Hey guys, i got a EM1 grille about a week ago and have been sanding it down to get the previous owners crappy paintjob off. it is almost done being sanded and ready for prime/paint/clear. I have all the paint i need and i have 600 and 1500 sandpaper for wetsanding. My only concern is how many coats to use of each, when i should wetsand, and if i wetsand before clear as well. any input will be appreciated. thanks!
Edit: I also have a EM1 Lip i am going to paint to match the car as well. It is currently black and awaiting sanding.

 

600 grit seems very abrasive for what you're doing... sand the old paint with 220 till it is smooth, then prime it (2-3 coats) and wetsand with 1200 grit, wipe it down with alcohol so it's perfectly clean and smoother than a babys ***. The hit it with some base (3 coats) with flash times around 15min inbetween. Then clear it... Let the clear fully cure (about 5-6 days). If you do it RIGHT, you shouldnt have to wetsand because there wont be orange peel or runs.. BUT if you do get some runs and orange peel, wetsand it with 2000 grit, and buff it with a ball with some meguires m205...

 

should I wetsand the primer coats? some people tell me to, some say the opposite.

 

wait nevermind. missed that part in your post. :p

 

how much time do you suggest between prime coats?

 

It depends... You will see some spots look wet, some dry, wait until it is all one color. Primer will absorb faster in certain areas when you are going over existing paint...

 

if you spray over primer that has been sanded with 1200 grit paper it will not last, after a few bug hits and road debris the paint will start chiping and flaking. 400 grit would be the finest grit paper i would spray over primer

 

idk what sandpaper to use, but my homie sanded my grille down, one coat of primer and 2 coats of paint and came out perfect. it's been 4 months and no peeling or whatsoever of that sort. their was no curing of that 5-6 days stuff ^^ other poster said. but to each his own..

 

^^ That's only for automotive paint and only if you decide to cut and buff...