Oh No!!! Orange peel!

Don Stauffer

I have indeed sanded out slight imperfections, like dust,  with very fine paper, then gloss-coated and got a good finish.  The key is very fine paper, at least 1000 grit.  In order to eliminate much orange peel with such fine paper, you need to have patience, because it takes quite awhile.  If the paper you are using makes the finish look dull or matt without visible scratches, you are okay.  But glosscoat will not cover any visible scratches or sanding marks....

I spent at least 2.5 hours last night (as I watched a movie) carefully sanding the hull.  I did use 1000 grit and i did get most of the orange peel off.  I actually sanded the entire hull to maintain an even gloss, whats left of it at least.  

I have not decided on the clear coat just yet.  Then again I might just use future on the completed model and not bother with the clear coat.

Light sanding and cleaning with this vibrating toothbrush helped some

I have indeed sanded out slight imperfections, like dust,  with very fine paper, then gloss-coated and got a good finish.  The key is very fine paper, at least 1000 grit.  In order to eliminate much orange peel with such fine paper, you need to have patience, because it takes quite awhile.  If the paper you are using makes the finish look dull or matt without visible scratches, you are okay.  But glosscoat will not cover any visible scratches or sanding marks.

Light wet-sanding sounds like a winner then. As for the clear coat, well, I'll decide when the sanding is done.

Thanks for the input fellas!

I believe the car guys almost always wet sand and clear coat.  Just be sure the paint is really dry first ( you can't smell it ) and use really fine paper (800 - 1000 grit).  Use a light touch and avoid sharp edges.

Don

I would advise as you suggest, light wet sanding, with fine paper & be careful to avoid any edges (where the paint is thinnest), you could also try polishing compound in place of fine paper.

As for the clear coat, it may help, but really depends on how bad the finish is.