Overheard a painter say something about clear coat that hit me

Was waiting on parts at a shop in Tacoma last Friday and this old painter, probably 30 years in the trade, told a younger guy "you're not sanding the clear, you're sanding the reflection." That stuck with me all weekend. Made me think about how many times I've rushed through the final sanding pass on a blend panel just to get it done, then had to redo it because the metallic laid down uneven. The real trick is checking your work with a light at an angle, not just feeling for smoothness with your palm. I've started doing a slower crosshatch pass with 1500 grit before buffing, and honestly the gloss comes out way deeper. Anyone else have a random quote from a veteran that changed how they approach a step they thought they had down?

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robertsmith16d ago

Man, that light trick is a total game changer, wish I'd learned it years ago!