Front Grille Stripe - messed up painting - sand it out?

[hkswrxti]

So I screwed up my spare front grille stripe awhile back when I was painting my main front grille stripe (came out excellent). I was curious if you could sand this out smoothly. There are a bunch of finger print dents on it; some areas are slightly rough.

If yes, what sand paper grit should I get (strongest to smooth out?)

NEW PICS on pg. 2

Here are some pics:

 

[shelbzz]

im pretty sure you can just sand it all out with a 400 then redo the paint

 

[patrick_irwin]

I would just use some paint remover.

sanding would be hard, since it is so small and not flexible at all.

do small thin coats of paint

 

[kevvve]

yea use some laquer thinner and be gentle

 

[shelbzz]

^ that would be a good idea too

 

[hkswrxti]

how do you use laquer thinner? never used that before?

 

[shelbzz]

how do you use laquer thinner? never used that before?

you just put a little bit on a rag or a cheap MF and wipe it right over the paint

 

[hkswrxti]

you just put a little bit on a rag or a cheap MF and wipe it right over the paint

it wouldnt smooth it out, would it?

 

[shelbzz]

it removes each layer of paint. just rub it all over and the paint will come right off onto the rag.

 

[hkswrxti]

it removes each layer of paint. just rub it all over and the paint will come right off onto the rag.

after that, do I just sand it out?

Also, what do i need to be careful/gentle about when using the laquer thinner?

 

[shelbzz]

after that, do I just sand it out?

Also, what do i need to be careful/gentle about when using the laquer thinner?

the only reason you would have to sand it is if the thinner isn't removing all of the paint smoothly.

of course it's really flammable, try not to spill it on yourself and don't plan on using the rag to wash your car later. just normal cautions really.

 

[shelbzz]

oh and clean the stripe before and after using the thinner.

 

[hkswrxti]

Alright, if I have any more questions, i'll let you know. Thanks for the help, shelbzz :thumbsup:

anyone else have any input, feel free to chime in.

 

[itskv]

I've used Paint Remover from local store (kragen/orielly) on my Jetta Grille last week. The paint literally became like wet newspaper and i used a card and scraped it off with ease. No need to sand it. I'm not sure how well the Paint Remover will work on the stripe (plastic).. so this is a disclaimer.

it worked on my Jetta front mask & Jetta chrome slats(it was painted before).

 

[ABQGTI08]

Use plastic primer after stripping and sanding to get the paint something to stick to.

I'm about to Plasti Dip my strip red, after dry carbon wrap the front mask.