During the final stages of wet sanding a show-quality paint finish, what specific grit progression and lubricant type are utilized to eliminate previous sanding marks while preparing the surface for compounding without introducing haze or micro-scratches detectable under direct light?

During the final stages of wet sanding a show-quality paint finish, the specific grit progression is meticulously followed to refine the surface and eliminate previous sanding marks while preparing it for compounding without introducing haze or micro-scratches. This process typically begins with 1500-grit sandpaper, especially if initial surface leveling or more aggressive defect removal was performed. "Grit" refers to the size of the abrasive particles on the sandpaper; a higher number indicates finer, less aggressive particles. Following the 1500-grit, the surface is then wet sanded with 2000-grit sandpaper. This step serves to refine the scratch pattern left by the 1500-grit, making the marks shallower. Next, 2500-grit sandpaper is used, further reducing the depth of the 2000-grit marks. The progression then moves to 3000-grit sandpaper, which creates an extremely fine, uniform scratch pattern. This step is crucial for minimizing the work required during the compounding stage and for preventing "haze," which is a subtle, diffuse cloudiness caused by very fine, unrefined scratches that scatter light. For the absolute highest show-quality finishes, an additional step with 5000-grit sandpaper is often employed after 3000-grit. This final sanding stage leaves an almost polished surface, with microscopic scratches that are then easily and quickly removed during the subsequent compounding process, ensuring maximum clarity and gloss. "Wet sanding" is the process of sanding with a liquid lubricant, which is essential for show-quality results. The sole and critical lubricant type utilized throughout this entire wet sanding process is clean, plain water. Water acts as a vital medium to continuously float away sanding residue, known as "swarf," which consists of abraded paint particles and loosened abrasive grit. This continuous flushing action prevents the sandpaper from clogging, which would otherwise lead to uncontrolled, deeper scratching and marring of the surface, as well as preventing excessive heat buildup. The lubricating action of water also significantly reduces friction between the sandpaper and the paint, allowing the abrasive particles to cut cleanly and uniformly, thereby creating the consistent scratch pattern necessary to avoid haze and micro-scratches detectable under direct light when preparing for "compounding." "Compounding" is the subsequent step where abrasive liquids and mechanical buffers are used to remove these microscopic sanding marks and bring the finish to a high gloss.