Paint Correction: Removing Dirt Nibs

Applying the perfect final finishing to any classic car is rarely a perfect process and there are a number of things that can or will go wrong during the process, but what separates a good paint job from a great paint finish is knowing how to correct any flaws that do occur. Common issues in garage painted cars include dust nibs in the finish, runs and sags or a rough finish often referred to as orange peel. Mark Simpson joins up with expert body man Matt Roehrick of MCA Customs to demonstrate how to remove dust and dirt nibs in an automotive finish.

Roehrick explains, Dust and dirt nibs refer to small imperfections or specks of debris embedded in a car’s paint finish, often introduced during the painting or curing process. These imperfections are caused by airborne dust, dirt, or lint settling on the wet paint or clear coat, leading to an uneven surface and detracting from the smooth, glossy finish desired in a freshly painted car.

Steps to Correct and Remove Dust & Dirt Nibs

Inspect and Identify Nibs
Carefully examine the painted surface under proper lighting to identify the location and extent of the imperfections. A bright light or inspection lamp can help highlight these defects.

Clean the Surface
Use a clean microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution to remove surface dust or contaminants. Ensure the area is completely clean to avoid introducing additional scratches during correction.

Sand the Affected Area
Wet sanding is the preferred method to remove dust nibs while minimizing damage to surrounding paint:

– Use fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 1500 to 3000 grit, depending on severity).
– Soak the sandpaper in water with a drop of car shampoo for lubrication.
– Lightly sand the nibbed area in a cross hatch motion until the surface feels smooth.

Be cautious not to sand too aggressively, especially on edges, to avoid cutting through the clear coat or paint layer.

Polish to Restore Shine
After sanding, the affected area will appear dull. Use a dual-action polisher or rotary buffer with an appropriate polishing compound:

– Start with a cutting compound to remove sanding marks.
– Follow with a finer polish to restore gloss and match the surrounding finish.

Prevent Future Issues
Maintain a clean, dust-free environment during future painting processes. Use proper ventilation, tack cloths, and ensure the work area is as contaminant-free as possible. Use a paint booth or similar setup to reduce airborne particles.

Tools and Materials Needed
– Fine-grit wet/dry sandpaper (1500–3000 grit)
– Water with a few drops of car shampoo
– Microfiber cloths
– Polishing compounds (cutting and finishing)
– Dual-action polisher or rotary buffer

Matt concludes: By carefully following these steps, dust and dirt nibs can be effectively removed, restoring the paint’s smoothness and showroom-like finish.