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The Paint Process
Additional Information
Here at The Great Auto Paint, we prioritize quality craftsmanship along with quality paint. We proudly use Spies Hecker paint, from Axalta Coating Systems. Spies Hecker is one of the most advanced paint systems in the entire world, able to flawlessly match the color of any automobile. Spies Hecker is proudly approved by BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Acura, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Audi, Ford, General Motors, FCA, Tesla, Nissan, Lexus, and many more.
Our refinish technicians are certified in the Spies Hecker paint system along with Gold-class level ICAR trained. We are able to replicate your car's finish to factory spec and leave a professional and premium quality, offering a lifetime warranty.
See below to learn about paint and its refinishing process.
The Refinish Process
Panel Preparation
Base Coat Application 1/2
Substrate application
The beginning of any paint process begins with the proper decontamination of any impurities. After proper cleaning, and any prep work, the car is masked inside and out to protect the entire car from overspray in unwanted areas.
Substrate application
Base Coat Application 1/2
Substrate application
Before the application of any paint, a proper substrate must be prepared. Any exposed metal or plastic is coated with special primers to prevent corrosion and promote adhesion to the panel. Repair areas/ new panels are then coated with primer/sealer to create an even surface to promote a uniform finish for the paint application and create a proper ground coat for color opacity.
Base Coat Application 1/2
Base Coat Application 1/2
Base Coat Application 1/2
Our Low V.O.C waterbase basecoat is applied to the surface where the repair area is located. Unless painting a full panel, the basecoat is used to blend out away from the repair, making the substrate coated with the color coat. This process is finished when the water evaporating from the paint, leaving a dull/flat finish.
Base Coat Application 2/2
Base Coat Application 2/2
Base Coat Application 1/2
After 2-3 coats of the color pigment, it is fully evaporated and checked for opacity with specialized lights that replicate sun light. After Basecoat is verified to be applied correctly, it is now ready for Clear coat application.
Clear Coat Application
Base Coat Application 2/2
Clear Coat Application
The last step in paint application is the clear coat. Clear coat is composed of resins, solvents, and a hardener. A proper application leaves a smooth glossy finish that replicates the rest of OEM paint. Upon drying, the solvents evaporate from the clearcoat, creating a layer of UV protection at the surface of the clear coat.
Baking cycle
Base Coat Application 2/2
Clear Coat Application
After a paint job is done, it is baked to 140 degrees F. This allows for the paint to be fully cured to handle and assemble back together for final delivery. Waxing and automated washing are not recommended for at least 2 weeks for paint to fully harden.
Understanding Paint Refinishing
What is paint?
Often, automotive paint is thought to be a single layer of pigment on a car, but that is far from the truth. In reality, paint is composed of multiple layers of substrates and adhesion promoters to create the smooth finish you see on the surface. Paint is not only a technical application, rather it is a science of chemistry that requires careful considerations for maximum and optimal results.
Here are the basic components of automotive paint on either primers, basecoats, or clear coats
Pigments
- Color Makers: These are the bits that give paint its color. Some pigments are made from minerals or metals, which are super durable and don't fade easily. Others are organic, like those used for bright reds or yellows, which are great for vibrant colors.
- Special Effects: Tiny flakes of metal or mica in the paint give cars that shiny, metallic or pearl-like look. These flakes catch and reflect light, making the color appear deeper and more dynamic.
Binders
- The Glue: Think of binders as the glue that holds everything together. They start off liquid but turn into a hard, protective layer once they dry or are baked on. Common binders are like acrylics, which are tough but flexible, or polyurethanes, which are really strong and shiny.
Solvents
- The Thinner: Solvents are what make paint liquid so it can be sprayed onto a car. They evaporate after application, leaving the solid bits behind to form the paint layer. Nowadays, more paints use water instead of harsh chemicals for this job, which is better for the environment.
Additives
- The Helpers: These are little chemical helpers that do things like make the paint dry faster, keep the color from fading in the sun, or make sure the paint doesn't clump up in the can.
Primer Technology
Automotive primer technology has seen significant advancements to enhance adhesion, corrosion resistance, and ease of application, while also addressing environmental concerns. Here's an in-depth look:
Purpose of Primers
- Adhesion: Provides a surface for topcoats to bond effectively.
- Corrosion Protection: Prevents rust and moisture penetration into metal substrates.
- Surface Preparation: Fills in imperfections and creates a uniform surface for painting.
These advancements in automotive primer technology have led to primers that are not only more effective in protecting and preparing vehicle surfaces but also more aligned with modern environmental standards and production efficiencies.
Basecoat Technology
Modern vehicles have been equipped with waterbased basecoats that have become more effective and safer. Environmental regulations push for lower VOCs, leading to water-based systems for basecoats, improving environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
Purpose of Basecoat
- Color and Effect: Provides the primary color and visual effects like metallic or pearl finishes.
- Layering: Forms a layer between the primer and clearcoat, enhancing adhesion and appearance.
Types of Basecoats
- Solid Basecoats:
- Pure color without special effects, simpler in application but can still require multiple coats for opacity.
- Metallic Basecoats:
- Contain aluminum flakes for a sparkling effect. These flakes are oriented during application to give a "flop" effect where the color appears to change with the viewing angle.
- Pearlescent Basecoats:
- Use mica or other effect pigments to create a multi-dimensional, lustrous appearance, often combined with metallic pigments for enhanced
Clear Coat Technology
Automotive clear coats are the final layer applied over the basecoat, providing both aesthetic enhancement and protective qualities. Here's a more technical look at their chemistry and function:
Purpose and Functions:
- Protection: Shields the basecoat from UV radiation, chemical contaminants, physical damage, and weathering.
- Aesthetics: Enhances gloss, depth, and clarity, giving the paint job a high-quality finish.
- Durability: Increases the longevity of the paint by forming a tough, flexible film.
Understanding these elements helps in appreciating the science behind automotive paint, which balances aesthetic appeal with protection, durability, and environmental considerations.
Blending Adjacent Panels
Why is blending necessary?
When a body shop repairs a vehicle, particularly after damage like dents, scratches, or collision, it's often necessary to blend the paint on panels adjacent to the repaired area. Here's why this process is crucial
Color Match and Consistency:
- Car paint can fade over time due to UV exposure, weather, and other environmental factors. Even if a car is relatively new, different panels might have aged or faded at slightly different rates. When repainting a damaged panel, simply matching the color to the original paint might not suffice because the new paint will look brighter or different in hue compared to the surrounding panels. Blending ensures a seamless transition between the new paint and the existing finish, maintaining a consistent appearance across the vehicle.
Visual Seamlessness:
- Blending involves applying the paint not just to the damaged panel but also partially onto adjacent panels. This technique feathers the paint edges so there's no harsh line where new paint meets old paint. It's about creating an invisible repair where the eye can't detect where one panel ends and another begins.
In essence, blending is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring durability, value, and professionalism in automotive repair. By blending, body shops can guarantee that the repair job integrates seamlessly with the rest of the vehicle, both now and in the long term.
