take your time as you progress through the process.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Wet Sand

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Determine if wet sanding is right for your car. 1 Determine if wet sanding is right for your car. Wet sanding can be an excellent way to restore your paint to its original luster, but it isn't always the best option. Deep scratches that reach the metal, for instance, often cannot be repaired through wet sanding alone. If the clear coat on the paint has scuffing and scratches, however, wet sanding may be the right solution for you.[1]
    • Scratches that are deep enough to expose metal cannot be resolved through wet sanding alone.
    • Wet sanding primarily repairs damage to the top layers of paint and clear coat.
  2. Step 2 Assess the type of sanding you need to do. 2 Assess the type of sanding you need to do. The damage that you are trying to repair will dictate how much sanding will be required, and with what type of paper. Significant clear coat damage will require multiple steps, but light scuffing can be resolved in one stage.
    • If the damage to the paint is light, skip the 1200 or 1500 grit sandpaper and begin with 2000 or 3000 grit paper instead.
    • If you are wet sanding a newly painted surface, you can also jump directly to the 2000 or 3000 grit paper.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Purchase 1200 or 1500 grit sandpaper. 3 Purchase 1200 or 1500 grit sandpaper. When repairing worn, scuffed or scratched paint, begin with a 1200 or 1500 grit sandpaper. You can purchase sandpaper at your local hardware store, large retail store, or auto parts store.
    • Any less than 1200 grit sandpaper may produce scratches that are difficult to buff out.
    • The higher the grit number on the sandpaper, the finer the abrasive surface.
  4. Step 4 Fill a bucket with water and a small amount of automotive soap. 4 Fill a bucket with water and a small amount of automotive soap. Wet sanding requires a lubricant to prevent the sandpaper from burning the paint. Fill a regular bucket with water and a small amount of automotive soap. Do not use an automotive soap that also serves as a wax or a polish.
    • You may also use dish soap for this application.
  5. Step 5 Cut the sheets of sandpaper into halves lengthwise. 5 Cut the sheets of sandpaper into halves lengthwise. Remove the sandpaper from its package and hold it like a sheet of paper, so the longer edges are on the right and left. Use a pair of heavy duty scissors to cut the sandpaper sheets lengthwise to double the number of sheets you have.
    • The width of the cut sheets will wrap around most sand paper squeegees and handles better.
    • The strips need to be long rather than wide in order to dip half of them in water.
  6. Step 6 Soak half of each sheet of sandpaper for five minutes. 6 Soak half of each sheet of sandpaper for five minutes. Place the sandpaper sheets along the edge of the bucket so half of each sheet is soaking in the soapy water. Leave them to soak for five minutes or so.
    • The halves that are soaking in the water should be completely saturated with soapy water before moving on.
    • The dry portion will allow you to attach the sandpaper securely to your tool of choice.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Wet Sanding the Vehicle

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wash and dry the area. 1 Wash and dry the area. Before you begin wet sanding, be sure you remove any debris or film from the area you will be working on. Use a regular automotive soap and a sponge to wash it, then rinse it thoroughly with a hose.[2]
    • Do not use an automotive soap that is also a polish or a wax.
    • You will not need to wait for the area to dry to move on.
  2. Step 2 Wrap the sandpaper around a sanding squeegee or pad. 2 Wrap the sandpaper around a sanding squeegee or pad. Do not simply use your hands when wet sanding. The gaps between your fingers will create an uneven sanding surface, resulting in an inconsistent finish. Instead, wrap the sandpaper around a pad, handle or sandpaper squeegee based on your preference.[3]
    • Depending on the area you are wet sanding, there are flat, curved, and bendable handles you can choose from.
    • Read the instructions on the tool you opt to purchase to see how to secure the paper to it.
    • You can buy sanding tools at most hardware and auto parts stores.
  3. Step 3 Sand gently in circular motions. 3 Sand gently in circular motions. With the sandpaper thoroughly soaked, begin sanding the area with small circular motions and a light amount of pressure. If your sanding does not seem to be affecting the clear coat, apply a little more pressure so it will. Do not press hard enough to create scratches in the paint itself.[4]
    • It may take a little practice to determine just how much pressure you need to apply to the sandpaper.
    • Ease off of the sandpaper if it appears to be penetrating beyond the clear coat or damaging the paint.
  4. Step 4 Move the sandpaper in multiple directions to ensure an even sanding. 4 Move the sandpaper in multiple directions to ensure an even sanding. Switch the direction of your circular motions from time to time or approach the area from a different angle. This will ensure you sand the entire surface evenly.[5]
    • Uneven sanding can be difficult to identify while you work, but may be apparent in the final product.
    • Be careful not to increase pressure when changing angles or directions.
    • The color in the paint should bleed into the water and tint it slightly. If the water gets any darker, you are sanding too hard.
  5. Step 5 Add water as necessary. 5 Add water as necessary. Do not allow the sandpaper to become dry while wet sanding. Keep the area heavily saturated with soapy water throughout the process by dipping the sandpaper in the bucket often and even pouring some of the soapy water on the vehicle.[6]
    • As the sandpaper gets dry, it will produce heat which can burn the paint.
    • If you burn the paint, you may need to have that component of the body repainted.
    • Swap sheets of sandpaper out for new soaked ones as they sandpaper becomes worn out or too soggy to use.
  6. Step 6 Be careful of edges on your tools. 6 Be careful of edges on your tools. As you sand, you will likely feel a fair amount of fatigue in your hands and arms. When you get tired, you increase the chances that you will accidentally use the edge of the tool as opposed to keeping it flat on the vehicle. [7]
    • Take frequent breaks to combat fatigue.
    • Be careful not to scratch the paint with the handle of the tool or one of the edges the sandpaper is wrapped around.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Treating the Sanded Area

