Paint - Cosmetic Surface Service Procedures
84ford19Article No. 84-3-3
PAINT - COSMETIC SURFACE SERVICE PROCEDURES
FORD ALL CAR LINES - ALL MODEL YEARS
LINCOLN-MERCURY ALL CAR LINES - ALL MODEL YEARS
LIGHT TRUCKS ALL SERIES - ALL MODEL YEARS
The cosmetic paint surface service procedures outlined below are reprinted from Article Number 82-3-3 dated February 18, 1982. Many of these procedures and techniques described have been incorporated along with several other helpful procedures in a video tape which is now available. This video tape describes paint and soft facia service procedures developed by Ford Motor Company Assembly plants to correct minor concerns. After seeing the video tape and with practice, a technician or body shop employee should be able to do the following:
^ Remove most minor dings and dents (without filling and repainting), by using special metal massaging service tools.
^ Remove hood and deck depressions without filling and repainting.
^ Remove trapped dirt particles and still preserve the original paint finish.
^ Service minor scratches that do not cut through into the prime or metal.
^ Service orange peel without repainting.
^ Service sags and runs without repainting.
^ Remove surface stains with a heat gun.
^ Make soft facia services on many punctures and tears in plastic parts without replacement.
^ Service damaged abrasion resistant coating.
^ Properly paint over E-coating.
The video tape is titled, "Cosmetic Paint and Surface Repairs" and is available in 3/4 inch Umatic UMC, Order Number 4651-025; or 1/2 inch VHS, Order Number 4651-025.
For ordering information refer to the Ford Service Training Aids Catalog or write to:
Ford Service Publications Post Office Box 07150 Detroit, Michigan 48207
Exterior paint surface damage or imperfections of a nature where the prime coat does not show can, in most instances, be restored without repainting. The restoration of gloss and luster after the condition has been removed is made possible by new and improved service materials and procedures. The following procedure is applicable to surface conditions such as dirt particles, orange peel, runs, sags, industrial fallout stains, swirl marks, light scratches and other minor imperfections. Usually, these conditions are localized and it is not necessary to restore the entire panel. However, in a case such as dirt particles or scratches in several localized areas, it is recommended that the entire panel be restored to maintain a uniform appearance.
FIGURE 5:
Preparation
Before starting the service, the affected surface must be clean and dry. Mask off adjacent panels, mouldings, stripes and character lines as required (Figure 5). Where applicable, eye protection, face mask and a belt buckle cover should be worn.
Service Procedure
The basic concept of the procedure is to remove the defect condition, and then restore the finish to an acceptable appearance. As a general guideline, remember that sanding marks are removed with rubbing compound and the swirl marks evident after buffing are removed by polishing. As an example, light scratches or small dirt particles can be removed with a power buffer and medium buffing compound followed by polishing. Deeper scratches, heavy dirt particles or orange peel must be wet sanded, buffed with compound to remove
the sanding marks and then polished to remove the swirl marks from the buffing operation.
It is suggested with initial service attempts, that technicians develop a learning cycle by picking a small service area and first try polishing, then buffing and finally wet sanding to remove the condition. When you have determined which method is appropriate, proceed with the remaining area to be serviced and then restore the finish as required. The following outlines the complete procedure and required materials.
FIGURE 6:
Polishing
For removal of very minor scratches, swirl marks and/or to restore luster to a dull finish.
Apply a small amount of 3M Final Glaze to the affected panel (Figure 6) and using a suitable electric or air powered polish/buffing wheel (2000 max. rpm) and a 3M Superbuff 2 + 2 Pad, polish the affected area until all swirl marks are gone and desired luster is obtained. When polishing, keep the pad flat against the surface. Do not bear down, the weight of the buffer is sufficient. Add Final Glaze sparingly as needed.
Compound
For removal of light scratches, small dirt particles, minor grind marks and sanding marks.
FIGURE 7:
FIGURE 8:
Apply 3M Superduty Rubbing Compound (medium) to the panel and using a clean 2 + 2 pad on the wheel (as noted above) spread the compound evenly and buff the surface until the condition is removed; or in the case of a sanded area, the sanding marks are gone and the luster
is restored to an acceptable level for polishing (Figure 7 and Figure 8). When buffing, keep the wheel flat to the surface using light to moderate pressure and long even strokes. Periodically check the finish and add compound as required. When buffing is complete, polish the panel as described above.
Sanding
For removal of severe conditions such as heavy dirt particles, deep scratches and orange peel. This wet sanding procedure utilizes 3M Ultra Fine Imperial Wetordry Color Sanding Paper to facilitate removal of surface damage. The Ultra Fine paper cuts quickly leaving a uniform finish that requires a minimum of buffing to restore the luster.
FIGURE 9:
1. Soak the 3M Imperial Wetordry Paper and a 3M Imperial Wetordry Sponge Pad thoroughly in clean water and wrap the paper around the pad as shown in Figure 9.
FIGURE 10:
2. Using a clean sponge, wet the area to be sanded. It is essential that the paper be kept wet as sanding proceeds (Figure 10).
FIGURE 11:
3. Wet sand the affected area with light even pressure on the pad with back and forth strokes (not circular). Do a small area at a time (Figure 11).
FIGURE 12:
4. Frequently dip the pad and paper in water to wash off sanding residue (Figure 12).
FIGURE 13:
5. Frequently flood or squeegee off the affected surface to check depth of cut and to see if the defect is removed. The amount of paint surface that is being sanded can be judged as the area dulls (Figure 13).
FIGURE 14:
6. Water wash the affected area to determine if all surface defects have been removed. Note the uniform dull appearance of an evenly sanded panel (Figure 14). If the surface is not uniform, lightly resand the area.
FIGURE 15:
7. Wash and squeegee off the panel and check to assure that all defects are removed and sanding is complete. Then proceed with the buffing and polish procedures to restore the luster to the finish.
8. Figure 15 shows a hood panel which has been sanded, buffed and polished on one section to illustrate the effectiveness of the procedure.
Runs and Sags
The service of runs and sags in nonmetallic paint is covered in the previously released training publication "The Wet Look." This procedure, which consists of shaving the run or sag flush with a commercial single edge razor blade, sanding with a hard block and then compounding, can now be improved by finishing the service with Final Glaze. It is recommended that minor sags and runs be wet sanded with 600 grit paper. If it is necessary to shave them off with a razor blade, first dull the corners with sandpaper to avoid scratching the adjacent panel finish.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
05528 3M Imperial Wetordry
Sponge Pad
02021 3M Imperial Wetordry Color
Sanding Paper
05955 3M Superduty Rubbing
Compound
05957 3M Superduty Paste Compound
(if preferred)
05701 3M Superbuff 2 + 2 Pad
05710 3M Superbuff Adaptor (if req'd)
05988 3M Final Glaze
02024 3M Wetordry Tri-M-ite
Paper 600 Grit
05519 3M Sanding Block
7" Polisher/Buffer Air or Electric Razor Blade - Industrial Single Edge
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 82-3-3
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual.
OPERATION: SPP6282
TIME: One Panel 0.4 Hr. - Each additional 0.2 Hr.
MATERIAL ALLOWANCE: $.75 per panel DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. As applicable