Paint Finishes - Restoration
9228vw01
Group: 02
Number: 92-01
Date: June 30, 1992
Subject:
Restoration of Chalked, Oxidized or Contaminated Paint Finishes
Model(s):
All Models, Supersedes Group 50 No. 91-06
Vehicles which have been in storage for extended periods of time or are dulled due to ultra violet light exposure or damaged due to industrial fallout may be restored using the following procedure.
WARNING
Before using any chemicals or cleaning compounds, carefully read all of the cautions and medical information on the container. Always follow all of the manufacturer's recommendations.
The following six steps MUST be followed IN SEQUENCE to restore chalked, oxidized or contaminated paint finishes.
STEP 1: Inspection
^ wash vehicle, use Kats UL 7000, Part No. 176 050 101, and water
^ ratio - 4 parts water
- 1 part Kats UL 7000
^ dry vehicle completely
CAUTION
Do NOT wash or dry vehicle in direct sunlight. Water spots may form on the paint finish.
^ inspect the following surfaces under a fluorescent light:
^ hood, roof, rear deck, tops of fenders, painted surfaces of bumpers and doors
STEP 2: Buffing
Buffing may be accomplished by hand, a low speed orbital buffer or a high speed orbital buffer.
CAUTION
It is extremely important that power buffing be done by an experienced person. If done incorrectly, power buffing can quickly and easily damage the paint finish.
Use clean cutting pads at ALL times.
^ mask off trim or glass close to affected areas noted in inspection step 1
^ buff small areas at a time, no larger than two feet by two feet
^ buff using a light polishing compound such as "Acid Rain Creme" by Car Bright (R) "finesse-it" by 3M (R), or equivalent
^ heavy oxidation/contamination may be removed using a more aggressive compound such as "Liquid Cleaner" and "Liquid Machine" by Car Bright (R), or equivalent
Note
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the polishing compound to achieve the best possible results.
CAUTION
Do NOT use general purpose rubbing or buffing compounds. They are too coarse for this application and could damage the paint finish.
^ buff surface until chalked or oxidizied paint or contamination damage is removed
Note
Inspect the work surface frequently during buffing to ensure that only a minimum of original finish is removed. If the color of a metallic painted vehicle shows up on the buffing pad, you have cut through the clear coat and you MUST repaint the affected area.
STEP 3: Cleaning
^ wash vehicle thoroughly with a solution of Kats UL 7000, Part No. 176 050 101, and water
^ ratio - 4 parts water
- 1 part Kats UL 7000
^ rinse vehicle with clear water then dry completely
^ inspect vehicle to see if another application is necessary
Note
The paint finish at this point in the reconditioning process will look hazy (no luster) due to the buffing action.
STEP 4: Polishing
Polish the finish to restore the original luster either by hand or with a power buffer.
CAUTION
It is extremely important that power buffing be performed by an experienced person. If done incorrectly, power buffing can quickly and easily damage the paint and finish.
Use clean polishing pads at ALL times
^ buff affected surfaces with polishes such as "Crystal Shine" by Car Bright (R), "Liquid polish" by 3M (R) or equivalent
Note
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the polishing compound to achieve the best possible results.
STEP 5: Cleaning
^ wash vehicle thoroughly with a solution of Kats UL 7000, Part No. 176 050 101, and water
^ ratio - 4 parts water
- 1 part Kats UL 7000
^ rinse vehicle with clear water then dry completely
^ inspect vehicle to see if another application is necessary
STEP 6: Waxing
Waxing (unlike polishing) will seal the finish and prevent further aging of the paint.
^ HAND WAX, use clean cheesecloth and a good quality non-abrasive wax such as "Crystal Finish" by Car Bright (R), or equivalent
Note
If, in extreme cases, after the previous six steps, the clear-coat or topcoat has been rubbed through, it will be necessary to re-paint the affected areas.
Get prior DSM (TSM in Canada) authorization for ALL paint reconditioning, as well as re-painting.
Reconditioning
of chalked Diag. Quality
paint finish Check Repair Check
Labor operation ---- 380. 20.
02 00 91 1 T.U T.U
Paint Finish Restoration Flowchart
See detailed instructions on steps 1 through 6