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wet sand again with 2000 and 3000 grit sandpaper. 1 Wet sand again with 2000 and 3000 grit sandpaper. Once you have completely wet sanded the area with your 1200 or 1500 grit sandpaper, repeat the process with 2000 or 3000 grit paper. This will remove any shallow scratches or abrasions left by the first stage of wet sanding.
    • If the damage you are trying to repair is light, you can do only this step.
    • Remember to keep the area completely wet as you sand with this paper.
  2. Step 2 Rinse the sanded area. 2 Rinse the sanded area. Once you have completed the wet sanding, use a hose to rinse off any soap or debris left on the vehicle. Be sure you rinse it thoroughly because you will need to apply a glaze or wax to the area once it dries.[8]
    • Touch the area with your hand to ensure there is no soapy residue left behind.
  3. Step 3 Allow the area to dry completely. 3 Allow the area to dry completely. The wet sanded area will need to be completely dry in order to buff properly. Do not allow the area to sit in direct sunlight, as it may damage or fade the paint. Instead, leave it to dry for a few hours in a shady area.[9]
    • You can use a towel to dry the area, but allow any remaining moisture to air dry completely before moving forward.
    • You may use a hair dryer or other heat source to expedite the drying.
  4. Step 4 Use a buffer and rubbing compound to polish the area. 4 Use a buffer and rubbing compound to polish the area. Once the wet sanded area is completely dry, apply some rubbing compound to a buffer pad and use a power buffer to polish the area. Use a medium speed and a light amount of pressure when buffing the rubbing compound into the paint.
    • With the buffer running, rotate it in circles as it spins.
    • Applying too much pressure can burn the paint, so start light and apply more pressure if need be to rub in the compound.
  5. Step 5 Apply a wax to the finished area. 5 Apply a wax to the finished area. Once the area has been buffed, it should look like the finished product. Use a high quality automotive wax on the area to provide an additional layer or protection. Wet sanding can make that area of the paint slightly more shallow than the rest of the vehicle, so a layer of wax can help prevent it from fading at a different rate than the rest of the paint.
    • You may want to wash and wax the entire vehicle to ensure no dust or debris from the wet sanding remains on the vehicle when you're done.
    • Waxing the car will protect the paint and create a more brilliant shine.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How long do you need to wait for the paint to dry before wet sanding? Angel Ricardo Angel Ricardo Auto Technician Angel Ricardo is the owner of Ricardo's Mobile Auto Detail headquartered in Venice, California. With over 10 years of experience in mobile detailing, Angel continues to attend auto detailing trainings to improve his customer service and auto detailing skills. Angel Ricardo Angel Ricardo Auto Technician Expert Answer It really varies by the type of paint and clear coat you're using. It just totally depends from paint job to paint job. I'd recommend reaching out to someone who paints cars for a living and asking them based on what products you're using. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 4
  • Question How do I wet sand a car using a palm sander? Uglymug18 Uglymug18 Community Answer You cannot use a palm sander to wet sand. The palm sander will leave swirl marks in the paint and clear coat. You must hand-sand using a block. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 29
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Wet Sand a Clear CoatHow toWet Sand a Clear Coat Sand a Car for RepaintingHow toSand a Car for Repainting Wet Sand WoodHow toWet Sand Wood Use a Rubbing CompoundHow toUse a Rubbing Compound Strip Paint From Your CarHow to Remove Car Paint Fix Clear CoatHow toFix Clear Coat Do a Good Base Coat Clear Coat Paint JobHow toDo a Good Base Coat Clear Coat Paint Job Fix Orange Peel Without SandingHow toFix Orange Peel Without Sanding Repair Minor Rust on a CarHow toRepair Minor Rust on a Car Polish Scratches Out of AluminumHow to Remove Scratches from Aluminum Prep a Car for PaintHow toPrep a Car for Paint Repair a Deep Scratch on CarHow toRepair a Deep Scratch on Car Scuff SandHow toScuff Sand Paint a Car with a Spray CanHow toPaint a Car with a Spray Can Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2014/03/21/wet-sanding/
  2. ↑ http://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2014/03/21/wet-sanding/
  3. ↑ https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/hrdp-0805-color-sanding/
  4. ↑ https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/hrdp-0805-color-sanding/
  5. ↑ https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/hrdp-0805-color-sanding/
  6. ↑ https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/hrdp-0805-color-sanding/
  7. ↑ https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/hrdp-0805-color-sanding/
  8. ↑ http://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2014/03/21/wet-sanding/
  9. ↑ http://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2014/03/21/wet-sanding/

