sand.

Wet sanding = Epic Fail.

In my book, anyways.  I started a test patch a couple of days ago to test out the "wet sanding" before I apply the technique to the entire bike... Good thing. The idea is that you use a super-fine paper (try 400-grit, waterproof) and windex (or any glass cleaner) to sand the surface of the final color coat lightly.  Then you apply your gloss (or other finish coat.)  It may have to do with the very dark color I'm using, but after a light all-over with the wet paper, the look was pastel and streaky. Ugh. Even after a wipe down with a damp cloth, the look didn't change. Now, in it's defense, as I sprayed the gloss, the streaks and lightness disappeared; I was left with a great looking finish. But. Really, who wants to do all the extra (and might I add, very messy) work to get the same finish as you would without the wet-sand?  If you're an expert, I have a few questions... Does this help the top coat out in any way? Maybe the gloss lasts longer, or adheres better? I'm going to check mine out in the morning to see if it's just really fantastic, but otherwise, the wet-sand is a step I'll be skipping.

Before and after gloss.  Using the bubbles as a reference, can you see a difference? I think the finish looks much the same...