I just bought a 2001 Audi A6 Quatro with 103,000 miles. The only problem is with the paint. My question is how is the paint sprayed on? and has anyone wet-sanded thiers before. I have done wet-sanding before so that is not a problem. I just want to know if I could wet-sand this car?

I do relize that not all of it will come out but it does not hurt to try.

 

I would wet sand as a last resort as clear coats on our cars are extremely thin. What type of tape was used on the rear. If it was Duct tape, you might be able to remove the residue with Goo Gone or similar product. If you can remove the residue, great! Afterwards I would first try a complete clean, clay bar,seal and wax. Get a hold of a great buffer like a DeWalt or a Porter Cable, try www.autopia.org . I own both and they are awesome. You will need several pads for the product you will be using. I love using 3M products although there are other great ones out there. Do the full system on one part of the car, use your hood!

I would use the 3M Mild or Medium Cut Compound, followed by 3M Swirl & Scratch Remover (they have 2 types for light and dark colored cars), followed by a sealer and finish with a pure Caranuba Wax and check your results. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Paints can also be damaged beyond repair, so the best you could do would be to minimize the damage. Wet sanding areas like the hood and truck will take a good bit of time and you will need a constant water source flowing on themto keep the areas free of debris and to keep the sandpaper as clean as possible.

Hope this helps and good luck!

OOOO

 

Thanks for the reply. My friend and I split the cost on a dewalt that we share. We both relize that we will not use it all the time so it was cheaper for us to do it this way. I'll try to use the mild compounds first as we both have a medium size collection of different manufactures polish and waxes. The only thing we don't use is Caranuba Wax, it melts at high temps and in the Vegas heat it shows it. And this car will be parked outside as its a third vehicle for me.

 

I suggest a good brand of rubbing compound first, applied with some water to further dilute the abrasives.

 

Update on the paint Question: I striped all the old wax and clay bar the A6. Found out that the haze that I have was clear coated over. YES, I said that right someone clear coated over the dam mess. The only way to get rid of it is to strip the clear coat and repaint the Hood, Roof and Rear side panels. I have afriend that does paint and is coming over next week to find out how much he will charge me at his shop to have it repainted. This was my last resort but there is no other way out of this. At least its just the 4 pieces that need repainting.