Painting & Refinishing Flashcards

Mottling (blotchy, streaky metallic) in a basecoat is best corrected by:

Answer: Applying a uniform medium-wet coat with proper flash and consistent technique

Even, properly flashed coats let the metallic flakes orient uniformly and eliminate blotchiness.

What is the main advantage of waterborne basecoats over solvent-borne?

Answer: Lower VOC emissions for environmental compliance

Waterborne basecoats release far fewer volatile organic compounds, aiding regulatory compliance.

Cratering or pinholing in primer-surfacer over body filler often results from:

Answer: Air pockets or pinholes in the filler not being properly filled

Pinholes in body filler telegraph through, so they must be filled before priming.

Why should paint be strained before being poured into the spray gun cup?

Answer: To remove lumps and debris that could clog the gun or mar the finish

Straining removes particles that would otherwise clog the tip or create defects in the film.

Bullseyes or rings appearing in a finish over a repaired area usually indicate:

Answer: Inadequate feather-edging or a sand-through to a hard edge

A visible ring means the repair edges were not feathered smoothly, leaving a step that shows through.

What is the recommended action if dust or dirt nibs land in a fresh clearcoat after curing?

Answer: Allow full cure, then nib-sand and buff the affected spots

After full cure, small nibs can be carefully sanded out and the area buffed back to gloss.

Why is dry film thickness (DFT) measured during refinishing?

Answer: To verify coating builds are within manufacturer specs for durability and adhesion

Measuring DFT confirms each layer is within spec, ensuring proper durability and adhesion.