Can 5000-grit sandpaper be used for car paint polishing?
2 Answers
5000-grit sandpaper can be used for polishing car paint. Generally, sandpaper comes in specifications such as 80, 120, 180, 240, 320, 400, 600, 1000, and 2000 grit. The higher the grit number, the finer the polishing effect, resulting in a smoother surface. Since 5000 grit is among the higher specifications of sandpaper, its polishing effect on car paint is undoubtedly trustworthy. Below is more relevant information: Precautions: 1. The polishing effect of 5000-grit sandpaper is not solely determined by the sandpaper itself; it is also greatly influenced by the polishing technique and method. If the technique or method is incorrect, it may not only fail to achieve the desired polishing effect but could also cause damage to the car paint. It is recommended to use toothpaste or polishing compound during the polishing process for better results. 2. Always pay attention to the polishing surface, controlling the pressure and duration of polishing. If you notice large areas of whitening on the car paint, stop immediately to avoid further damage. 3. Polishing car paint should not rely solely on sandpaper. It is advisable to use a specialized mechanical polisher for further treatment to achieve a better finish. Additionally, polished car paint becomes thinner, so applying a layer of paint over the polished surface is recommended. You can also wax the car's surface for added shine and protection.
I remember specifically researching sandpaper grit when dealing with car paint scratches last time. 5000-grit sandpaper can indeed be used in the final polishing stage, but it's like the principle of nail polishing—it must be paired with follow-up steps. In actual operation, you need to keep the sandpaper fully wet, using an almost pressure-free circular motion for sanding. After treatment, the paint surface will appear matte and foggy. At this point, don’t stop—you must use a polisher with a gloss restorer to bring back the shine. If you only dry-polish with 5000-grit sandpaper, you’ll end up seeing countless fine spiral marks under sunlight. It’s recommended to prepare a spray bottle and grinding lubricant, wetting the area every three-finger-width section you sand. This way, treating half a square meter of paint will take over half an hour.
