Priming and Painting the Body

GENERAL INFORMATION

Before performing the operations described in this section, read the subsections on dent repair (see subsection 13.3.2), scratch repair (see subsection 13.3.1), and rust and crack repair (see subsection 13.3.3).

There are many types of primer. However, kits that include a container of primer paste and a tube of hardener are generally the best choice. A wide, flexible plastic or nylon spreader is essential for a smooth, even surface.

PROCEDURE

1. Mix a small amount of primer on a clean piece of cardboard. Add exactly the required amount of hardener (follow the primer manufacturer's instructions). Otherwise, the primer will harden too quickly or too slowly.

2. Using the spreader, apply primer to the prepared surface. Draw the spreader across the primer to level the surface and spread the primer over the required area.

3. Once the entire required area is covered with primer, stop applying primer.

4. If you continue applying primer for too long, it will thicken and stick to the spreader.

5. Continue applying coats of primer at 20-minute intervals until the primer surface is slightly above the level of the surrounding surface.

6. Once the primer has hardened, remove the excess primer using a file.

7. Then use progressively finer sandpaper to work the surface. Always wrap the sandpaper around a flat rubber or wooden block. Otherwise, the surface will not be perfectly flat.

8. In the final stages of sanding the primer surface, periodically rinse the sandpaper in water. This will produce a very smooth finish.

9. At this stage, the primed surface should be surrounded by a ring of bare metal, which in turn should be surrounded by an edge of sound paint. Rinse the repair area with clean water to remove all dust produced by sanding.

10. Cover the entire area with a thin coat of guide coat. This will show all imperfections and unevenness in the filler surface.

11. Remove these imperfections by applying a new coat of primer. Sand the filler surface again. Repeat the procedure of applying guide coat and primer until you are satisfied with the primer surface and it is level with the surrounding painted surface.

12. Clean the repair area with clean water and allow the surface to dry.

13. When using primer, it is recommended to mix it with cellulose thinner to form a very thin paste, which is ideal for filling small holes.

14. The repair area is now ready for the final stage, painting. Paint should be applied in a dry, warm atmosphere without drafts or dust. These conditions are easily met in a workshop. If you have to work outdoors, be very careful when choosing a day for painting.

15. If you are working indoors, wetting the floor will help eliminate dust that would otherwise remain in the air.

16. If the repair area is limited to one body panel, protect adjacent panels from paint overspray. This will minimize the effect of slight color differences. Trim and other parts (such as chrome strips, door handles, and so on) must also be covered. Use masking tape and several layers of newspaper to cover adjacent surfaces.

17. Before painting, shake the spray can thoroughly. Then spray a coat onto a test surface (an old can, for example) until you master the spraying technique.

18. Cover the repair area with a thick initial coat of paint. The required thickness should be achieved by applying several thin coats rather than one thick coat.

19. Using very fine sandpaper, sand the initial paint coat until it is very smooth and even. Thoroughly rinse the work area and the sandpaper with water. Allow the previous coat of paint to dry before applying a new coat.

20. Apply the final coat of paint, again building up the required thickness with several thin coats. Start painting at one edge of the surface, then move your hand back and forth to cover the entire area to be painted, as well as the existing paint on the body within approximately 4–6 cm of the work area.

21. Remove all protective coverings approximately 10–15 minutes after applying the final coat.

22. Wait approximately two weeks for the new paint to harden. Then use a polishing machine or very fine abrasive compound to blend the edges of the new paint into the old paint. Then apply a coat of polish.