Automotive Refinishing

SOP - Clearcoat Small 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.

CSAF-Step-1-Sand

Microstar® P1500
FM-608-1500

MR-350 Sander
(3", 5mm orbit)
913GV Backup Pad
9133 Interface Pad

Polarstar® P1500
FA-608-1500

MR-350 Sander
(3", 5mm orbit)
913GV Backup Pad
9133 Interface Pad

Q.Silver® P1500
2C-608-1500

MR-350 Sander
(3", 5mm orbit)
913GV Backup Pad
9133 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.

CSAF-Step-2-Finesse

Abralon® 3000
8A-203-3000

MR-350 Sander (3", 5mm orbit)
913GV 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

MR-30 Rotary Buffer
(3", 5mm orbit)
MPADTW-3 Wool Pad

Polishing Compound 15
PC15-1L

MR-30 Rotary Buffer
 (3", 5mm orbit)
MPADTW-3 Wool Pad

Buff using polishing compound in conjunction with a twisted wool pad (MPADTW-3)

Use a moderate speed 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-3)

CSAF-Step-4-Polish

Polishing Compound 10
PC10-1L

MPADBF-3.25 Black Foam Pad
MR-30 Rotary Palm Buffer

Polishing Compound F05
MMF05-1L

MPADBF-3.25 Black Foam Pad
MR-30 Rotary Palm Buffer

Polish using polishing compound with a black foam pad (MPADBF-3.25).

Use a moderate to prevent “burning” the finish.