PAINT PREP 3. All paint and rust in the aff ected area needs to be removed using a grinding disc. Th en, apply and fi nish the body fi ller per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Aft er initial leveling and smoothing of the body fi ller, that area should be sanded with 180 to 220 grit sandpaper, with a fi nal sanding done using an orbital sander. Th en, clean that area with a solvent and wipe dry. 4. Apply two to three coats of two-component primer – per the manufacturer’s recommendations – to the surface 10 | Collision Repair | AUGUST 2016 Surface preparation involves inspection and treatment to ready the surface for refinishing or painting. The objective is to make sure the repairs and new coating will hold up over time. Photo courtesy of Axalta Coating Systems to cover the body fi ller. Block sand as needed using 180 to 220 grit sand paper to ensure a smooth profi le. 5. Th e area then should be cleaned with a solvent and spot primed as necessary. Do a fi nal sanding with 220 grit or fi ner sandpaper. 6. Aft er the sanding operation is complete, blow off all dust, then clean with a solvent. Once these steps are complete, TMC RP 411A says the vehicle now is ready for application of the appropriate top coat, which needs to be selected to meet the operating needs of the vehicle. MATERIAL DIFFERENCES Th e RP points out that “diff erent substrates require diff erent preparation procedures due to diff erences in material composition, hardness and the ability to withstand various corrosive substances.” It off ers detailed surface preparation procedures for commonly used materials, including media blasting, steel, aluminum and galvanized metals, fi berglass and composite materials, fl exible substrates and painted surfaces. RP 411A, Vehicle Surface Preparation for Painting is but one of more than 400 RPs contained in TMC’s Recommended Practices Manual. It has been widely recognized as one of the leading equipment maintenance and maintenance shop management information guides available for commercial vehicles. Th is manual is available from TMC in both book and CD format. For details, contact TMC by phone at 703-838-1763 or email tmc@trucking.org. David A. Kolman is editor of Fleet Maintenance, the only publication that provides a wide-ranging curriculum and best practices to enable readers to keep vehicles operating with greatest efficiency and minimal downtime, and improve their personal performance. An award-winning journalist, he has been actively involved in the North American transportation industry for more than 30 years. Some general vehicle painting guidance When it comes to selecting the proper vehicle coating, there is a key difference between single-stage and basecoat/clearcoat paints, notes Christopher Papa, marketing manager, Axalta Coating Systems. “A basecoat/ clearcoat system is designed to protect the vehicle with an enhanced degree of durability and gloss retention that should help lead to a longer lifecycle of the asset in extreme weather conditions.” Axalta (www.axaltacs.com) is a leading global supplier of liquid and powdercoatings. Another important thing to keep in mind is that surface preparation prior to painting “is a critical step in the finishing process,” he says. “Failure to properly prepare the surface can lead to many types of adhesion and paint defects.” Axalta recommends that all professional painters follow standard preparation processes, including: • Cleaning and degreasing surfaces. • Being sure the surface is completely dry before applying undercoats or topcoats. • Using an adhesion promoter when necessary. • Applying a primer or sealer to the recommended film build. • Selecting the appropriate topcoat based on customer needs. • Ensuring proper measuring of paint and components. • Allowing adequate flash and dry times. Different substrates require different preparation procedures prior to painting due to differences in material composition, hardness and the ability to withstand various corrosive substances. Photo from iStock
FleetMaintenance_August_2016
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