Refinishing and Color Matching Flashcards

What is 'dieback' in a clearcoat finish?

Answer: A loss of gloss after curing, often from the clear sinking into the substrate

Dieback occurs when the clearcoat is absorbed into the layers beneath, dulling the finish after it initially looked glossy.

What causes solvent pop?

Answer: Trapped solvents escaping through a surface that has already skinned over, such as from heavy films or insufficient flash

Solvent trapped under a skinned film forms small blisters or pinholes as it escapes.

What is the usual procedure to correct minor orange peel in cured clearcoat?

Answer: Wet sand with fine abrasive and then compound and polish

Leveling with fine wet sanding followed by polishing restores smoothness and gloss.

Why must catalyzed paint products be mixed exactly to the specified ratio?

Answer: Incorrect ratios can cause poor cure, reduced durability, and film defects

Wrong hardener or reducer proportions compromise cross-linking and the finish properties.

What type of respiratory protection is recommended when spraying isocyanate-containing paints?

Answer: A supplied-air respirator or a properly fitted respirator approved for isocyanates

Isocyanates are respiratory sensitizers, and supplied-air respirators are the preferred protection.

What does 'pot life' mean for a mixed two-component paint?

Answer: The usable time after mixing before the material becomes too viscous or starts to cure

After activation, the cross-linking reaction starts and the material has a limited working period.

Which combination best helps prevent dirt nibs in a new clearcoat?

Answer: Straining the paint, cleaning the booth, and wiping the panel with a tack cloth before spraying

Clean materials, a clean booth, and a clean surface minimize debris in the wet film.