tips for touching up paint

[Trunks]

Before i actually start the sanding and painting anyone got some tips? What i'm doing is where there are rust spots, none of the spots are huge so i'm just sanding it , priming it, painting it, clear-coating it. sand paper i'm starting with 80 grit, going to 150 then finally 220 grit. and i had the paint mixed to match my color. so like i said before i start , is there any pointers that i should know

[mcjoslyn]

Just some general tips:

1. Take your time. Make sure everything is dry and clean before the next step.
2. Get a sanding block. Don't sand with your hand, you'll leave marks.
3. If you can feel it, you'll be able to see it. Feather everything back and buff it smooth.
4. Take your time.
5. You'll want a lot finer grit sandpaper. Even as fine as 1500, especially for the clear coat.
6. Lots of thin coats are better than a few thick ones.
7. Take your time.

Good luck!

[HiWire]

I agree w/ the sanding. Your gonna need to work up to 1500 to make it look good. It will only look as good as the time and prep you put into it.

[Trunks]

use 1500 even though i will be using self-etching primer? (i'm assuming self etching means that it fills in scrathes etc and still is smooth on the side w/out scratches)
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>5. You'll want a lot finer grit sandpaper. Even as fine as 1500, especially for the clear coat.<hr></blockquote> especially for the clear coat? do you mean i have to sand each layer, rust, primer,color,clear?

[mcjoslyn]

Sand each layer, but you only need the 1500 on the final color coat and the clear coat. Self etching primer means it will "etch" the metal/paint to improve adhesion. It won't smooth out any scratches.