Paint - Color Sanding Basecoat/Clearcoat Finishes
86chevy14CORPORATE NUMBER: 631702 NUMBER: 87-T-2
GROUP: 10 - Body Section
IMPORTANT - All Service Personnel Should Read DATE: September, 1986
SUBJECT: COLOR SANDING BASECOAT/CLEARCOAT FINISHES
MODELS: 1985-87 M VANS
Some dealers and owners are attempting to improve the exterior appearance of new basecoat clearcoat painted vehicles by complete sanding of the clearcoat and polishing. Clearcoat sanding, regardless of a vehicle's age, is not recommended. The reason is that 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.
Clearcoat sanding should be limited to the removal of small isolated paint defects such as dirt, scratches, sap and chemical spotting, providing that the defect does not penetrate beyond the clearcoat. If the basecoat and/or primer are affected repainting is required.