Auto body repair & detailing: paint run, tone paint scheme, two tone paint

Question
Hi, i have painted several times and have very good luck with it, I am mostly a novice/hobby body guy, i just painted a hood (about 5 minutes ago actualy) and in the one place that wont receive the other color for the two tone, i got a run. first time in a long time, the hose snagged and the gun sat in that spot for just that split second too many. i did blow it flat as best i could with the gun, and added another coat in that area to try and cover it up, but, to no end, its still there, and very visible. i am using a single stage enamel, linco 3. my question is, if i am painfully careful, could i possibly wet sand it out and buff and blend and avoid trying to spot paint (quiver) or repaint the entire area? it stretches about 5 inches by 2 inches, its on the left sill corner of the hood (in all places, of course) in a beige color (pastel sandstone).

if i can, how long should i let the paint sit? as well, this is my first two tone paint scheme, how long should i wait until i can mask, scotch brite, and add the top color?


any advice would be much appreciated,

regards, Paul

Answer
You are up a creek if the run is in the silver paint. High metallic paints like silver don't lend themselves to being sanded and buffed, and this is especially true with runs. If the run is in a solid color, you might get away with it, but solids tend to separate out when over applied. That means, when you try to sand out the run, it's highly likely that you will see an obvious outline of the run, even if all physical traces have been removed. I suggest doing the 2 tone, then repairing and refinishing the affected area. If your 2 tone doesn't include 2 colors on the hood, then the entire hood must be refinished. Wait 2-3 days on acrylic enamel before 2 toning, and double mask over the new paint. Enamel is very soft, and the wet paint on the masking paper can easily soften up the paint it's supposed to protect. Once the second color paint is out of dirt, immediately unmask the areas you taped up. This will prevent paint bleeding from the masking paper onto the previously painted finish, and help avoid tape transfer marks. Bill