Paint - Polishing Techniques for Base Coat/Clear Coat
NO.: 91-T-19ADATE: November, 1993
GROUP: Body
CORP NO.: 1815O7R
SUBJECT:
Information on Polishing Techniques for Base Coat/Clear Coat Paint
Due to the addition of "MODELS AFFECTED," this bulletin supercedes bulletin 91-T-19, which should be discarded.
MODELS AFFECTED:
1991-1994 Saturns
PURPOSE:
Saturn base coat/clear coat finishes require special attention to assure that the customer receives full benefit of this new paint technology.
Materials and procedures that once worked we~l for polishing traditional acrylic lacquer and enamel surfaces are not acceptable for use on urethane enamel or urethane clear coat. The use of the old materials and procedures may produce an acceptable finish under shop lighting conditions, but it will usually prove unacceptable to the customer once the finish is exposed to sunlight.
One common concern that can be caused by using the wrong material or procedure is swirl marks (a series of fine directional surface scratches in the clear coat). Swirl marks are highly visible in bright sunlight.
Also, when polishing after compound finishing with a wheel and compound, these swirl marks become temporarily filled with a glazing material and will be hidden until detergent washing causes the swirls to reappear.
There are many suppliers of compounds, finishing materials, glazes, polishes, and pads who have developed procedures for polishing and correcting swirl marks and other imperfections in base coat/clear coat finishes.
The better suppliers offer the training and expertise needed to assist the refinisher in dealing with swirl marks and other common customer concerns.
The above list of paint conditions and manufacturers recommended repair materials are offered by 3M and Meguiar's.
Contact your local 3M or Meguiar's representative and ask for a demonstration of their products. The recommended procedures should be followed to achieve the best results.
We believe these sources, their equipment, and materials to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such materials and equipment. Saturn Corporation does not endorse, indicate any preference for, or assume responsibility for the products or equipment from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources.