Module 4A5

1. Module 4A5 Apply Tri-Coat Finish

2. Tri-Coat Finishes - Definition • Two separate colors with clearcoat • First coat is basecoat • Second coat is translucent color or pearl, also called mid-coat • Final coat is clear • Depth and high gloss

3. Tri-Coat Finishes - Tri-Coat Technology • Used for years in custom finishes • Pearl tri-coats made of mica flake • Mica flake coated with titanium dioxide • Thickness of titanium dioxide determines color

4. Matching Tri-Coat Finishes - Matching • Basecoat must match original • Hidden areas may have only basecoat • Mid-coat must match original • The more mid-coats, the darker the color • Use let-down panel to verify basecoat match

5. Matching Tri-Coat Finishes - Making a Let-Down Panel • White basecoat & 5 coats pearl • White basecoat & 4 coats pearl • White basecoat & 3 coats pearl • White basecoat & 2 coats pearl • White basecoat & 1 coat pearl • 2” of uncoated basecoat

6. Matching Tri-Coat Finishes - Using a Let-Down Panel • Unmasked area used to match basecoat • Cleared side used to determine number of mid-coats • Uncleared side used to match during spraying

7. Preparing Tri-Coat Finishes - Mixing Basecoat • Stir or shake before pouring • Does not use activators or catalyst • Use reducer • Follow manufactures instructions • Mix before straining into spray cup

8. Spray Equipment - Spray Gun Adjustments • Select correct fluid nozzle, needle, and air cap • Clean • Adjust pressure • Adjust spray pattern and fluid • Agitator cup may be used

9. Spray Equipment - Test Pattern • Always spray a test pattern before application • Do not spray on spray booth walls! • Correct any problems with pattern prior to painting

10. Tri-Coat Basecoat Application - Before Application • Wear proper safety equipment • Use spray booth • Tack entire vehicle

11. Tri-Coat Basecoat Application - Application • Apply in medium coats, allowing time to flash between coats • Generally requires 2 to 4 coats to obtain hiding • Do not attempt to obtain gloss with basecoat color • Consult manufacturer sheet to determine proper mil thickness and application procedure

12. Tri-Coat Basecoat Application - Technique • Use proper technique for type of booth • Top to bottom for downdraft • Back to front for crossflow • Maintain an even distance and speed from the panel • Spray with 50 - 75% overlap

13. Tri-Coat Basecoat Application - Curing and Drying • Follow maker’s direction for air and force drying • Basecoats dry by solvent evaporation • May have maximum dry time • Don’t sand basecoat

14. Tri-Coat Basecoat Application - After Application • Clean gun immediately after spraying • Properly dispose of all excess paint and thinner • Wear protective clothing while cleaning

15. Preparing Tri-Coat Mid-Coat - Mixing • Stir or shake before pouring • Does not use activators or catalyst • Use reducer • Follow manufactures instructions • Mix before straining into spray cup

16. Spray Equipment - Spray Gun Adjustments • Uses a different air cap, needle and nozzle than basecoat

17. Spray Equipment - Test Pattern • Always spray a test pattern before application • Do not spray on spray booth walls! • Correct any problems with pattern prior to painting

18. Tri-Coat Mid-Coat Application - Before Application • Wear proper safety equipment • Use spray booth • Make sure basecoat has dried properly • Tack entire vehicle

19. Tri-Coat Mid-Coat Application - Application • Apply number of coats as determined by let-down panel • Don’t apply heavy coats • Allow coats to flash before applying next coat • Verify mid-coat match to let-down panel • Follow manufactures recommendations

20. Tri-Coat Mid-Coat Application - Technique • Use proper technique for type of booth • Top to bottom for downdraft • Back to front for crossflow • Maintain an even distance and speed from the panel • Spray with 50 - 75% overlap • Don’t apply heavy coats

21. Tri-Coat Mid-Coat Application - Curing & Drying • Follow maker’s direction for air and force drying • Mid-coats dry by solvent evaporation • May have maximum dry time • Don’t sand mid-coat • If you must sand, another coat must be applied and will darken the color

22. Tri-Coat Mid-Coat Application - After Application • Clean gun immediately after spraying • Properly dispose of all excess paint and thinner • Wear protective clothing while cleaning

23. Preparing The Clearcoat - Mixing • Stir or shake before pouring • Uses activators, catalyst, or hardeners • Mix before straining into spray cup • Follow manufactures instructions • Don’t under-reduce clearcoats • Use reducer

24. Spray Equipment - Spray Gun Adjustments • Uses a different air cap, needle and nozzle than basecoat, but may be the same as mid-coat • HVLP measures air pressure at cap

25. Spray Equipment - Test Pattern • Clearcoat more difficult to see than basecoat, so test pattern is critical

26. Clearcoat Application - Before Application • Wear proper safety equipment • Use spray booth • Make sure mid-coat has dried properly • Tack entire vehicle

27. Clearcoat Application - Application • Apply in medium coats, allowing time to flash between coats • Generally requires 2 to 4 coats to obtain gloss • Use the glare of lights to find dry spots • Consult manufacturer sheet to determine proper mil thickness and application procedure

28. Clearcoat Application - Technique • Use proper technique for type of booth • Top to bottom for downdraft • Back to front for crossflow • Maintain an even distance and speed from the panel • Spray with 50 - 75% overlap

29. Clearcoat Application - Curing And Drying • Follow maker’s direction for air and force drying • Dry by chemical reaction • Don’t apply stripes or decals before cure time • Allow to fully cure before delivery

30. Clearcoat Application - After Application • Clean gun immediately after spraying • Properly dispose of all excess paint and thinner • Wear protective clothing while cleaning • Pull tape and masking material after clear flashes, but before dry

31. That Concludes Module 4F5