About This Article

Angel Ricardo Co-authored by: Angel Ricardo Auto Technician This article was co-authored by Angel Ricardo. Angel Ricardo is the owner of Ricardo's Mobile Auto Detail headquartered in Venice, California. With over 10 years of experience in mobile detailing, Angel continues to attend auto detailing trainings to improve his customer service and auto detailing skills. This article has been viewed 325,676 times. 32 votes - 91% Co-authors: 12 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 325,676 Categories: Cleaning Cars Article SummaryX

To wet sand a car, soak 1200 or 1500 grit sandpaper in a mixture of water and automotive or dish soap for 5 minutes. Next, wrap the soaked sandpaper around a sanding squeegee or pad and sand gently in circular motions, switching directions occasionally to ensure you sand the surface evenly. Keep the sandpaper wet during the process, dipping back into the soapy water as often as necessary. Once you’ve wet sanded the entire area, switch to 2000 or 3000 grit sandpaper and repeat the process to remove any scratches left by the first stage. To learn how to buff and wax your car after wet sanding, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish French Arabic Portuguese Indonesian German
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 325,676 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Ed Roberson

    Ed Roberson

    Sep 22, 2020

    "I've done clear coat wet sanding lots of times but when you get old, it helps to go over it for a refresher...." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Angel Ricardo Co-authored by: Angel Ricardo Auto Technician Co-authors: 12 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 325,676 91% of readers found this article helpful. 32 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote Ed Roberson

Ed Roberson

Sep 22, 2020

"I've done clear coat wet sanding lots of times but when you get old, it helps to go over it for a refresher...." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 4, 2017

"Have some clear coat peeling, need to fix. Looks and sounds straightforward, will give it a try. Thanks." Rated this article: Trevor O'Boyle

Trevor O'Boyle

Nov 23, 2016

"Very helpful straightforward with step-by-step instructions, so easy for beginners to use." Richard Hudspeth

Richard Hudspeth

Jul 19, 2017

"It helped me do it right!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Does Your Car Say About You?What Does Your Car Say About You?Analyze MeWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Wet Sand a Clear CoatHow toWet Sand a Clear CoatSand a Car for RepaintingHow toSand a Car for RepaintingWet Sand WoodHow toWet Sand WoodUse a Rubbing CompoundHow toUse a Rubbing Compound

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Purity TestPurity TestCrush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Crush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Rate My Personality QuizRate My Personality QuizWhich Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?What's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizIf I Had A Baby, What Would It Look Like?If I Had A Baby, What Would It Look Like?

Featured Articles

Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Tie a Loop KnotHow toTie a Loop KnotMake Body OilHow toMake Body OilMake Almond MilkHow toMake Almond MilkWash White Clothes by HandHow toWash White Clothes by HandSkin a ChickenHow toSkin a ChickenClean Tile Floors with VinegarHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar

Trending Articles

What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizMusic Taste Analyzer: What Do Your Favorite Artists Say About You?Music Taste Analyzer: What Do Your Favorite Artists Say About You?My Lookalike GeneratorMy Lookalike Generator Tell if a Guy Likes YouHow to Tell if a Guy Likes YouHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizLose Weight FastHow toLose Weight Fast

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Cars & Other Vehicles
  • Cars
  • Car Maintenance and Repair
  • Cleaning Cars
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --711

Tag » What Is Wet Sanding A Car