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Proper Surface Preparation – Tips and Tricks for a Flawless Final Finish
Blog

Proper Surface Preparation – Tips and Tricks for a Flawless Final Finish

Proper surface preparation ensures good adhesion, smoothness, and a long-lasting final coat by following key steps.

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Blog

Winter vehicle painting: challenges, adjustments, and solutions

Winter conditions make vehicle painting challenging, but with adjustments and careful preparation, excellent results can be achieved.

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Winter vehicle painting: challenges, adjustments, and solutions
Why are powder-free gloves the best choice for your safety?
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Why are powder-free gloves the best choice for your safety?

When it comes to hand protection in professional environments, choosing the right gloves is essential.

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Using the right hardener

One of the most common mistakes in car paint workshops is the incorrect selection of hardeners when preparing two-component systems.

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Using the right hardener
Proper use of putty
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Proper use of putty

The first mistake when using putty can be made as soon as the container is opened and liquid is visible on the surface of the putty.

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Masking the vehicle (EN)

Applying paper and tape to a vehicle to protect it from overspray may seem basic, but a poor masking job can adversely affect the quality of the paint job and increase the need for rework.

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Masking the vehicle (EN)
Saves 50% of the time. (EN)
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Saves 50% of the time. (EN)

With direct-to-plastic you can save up to 50% of the time needed for plastic part repair.

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Blog

What is a SMART REPAIR? (EN)

A “SMART REPAIR” is a very common expression in the automotive sector. What is it about?

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What is a SMART REPAIR? (EN)
Meet Rachel, our brand ambassador (EN)
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Meet Rachel, our brand ambassador (EN)

Rachel shows passion in what she is doing and is a great example for new technicians entering the industry.

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Blog

How to restore your Headlights

The kit can be used for restoring all types of vehicle headlights and prolonging their lifespan, or it can be applied as extra protection for new car headlights.

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How to restore your Headlights
5 BODY SHOPS PRECAUTIONS IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (EN)
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5 BODY SHOPS PRECAUTIONS IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (EN)

As travel options such as flying and public transportation are becoming limited, people are even more dependent on their vehicles for work and to take care of their daily lives. Here are 5 precautions to take in your auto body repair shop to prevent spreading of the virus.

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Blog

COATINGS INDUSTRY TRENDS

Although the use of coatings for new cars has been declining for 2 years, the use of paint materials has been increasing in recent years.

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COATINGS INDUSTRY TRENDS
Business cup 2020
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Business cup 2020

Our team participated in the "Business Cup" futsal tournament and among strong competition from all over Slovenia (14 teams), with 2 out of 4 wins ended at 5-8th place.

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Paint Booth Maintenance Tips

Improper paint booth care can contribute to costly downtime, hazardous working conditions and increased cost of repairs.

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Paint Booth Maintenance Tips
Five keys to protect the car paint in autumn
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Five keys to protect the car paint in autumn

The arrival of autumn is increasingly evident. Rains, dry leaves and wind can compromise the state not only of the roads, so we all have to take care of our driving in the fall , but also affect our cars , especially the body.

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Use of an appropriate hardener and thinner

Are the results of your work ever not as promised? Do you think the result is not the same as yesterday?

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Use of an appropriate hardener and thinner
The Importance of the Mixing Ratio in Two-Component Systems
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The Importance of the Mixing Ratio in Two-Component Systems

Regardless of whether it is a primer filler, transparent lacquer or any other two-component system, the prescribed mixing ratios must always be consistently complied with when preparing the material.

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Blog

Proper Surface Preparation – Tips and Tricks for a Flawless Final Finish

Proper surface preparation ensures good adhesion, smoothness, and a long-lasting final coat by following key steps.
Proper surface preparation is the foundation of every automotive painting project and the key to achieving a durable and aesthetically impeccable finish. Improper preparation can lead to poor adhesion of subsequent coats, visible scratches, and other defects that compromise the final appearance. Below are the essential steps to help you achieve optimal surface preparation.

Clean and Dry Surface
Before beginning any work, ensure that the surface is completely clean, dry, and free of dust, moisture, and grease. Contaminants resulting from the working process should be removed using an anti-silicone cleaner such as 9515 Anti-Sil. This guarantees excellent adhesion for subsequent coatings and prevents potential issues in later stages.

