3m Disc Sandpaper: Adhesive vs. Hookit

3M claims to be durable, reliable and built  with quality, I agree.  However, not all disc sandpapers are the alike.

I used both the adhesive and Hookit type sanding discs and I can tell you that Hookit is the best.

Here are the pro's and cons of both:

Hookit Sanding Discs

Pros:

1.  Hookit allows  you to reuse the disc  sandpaper more often than its counterpart
2.  Works while wet and will not fall off when wet
3.   3M Hookit interface pad (part Number 05777) works great and only available for hookit type sanding discs
4.  Just  feels right.

Cons:
1.  Only available in large quantities
2.  Not readily available in autoshops
3.  Can't use on Durablocks unless you have 3M's Hookit Blocks (part  No. 05687, Large block)

Adhesive Sanding Discs

Pros:
1.  Can be used on Durablocks
2.  Available in almost all Automotive parts stores
3.  Cheaper especially since you don't have to buy in large quantities
4.  Can be reused*
5.  You can stick to the back of your buddy

Cons:
1.  Limited on times you can reuse
2.  Don't drop the disc unless you want  dirt and whatever else gets lifted from the ground
3.  No interface pad
4.  Adhesive not waterproof
5.  Not as  durable as Hookit counterpart

So, there you have it.  If your going to invest in Sanding Discs, spend the extra cash and buy the Hookit options, it will save you time and money in the short term.

Till next time.

-Noah

Valspar Paint and Review

I kept my finger's crossed till about the time I shot and boy I'm very please with Valspar.  The match was right on and the coverage was excellent when compared to its rival Nason.  I immediately notice the difference from when I opened the can and I'm very happy with  the results.  It's priced a little higher than nason  but given the material saved vs. cost, Valspar won this round.  Here's the vehicle I  shot using Valspar (metallic silver).

Valspar Metallic Silver
3 medium wet coats
2 coats clear

The lower bumper on both Right and left had deep scratches that needed filler/prime/paint.  The damage at the center of the bumper was repaired and also spotted.

Another view, the area above the emblem was spotted to hide putty used to repair stone chips.

Effect had moderate damage that was repaired using filler and repainted.

Another one down, black Hyundai Forte Hood

 

On this Hyundai Forte, there are fine scratches that look like they where made by a steel wool. I did the least aggressive method first and attempted to "cut and buff" to no success. 

The only other solution was to repaint over the damage. The scratches were not deep enough for primer, however, it took wetsanding with 400 then 600 to level the area to where painting can core the damage. 

(The picture above is how it looked after wetsanding).

This is the finished product. It took 3 medium coats to cover the scratches. 

After two coats of clear and a cut and buff, this vehicle was good to go.

Note:  The front bumper was spotted aswell. 

Lessons learned: 

1.  Black covers quickly and easily 

2.  Color matching is easier

3.  Black scratches are easier to see :)

DeVilbiss 803311 SRiPro Spot Repair Gun

Finally,  my next goal has been achieved!  Just ordered my Spot Gun!  Using the Plus gun for every repair was tuff but now that it has an ally, I'm very excited about what's to come.  I will  post a review in the future. 

Also, I will be giving the Dekups system a try.  Should be fun!

This Ford Focus was fun

This car was a little more work than expected but I'm glad that it came out great.  I had to spot paint the front and rear bumpers and cut off at the body line at the Quarter Panel.  This job was an econo job so I had cut costs by not removing as much parts as possible.

 

 

 

Here is a view of the after photo.  Color blends in nicely.

As you  can see, the bodyline on the Qtr. panel came in handy for this blend

Fender came out decent, Mission accomplished on this job.

Valspar Automotive paint 1 of 2

Last night I had the opportunity to use a new paint from a new distributor.  Valspar Automotive paint.   To give a quick summary, I have shot Dupont, Nason, & PPG.  I really adore Dupont because of the color matching ease, however, with budget/econo  jobs, going cheaper on the paint is necessary to make a profit.  Normally, nason would be my choice of econo paint, however, a new player has come to the table.

Valspar Paint is, so far, awesome.  I opened up the pint can I got from A-line and I immediately noticed the difference in color, thickness and quality.  I reduced it 75 percent than what it asked and shot the paint.  Before I continue, let me add that it was a silver metallic.

The paint shot clean, color looked great both on the test panel and bumper and needed 3 coats to cover primer spots vs nason where i  used several more coats.

So far, Valspar shows a great promise in budget/econo paint.  I'm going to buy again today for this black Hyundai Forte I just got in,  I  will post an update soon...

-Fingers Crossed-