So, after my heater core sprang an impressive leak I decided to replace the carpet. Naturally I had to remove the front and rear seats. Naturally, since I had the rear seat out it was a good idea to refinish the center speaker surround. Black lacquer paint. Sanded down to bare metal, two coats of primer and now two top coats of the black. I've heard about "rubbing" out the lacquer but don't really know how. Enlighten me please! Dan

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Awww, fer cyrin out loud, there's that IMPALA guy again.

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ss3964spd?d&.flabel=fld1&.src=ph

Assuming you are talking about a Chevelle rear speaker surround, I wouldn't be concerned about rubbing it out unless you have dust/dirt nibs. They were a semi-gloss originally.

However, if you are bound and determined to "rub it out", go buy yourself some Turtle Wax White Polishing Compound. Use that with a reasonably soft cloth and rub until you get the shine that you want. Then, apply whatever wax/polish that floats your boat.

If you spray the paint in a reasonably clean atmosphere with the proper "wetting", no rubbing should be necessary.

Thanks VF. No, this surround is for my '66 Impala SS. To be honest I assummed it should be gloss but I suppose now would be a good time to research it.

Tragically, I'm a painting idiot. The proper "wetting" you say? This lacquer came out of an spray can.

I don't know many coats of paint I need, if I should use sand paper, if so what grits, if there was a special compound to use (fast cut, fine cut?) etc-etc. I have a 3M fine cut product that is supposed to be applied by hand. It contains quartz silica. Will that do the trick?

Thanks again...

Dan

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Awww, fer cyrin out loud, there's that IMPALA guy again.

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ss3964spd?d&.flabel=fld1&.src=ph

[This message has been edited by ss3964spd (edited 05-16-2002).]

Dan, don't try to rub paint sprayed out of a can. It's not meant to be sanded, rubbed, or buffed. You're only asking for frustration.
If you must use cheap rattle can paint, spray it and leave it.

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MY 69 (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/xchange/xchange.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=22&exact_match=on&photo_size=full)
My 65 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/JPs65frt.jpg)

Thanks for the candid, honest advise Jimmy. Since it's such a small part I decided to test a little. here's what I did:

Sanded to bare metal, two coats of primer/filler, very light sanding with 600, two coats of color. Very light sanding again with 600 (that's all I had), followed by 3 kind of heavy coats of color. Thankfully I didn't get any runs or eyes.

I let it bake in the sun for two hours then let it cool in the garage for an hour. Hit it with some medium cut compound, followed by a fine cut, then waxed it.

It really turned out nice - very smooth.

Regards, Dan

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Awww, fer cyrin out loud, there's that IMPALA guy again.

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ss3964spd?d&.flabel=fld1&.src=ph