Auto Painting Processes and Importance
Auto paint is typically applied in three basic coats, which are, the primer, the base coat, and the clear coat. However, it must first be pre-treated, or the finish is otherwise guaranteed to fail. A phosphate coat is applied first to prevent corrosion and to prepare for the e-coat (electro-coat). The e-coat is applied by dipping to body of the car into a high voltage area. E-coats have a great salt spray test life, which makes it eco-friendly.
The primer coat is then applied. The primer has three basic purposes. First, it serves as another leveler to make the surface smooth. Second, it also prevents corrosion. Third, it makes the painting process easier by helping the other coats stick to the surface.
The base coat is applied next. It is the paint color and is considered by most to be the vehicle’s paint. It comes in three forms, which are solid, metallic, and pearlescent. Solid paints are the typical ones that have no sparkle and are the easiest to apply. That’s why most vehicles have solid colors. The metallic is the one that is sparkly looking. However, it is more difficult to apply and re-apply because it is applied in several dimensions. That’s why you don’t see too many vehicles on the road with colors like that. The third, pearlescent, is very unique. Pearlescent is the one that gives off the iridescent shine. It is typically applied in two or three stages, the former of which does not involve application of a basecoat.
Finally, the clearcoat is applied. The clearcoat is clear and transparent. It also prevents too much abrasion or wearing off from UV rays. They are either in solvent or water-based forms.
Auto Paint Touch Up
If your vehicle gets scratched, dented, or smashed in, it loses some of the paint. Chances are, you don’t want to drive your vehicle when it looks unsightly. This is when touch ups are needed. This is done similarly to original paint jobs. It involves prep work, primer, a base coat, and a clearcoat. First, it is prepped in a dust free well-ventilated area with a temperature around 70 degrees. Any rust is removed by 220-grit sandpaper. The primer is then applied followed by the base coat and then the clearcoat. Please do your research and discover more info.
Importance of Auto Finishing
Most people would be surprised to know just how important the auto finishing is. It doesn’t apply just to the paint, either. It is also important for overall maintenance of the car’s metals. The metals wear down over time due to exposure to the elements or harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, the paint doesn’t prevent the wear completely, but it does help to slow it down at a very significant pace. Without the finish, it wouldn’t hold up half as well in an accident.
Vehicles are big-ticket items. As a result, no one wants the rust to show up at least within the next decade. This is what makes auto paint and finishes so important for the car’s maintenance.