Fiero L4-151 2.5L (1985)
If the part to be painted is a replacement, it will be factory primed with an elastomeric enamel-based primer. As long as the original primer is
not scratched exposing the plastic substrate, all that is required is to solvent clean, sand with #400 paper or a red "Scotch-Brite" pad, reclean
and apply elastomeric color.
However, if the plastic substrate is exposed or the part is repaired with flexible filler material, a flexible primer surfacer must be used to
provide the filling properties required. This is to prevent a "bull's-eye" condition or highlighting of the bare substrate or filler repair after color
is applied.
Prepare flexible primer surfacer as follows:
a.
Clean the entire part with a wax, grease and silicone removing solvent applied with a water dampened cloth. Wipe dry.
NOTE:
The step above begins to prepare the entire part for color coats. Spot repair is not recommended because dry spray
at the blend area of applied elastomeric color does not "wet out" satisfactorily.
b.
Featheredge the scuff or filler repair with #320 sandpaper, blow off dust and tack wipe.
c.
Mix and apply four medium dry coats of flexible primer surfacer. Follow manufacturer's instructions for specific mix ratios and additives.
NOTE:
Use a fast evaporating thinner as recommended to reduce the primer-surfacer and do not apply excessively wet
coats. Bare flexible plastic surface and/or flexible filler materials have a tendency to swell from thinner
absorption, resulting in a visible or "highlighted" repair.
d.
Allow to dry at least one hour and block sand with #400 sandpaper. Sand the entire part with #400 sandpaper or red "Scotch-Brite" pad
to remove all gloss in preparation for color application.
When paints are modified with a flex additive, the possibility of mixture "pot life" exists; therefore, spray equipment should be
cleaned immediately after use.
2.
Body Color with Flexible Additive Systems
There are several flexible topcoat systems available for the painter's selections; in most cases, it is a matter of personal preference.
Basecoat/clearcoat material can be either enamel or lacquer-based.
Some manufacturers do not recommend the use of flex additives in their basecolor material, but do recommend its use for their lacquer clear
coat.
a.
Thoroughly sand the entire part with #400 sandpaper or red "Scotch-Brite" pad to remove all gloss. Reclean.
b.
Mix the base color, flexible additive, if recommended, and thinner. Follow manufacturer's label instructions.
c.
Apply a sufficient number of coats to achieve complete hiding and color match. Allow flash time between coats.
d.
Allow the base color coat to dry 30-60 minutes before applying the clear coat. Do not sand the base coat before applying the clear coat.
NOTE:
If sanding of the base coat is necessary to remove imperfections, such as dirt or sags, sand with #400 grit or finer
sandpaper, reclean the area(s). Apply one additional coat of base material and let dry.
3.
Clear Coat Application
a.
Mix and reduce clear coat (lacquer or enamel) material as per label instructions.
NOTE:
Use flex additive if recommended by paint source.
b.
Strain the mixture and apply 2-3 coats with 35-40 lbs. air pressure at the gun.
c.
Allow each coat to flash completely before applying the next coat. Allow at least 4 hours air dry time or force dry for 30 minutes with a
heat lamp at 180 degrees Fahrenheit before putting into service.
NOTE:
Compounding is not recommended when a flexible additive is used in the top coat paint material. The mixture
will dry with acceptable gloss.
Compounding dulls the gloss of elastomeric finishes causing a flat appearance. The finish cannot be brought back
to the same gloss level without applying more paint.
