What purpose does a wet sand serve in the final finish process?

In the final finish process, wet sanding plays a crucial role in achieving a smooth and flawless surface on the vehicle's clearcoat. The primary purpose of wet sanding is to eliminate any imperfections, such as dust nibs, orange peel texture, or small scratches that may have occurred during the application or curing of the clearcoat. By using wet sandpaper, which is lubricated with water, the technician is able to gently abrade the surface of the clearcoat without causing excessive damage, allowing for a more refined and mirror-like finish.

This technique also helps to level the clearcoat, ensuring that it has an even thickness and reducing the risk of defects that could affect the final appearance of the paint. The process is typically followed by polishing to restore gloss and enhance the overall look.

In contrast, enhancing the color of the paint, completely removing clearcoat, or creating a textured finish are not aligned with the intended use of wet sanding in the finishing process. Wet sanding is not used to alter the paint's color or texture, but rather to refine the existing surface quality.