Preparation and painting procedure

To avoid any problems in the future it is important, after replacing or repairing a bodywork element, to restore the correct protection, both internal and external, so that the identical characteristics to the original ones are restored to ensure the quality of the repair and guarantee it against corrosion. The replacement parts are subjected to the same cycle as the bodyshell.

Per conservare le qualità anticorrosive di origine, questi elementi devono essere smerigliati solo dove strettamente necessario.

PREPARATION AND PAINTING PROCEDURE

1. Preparing the areas welded or repaird by dry sanding with P100 grade abrasive paper.
   This operation is designed to remove any layers of paint which are not properly anchored to the panel and, at the same time, to level the uneveness or "steps".
2. Dry sanding of the replaced part and the surrounding paintwork the P320 abrasive paper.
   Simply make the replacement part "opaque" and level any imperfections, grooves, lumps or scratches, avoiding, as far as possible, removing the original treatment.
3. Blow through thoroughly and wash with diluent because the dust could seriously affect the adhesion of the products to be applied.
4. Phosphating: apply an anti-rust phosphating product to the exposed areas, if necessary using a brush, which as well as preventing corrosion improves the adhesion of the subsequent products.
5. Finish off with metal filler to perfect and eliminate any grooves and/or depressions in the welded or repaird panels.
   The application using a spatula of a suitable thickness of polyester filler, is carried out in one or more goes.
   Take care not to carry out excess catalysis, which could show up on the paintwork as yellow marks due to peroxide.
6. Dry sand using P 80-100 paper.
   To remove the excess filler applied previously, work manually using rubber or wooden buffers or manual sanders. The sanding should be done skillfully, above all in the areas surrounded by paintwork to avoid large scratches. Any overhauling of uneven areas, grooves, porousness, etc. should be carried out now using the same filler to avoid later operations. Finish off with a finer grade abrasive paper (P320).
   Blow and degrease very thoroughly.
7. Finishing coat (with two components).
   Protect the parts not involved in the application of the coat. The application of the finishing base coat should be carried out following the manufacturers instructions to the letter. A very light layer of black paint, atomized by hand, applied to the base coat will show up any imperfections during the sanding so that they can be removed.
8. Dry or water sanding with P500-P600 abrasive paper.
9. Blowing/degreasing.
   (Dust and humidity have a serious adverse affect on the adhesion of the paint products).