1000-2000 grit sandpaper & clear coat?!

[tallest1]

I'm currently painting my computer case - in fact, the final color coat is drying right now. However, I have a question regarding the clear coat process that follows. I was referred to a great tutorial on putting the clear coat on but it said on there that I would need 600-2000 grit sandpaper!

Lowes in my city doesn't have a grit higher than 600, so what should I do now? is there any alternative materials?

And when laying clear coats, do I:

spray, let dry completely, sand, spray, let dry, sand
or
spray, 10 minutes, spray, 10 minutes, spray, dry, sand

If I don't have a 1000-2000 grit sandpaper, should I sand clear coat coat, period?

All advise/tips appreciated. I'll be starting the clear coat in 48 hours and I want to do it right.

 

[flippinfleck]

Grits higher than 600 can be found at your local auto parts dealer or auto body shop. I lucked out and happened to find some 1K & 2K grit at WalMart 🙂

 

[RagManX]

Get higher grit sandpaper at Wal-Mart. For sanding the clearcoat, you need to let it dry, just like you would paint. It is especially important that you wet sand clear-coat, as that's a really easy way to see if you sand the clear-coat too far. If the water shows any hint of color, you're hitting paint, and need to stop and apply more clear-coat. From what I've read, you'll get the best, longest-lasting shine from your paint job if you can let the last coat of paint dry for at least one week before you apply your final glaze to it for protection. I can't speak from experience on that, but I've seen a few folks mention that the longer you let the last coat of paint dry, the better the shine in the long term.

RagManX

 

[tallest1]

If I were to apply multiple layers of clear coat would I apply it, let it dry completely, sand it, and repeat for as many layers as I need? (oh, and how many coats do you recommend?)

and I guess to squeeze a 3rd question in here, how do you recommend making my CD/floppy drives black?