Answer
Level orange peel carefully with 1000 or 1200 grit, then refine through 1500, 2000, and 3000 before polishing. Use 800 only for severe texture and with extra caution.
Why it happens
Orange peel is uneven clear coat texture that must be leveled before the surface can polish evenly.
Recommended grit
Use 1000 or 1200 for normal orange peel leveling, then refine with 1500, 2000, and 3000.
Wet or dry
Use wet sanding on fully cured clear coat with clean water, light pressure, and frequent rinsing.
Success check
The orange peel is reduced, the sanding pattern is even, and no clear coat has been cut through.
What to do
- Confirm the clear coat is fully cured before sanding.
- Clean the surface and soak the sheet when wet sanding is appropriate.
- Start with 1200 grit for mild orange peel.
- Use 1000 grit for stronger leveling when 1200 is too slow.
- Use 800 only for severe texture and avoid edges.
- Move through 1500, 2000, and 3000 grit after leveling.
- Polish after the final sanding pattern is even.
Avoid: Do not chase every low spot aggressively. Cutting through clear coat is harder to fix than mild remaining texture.