Orange peel?Some or wetsand?

[Hoody]

I am attempting to build a museum quality bus for a day.It'sa78 Dakotata biege.I am leaning towards single stage.Should i have it wet sanded and buffed?Leave some orange peel?I am thinking glass smooth single stage.The man has told me that going that route I may as well go base clear,I disagree.Can you have gone the single stage route shed some light?Thanks for your help.Anyone with pics would be greatly appreciated

[MODIFIER]

A clearcoat is not required for a slick glossy paintjob.
If you are going for factory style paint, you need to remove trash and runs and any really heavy orange peel.
a museum finish is generally not considered a "show" finish and would be easily done by any competent painter,
If your bus is being done in a pro booth with a bake cycle, (this is the very best way) and the paint is nice and relativley clean, I would not buff it.
Buffing removes that glossy hard shell and will be harder to maintain than the baked surface.
granted, your paint job has been baked, but the cutting process cuts down to a slightly softer surface that will scratch easier and swirl with washings and chip easier.
_________________
Happyasshell
USC USMC DAD OORAH!
ASE MASTER TECH BODY/PAINT and MECHANICAL

62 Beetle
63 Vert
64 Beetle
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[66buggie]

[DonnieDarko]

I've never heard it either. Buffing (unless you're doing it with some insane gritted compound) barely removes any clear and only gets rid of fine scratches. I never heard of it "removing the hard shell from the clear." Hell, the "hard shell" is the clear

You could buff all day on an orange-peeled car and you wouldn't do much to it. WETSANDING can remove a good amount (and if you're not careful, remove completely) of the top coat of clear to a flat shiny surface.

I suppose you could say wetsanding removes the hard shiny finish, but it doesn't remove all of it unless you over sand. All you're doing it taking off the top coat to get rid of the orange peel and other imperfections.
_________________
1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle - Daily Driver/Rolling Project Beater - Stock w/ GT Style Exhaust
1972 Volkswagen Bus - Project
1970 Volkswagen Standard Beetle - Baja Project

I pick cheap and reliable.

[MODIFIER]

[buguy]

So you think that the top layer is harder than the underlying ones? From the baking process? I have done and seen both, but never have had any testing to base any oppinion either way. I do however feel that if you want a really good looking finish, cut and buff is a must.

[MODIFIER]

The surface of the baked finish is more durable before cutting and buffing.
I love a good cut and buff job, It makes a paintjob itno show quality if done correctly.
This was my last baked nonbuffed paintjob, loved this thing...

This one I buffed out.

another slick one from a few years ago.

I hate buffing Beetles,

I know these pics dont show much, but they are all I have on here.
I need to scan some of the good shit I have and get it posted up.
_________________
Happyasshell
USC USMC DAD OORAH!
ASE MASTER TECH BODY/PAINT and MECHANICAL

62 Beetle
63 Vert
64 Beetle
https://www.facebook.com/SmartFarmServices

[Hoody]

So back to the original question.Single stage?Can I have it color sanded and polished?Should I not have it touched once it comes out of the oven?My 76 FJ40 is base clear.My fear is the bus will look over restored with the base clear.Single stage done by a pro,leave it?Single stage sand and polish?

[MODIFIER]

[buguy]

Yes you can have it color sanded and buffed. I think the only ones to really look over restored are the ones painted black that are just slick like it is water pouring over them.