Paint - Color Sanding Basecoat/Clearcoat Finishes

Bulletin No. T 87-19
File in Group 10
Number 83
Corp. Ref. No, 631702
Date Oct. '86
SUBJECT: COLOR SANDING BASECOAT/CLEARCOAT FINISHES

MODELS AFFECTED: 1985-86 DE VILLES/FLEETWOODS 1986 ELDORADOS/SEVILLES

Some dealers and owners are attempting to improve the exterior appearance of new basecoat clearcoat painted vehicles by complete color sanding and polishing.

Complete color sanding, regardless of a vehicles age, is not recommended. The reason being is that color sanding reduces the clearcoat thickness along with the necessary ultraviolet radiation screening protection that is required to prevent peeling of the clearcoat and discoloring of the basecoat. Adequate protection requires that the clearcoat thickness be at least 1.4 mils.

Color sanding should be limited to the removal of small isolated paint defects such as dirt, scratches, sags and chemical spotting, providing that the defect does not penetrate beyond the clearcoat. If the basecoat and/or primer are affected, color coating is required.