Automotive Refinishing

SOP - Clearcoat Large Area Finishing

• Remove dirt nibs, runs or sags in clear coats.
• Match original paint surface texture.

Mirka Abrasives recommends the Unique or Best product for these applications. To customize your SOP, click the color coded box to choose the Good/Better/Best/Unique product for each step.

Step 1 - Sand

Microstar® P1500
FM-622-1500

MRP-650CV Sander
(6", 5mm orbit)
916SGV48 Backup Pad
1066F Interface Pad

Polarstar® P1500
FA61105094

MRP-650CV Sander
(6", 5mm orbit)
916SGV48 Backup Pad
1066F Interface Pad

Q.Silver® P1500
2C-6211-1500

MRP-650CV Sander
(6", 5mm orbit)
916SGV48 Backup Pad
1066F Interface Pad

Basecut® P1500
22-622-1500

MRP-650CV Sander
(6", 5mm orbit)
916SGV48 Backup Pad
1066F Interface Pad

Sand with 1500 grit (dry) using moderate speed.

The clear should “powder” when sanding. If you can not produce dust, then it is not dry enough to sand. Sanding too early risks producing “pills” which will damage the surface.

CLAF-Step2-Finesse

Abralon® 3000
8A-241-3000

MRP-650CV 
(6", 5mm orbit)
916SGV48 Backup Pad

Refine sand scratches using 3000 grit Abralon with a 50% overlap pattern (wet).

Spray the pad and surface with clean water. If too much is used, it will be evident by water “slinging” from the  pad, and the abrasive will float over the surface with reduced cutting action.

Step 3 - Buff

Polishing Compound 35
PC35-1L

MPADTW-7.5-1.5 Wool Pad

(7" Rotary Buffer)

Polishing Compound 15
PC15-1L

MPADLW-7.5

(7" Rotary Buffer)

Buff using polishing compound in conjunction with a twisted wool pad (MPADTW-7.5-1.5).

Use a slow speed (1,500 rpm) to prevent “burning” the finish.

Keep the pad clean from compound build-up. (If shop does not use twisted wool, you can substitute a lambs wool pad MPADLW-7.5)

Step 4 - Polish

Polishing Compound 10
PC10-1L

MPADBF-8 Black Foam Pad

(7" Rotary Buffer)

Polishing Compound F05
MM05-1L

MPADBF-8 Black Foam Pad

(7" Rotary Buffer)

Polish using polishing compound with a black foam pad (MPADBF-8).

Use a slow speed (1,500 rpm) to prevent “burning” the finish.