Paint Correction: Removing Orange Peel

While some people assume the hard work is done once you’ve painted your classic car, the truth is applying the paint is just the beginning of the final finishing process. The process of painting a classic car is rarely a perfect process and there are a number of things that can go wrong, but what separates a good painter from a great painter 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 Orange Peel in an automotive finish.

Roehrick explains that ”Orange peel” is a term used in automotive painting to describe a textured or uneven surface that resembles the skin of an orange. This occurs when the paint does not level out properly during the application or drying process. Common causes include improper spraying technique, incorrect paint viscosity, inadequate air pressure, or environmental factors like temperature and humidity.

Steps to Correct and Remove Orange Peel in a Classic Car Paint Finish

Inspect the Surface
Ensure the paint is fully cured before attempting corrections. Follow the manufacturer’s curing time recommendations.

Assess the severity of the orange peel. Light texture may require less aggressive methods, while severe orange peel might need more extensive sanding.

Wet Sanding
Materials Needed: High-quality wet/dry sandpaper (start with 1500-grit and progress to finer grits like 2000 or 3000), water with a bit of soap (as a lubricant), sanding block.

Process:
1. Dip the sandpaper in soapy water to prevent clogging and scratching.
2. Use a sanding block to maintain even pressure and avoid creating dips.
3. Sand lightly in a crosshatch pattern until the surface becomes uniformly dull and the orange peel is no longer visible.
4. Wipe the area clean to check progress frequently.

Polishing
Materials Needed: Dual-action polisher or rotary buffer, cutting compound, polishing pads, and finishing polish.

Process:
1. Apply a cutting compound to the surface.
2. Use the polisher at a moderate speed to remove sanding marks.
3. Follow up with a finer polish to restore a high-gloss finish.

Cleaning and Inspecting
Clean the surface with a microfiber cloth and an appropriate surface cleaner to remove compound residues.
Inspect the finish under good lighting to ensure uniformity and smoothness.

By following these steps, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish on your classic car, and like many skills, there are few shortcuts to experience when it comes to applying a glass like finish on your classic cars every time but just as important is learning the best way to deal with paint irregularities when they do occur.