Auto Technical Reference Library Auto Refinishing: General Refinish Procedures

Topic Index

Collision Repair — Metal Parts

Refinish New/Recycled Undamaged Panel

Note: Refer to "Refinish Repaired Existing/Recycled Panel" for a full description of steps.

1. Obtain Paint Code

2. Mix Color

3. Edge/Cutting in - Painting of the edges of the part before they are installed to match the existing vehicle body color.

Edging the part with the correct body color

4. Solvent Wash

5. Wet or Dry Sand

6. Dust or Water Removal with Air

7. Mask to Paint and Cover Remainder of Vehicle

8. Final Solvent Wash

9. Tack Wipe

10. Mix and Apply Sealer - An intercoat between the topcoat and the primer or old finish, increasing color holdout and uniformity of color and giving better adhesion. Most sealers come in different colors and can be tinted for a better color coverage.

11. Mix and Apply Basecoat

12. Mix and Apply Midcoat

13. Mix and Apply Single-Stage Color

14. Mix and Apply Clearcoat