Grits to use for orange peel wet sanding

[Detector]

I am wet sanding my urethane paint job to get rid of the orange peel. I started with grit 2000 but its taking a long time. What grit should I use to best remove orange peel but not mess things up?

Thanks

 

[iskwezm]

no less then 1500

 

[geordie]

Agreed, not less than 1500. It's going to take time. Don't go too aggressive with the grit size or you'll end up through the paint. Take your time.

 

[NasaGT]

I've used 1000, but only for a very brief amount before swithing to 1500. Whatever you use be careful, especially near edges. I've lost a day or two to an errant sand on an edge.

 

[TOM B]

You can start with 1000 but be very carefull. Use running warm water , not a bucket ,to keep dirt out of paint. If you have dirt in your water or hose rap a paint filter on the hose to filter it. You will notice when the sand paper looses its bite, it dont take long ,get a new piece, buy a lot of paper as it will save you time.
Use a rubber squeegy in good light to see if the peel is gone then go to 2000 and do it again, then 3000 if your going for that deep shine. depending on how many coats you have on. You dont have to rub hard, let the paper do the work. Use a block or paint stick to sand as this will smooth out the paint. If you use your hand or fingers you wont be happy as you will see all your finger marks when you buff.
Dont sand the edges directly , sand toward the edge and over keeping the stick on the flat panel, dont pull back, then on the other side of the edge do the same thing. This will keep the edges and lines straight without sand throughs.
DONT RUSH IT, Take your time, you will be glad you did.

 

[ddonaca351]

imho... the darker colors like blues and black are less forgiving of say 1200, but on whites or yellows its probably fine. (unless you enjoy LOTTS of polishing with swirl remover...)

15-2K would be good on the darker colors.

Just remember a few extra days now, yeilds years of pride !!!!!

Saving a few hours now, could yeild years of regret.

Be patient... it's worth it.

Dave-