New to me truck - will the paint polish?

[IT Cowboy]

I purchased a truck yesterday and the paint is a bit shiny but it isn't glossy or super smooth and it has a very slight orange peel to it. I think it is single stage as some suggested as it was re-painted 10 years ago and it looks like they never polished it fully. I am going to try to find a out of the way spot on it to test to see if it will polish. I will probably use Maguires light polish and then put a good sealant over it if it comes out nice.

Any suggestions how to test or approach this or what to do? Edit: I have to RO polishers in different sizes. I am also wondering if I need to wet sand it first with 2k grit?

Link to pic, I cannot post? If you click on it to add the + and go full size you can see the orange peel on it

https://i.ibb.co/8DjrwSKs/yellow-fender.jpg

Hereis a link to a new pic. This ones shows the sun shining on the paint but it isn't reflecting

https://i.ibb.co/BMQRTkM/yellow-sun.jpg

[72c20customcamper]

Hand polishing will only get you so far I would suggest an orbital buffer . I use a Flex brand with great results even on dead paint this is my 68 if your not comfortable doing it you can get a detail shop to do it . You would be amazed at the results a good detailer can get

[IT Cowboy]

I am also wondering if I need to wet sand it with 2k grit first?

I have 2 different size random orbital polishers with all color of pads.

[72c20customcamper]

I would test the paint in an inconspicuous spot as to how the paint reacts to sanding . If it’s a single stage it should take well to color sanding I’m always apprehensive of cutting clear because there’s really no way of telling its thickness . The only reason to cut and buff is to correct defects

[IT Cowboy]

I dont expect a show finish and I think it looks nice as it is but it could be better.

[72c20customcamper]

I would just buff it with a mild abrasive then polish. I really like the Griots ultra polish with a finish pad prior to wax

[IT Cowboy]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

I would just buff it with a mild abrasive then polish. I really like the Griots ultra polish with a finish pad prior to wax

I have used and like Griots 2-step compound and polish. I think they make a 3 step now too.

[Classics Fan]

I’ve done paint correction with a dual action polisher on several different vehicles with varying levels of paint condition needing attention. I use Chemical Guys Optical Grade polishes. Before attempting an aggressive action like wet sanding I’d start with their #34 (hybrid compound) to smooth out the orange peel. If that didn’t yield desired results I’d drop down to #32 then move through #34, then #36 (fine polish) and finish it with #38 final polish, then finish with ceramic coat or paint sealant. Your pad density will also play into the effectiveness of the various polishes. From your pictures it looks like you could achieve great results with this approach.

Chemical Guys has good videos on their website for much more detail, tips and guidance.