Filling – Proper Mixing and Application of Putty/Bodyfiller/Mastic
In automotive refinish work, proper application of putty is crucial. It is essential to mix and apply the putty correctly. Any excess resin will not integrate into the putty but will drain off, which indicates improper mixing. It is not recommended to use IR or any other high-temperature drying equipment, if temperature control is not possible, while the maximum temperature for drying of the putty is 45°C/113°F. Forced drying of polyester putty at elevated temperatures can lead to problems with adhesion.
The mixing ratio is 2% - 3%. For higher summer temperatures and larger surface areas, it is recommended to use the slow hardener 6067 Polyester Putty Hardener, Slow. The 5920 Putty Dispenser is ideal for precise dosing, as it allows for adjustable measurements under varying temperature conditions. You can also use a precision scale for accurate hardener measurement. Overdosing the hardener will result in bleeding of the peroxide hardener.

 Madeži pri predoziranju trdilca ( t.i. pereoksidno krvavljenje

Mix the putty until no traces of the hardener remain, which is indicated by the absence of red or blue marks. Before each new application, thoroughly remove any scratches to ensure a uniformly sanded surface. Applying the putty in several thin layers is advisable, as a thick application can lead to irregularities. Using a control powder like 3530 Dry Guide Coat before sanding is crucial because it highlights any pinholes or uneven areas that must be sanded before applying the primer. After each use, ensure that the putty container is securely closed to prevent it from drying out. Sanding – Proper Grit Selection.
During sanding, avoid using coarse sandpapers such as P60 and P80 because they can cause deep scratches that are difficult to remove. Since putty is hygroscopic, dry sanding only. It is recommended to start sanding with a P120 grit and then gradually move to finer grits, ensuring that the jump between grits does not exceed 100 (e.g., P120, P150, P180, P240, P320). When transitioning to a finer grit, ensure that all scratches from the previous grit have been eliminated, as the next grit will not remove imperfections from the previous sanding. This gradual transition allows for even and smooth surface preparation before applying the primer.

Application and Sanding of Filler/Primer
Application is 1 - 3 layers with flash-off until matt between coats. Several thin coats will provide better isolation and create a protective film, reducing the risk of lifting & wrinkling effects. If the putty work has been finished sanding with P240, the primer starts sanding with P320 and then moves on to P400, preferably using foam-backed sandpaper or soft interfacer 4630 Soft Interface Pad. For metallic, pearls or metallic, the final sanding is P500 or P600 grit. Additionally, it is recommended that the workshop temperature be maintained at a minimum of 15 °C, as low temperatures can have a negative effect on drying times.
For larger sand through to bare metal, an appropriate primer (epoxy or etch) must be pre-applied.

Hardeners and Thinners
Always follow the technical data sheets (TDS) when using hardeners and thinners. Our product labels include QR codes that allow you to easily access the technical and safety data sheets online. All documents are also available through the Silco Technical Center. Before adding thinner, thoroughly mix the hardener into the filler to ensure an even and proper chemical reaction between the materials. Nitro thinner should be used exclusively for cleaning the equipment and not instead of universal thinner.


Gun Application and Pressure
When applying the primer, choose a primer spray gun. Use a nozzle between 1.4 and 1.8 mm regarding the type of repair, with an application pressure of 1.5 to 2 bar. After each use, the spray gun must be thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate cleaner, such as 5555 Nitro Thinner, to ensure optimal performance in subsequent applications.

Primer Application Area
The primer should be applied in an area with proper ventilation and filtration, which is essential for rapid and even drying of the finish. It is advisable to apply the primer progressively—from larger areas to smaller—to prevent covering the overspray of previous coats.

Conclusion
Proper surface preparation is not merely a technical step but the key to achieving a flawless and long-lasting finish. By consistently following all the outlined guidelines—from thorough cleaning, precise puttying, and proper sanding to the appropriate use of hardeners, thinners, and painting equipment—you will ensure that your project is both successful and aesthetically superior. Attention to detail and persistence are paramount, as a well-prepared surface lays the foundation for the perfect final finish that will satisfy both you and your clients.

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