Automotive Paint Guide

Prepares the surface for paint, improves adhesion and can help fill sanding marks and minor imperfections.

Provides the vehicle’s colour and effect. Basecoat does not normally provide the final gloss or protection and requires a compatible clearcoat.

Applied over basecoat to provide gloss, durability and protection from weathering, chemicals and UV exposure.

A colour and gloss finish in one coating. Commonly used for solid colours and available in systems such as 2K acrylic and 1K finishes.

• No separate hardener required
• Dries mainly through solvent evaporation
• Simple preparation and application
• Lower chemical resistance
• Common in aerosols, certain direct-gloss products and specialist coatings

• Mixed with a hardener or activator
• Chemically cures after mixing
• Greater durability and chemical resistance
• Commonly used for primers, clearcoats and direct-gloss finishes
• Correct mixing ratio is essential

A colour coat used for solid, metallic and pearl finishes. It requires a compatible clearcoat to provide the final gloss and protection.

A low-solvent colour system commonly used in modern refinishing. It also requires a compatible clearcoat and correct airflow for drying.

A hardened colour finish that gives colour and gloss in one coating. Commonly used for solid colours where a separate clearcoat is not required.

A single-component colour finish that does not use a hardener. Generally easier to use, but with lower durability and chemical resistance than a 2K system.

A high-solids clearcoat offering good build, gloss and durability. Commonly used for everyday refinishing and general repair work.

An ultra-high-solids clearcoat designed to achieve high film build and excellent finish with reduced solvent content.

Designed for quicker flash-off and curing. Useful for smaller repairs, cooler conditions or jobs where faster turnaround is important.

Used where a reduced-gloss finish is required. Correct mixing and application are especially important to achieve an even, consistent sheen.

Used with 2K products to start the chemical curing process. Always use the hardener or activator specified for the particular paint system.

Used to adjust viscosity and help the coating atomise and flow correctly. The correct product and amount depend on the paint system and application conditions.

Faster products generally suit cooler conditions or smaller repairs, while slower products can be better for warmer conditions or larger areas. Always follow the product Technical Data Sheet.

Clean and degrease the surface, repair any damage and sand the area to provide a clean, stable surface for the paint system.

Apply the appropriate primer for the substrate and repair. Once cured, sand where required to create a smooth, uniform surface ready for colour.

Apply the chosen basecoat or direct-gloss system according to the manufacturer’s application method, allowing the specified flash-off between coats.

Where required, apply a compatible clearcoat. Allow the complete paint system to cure correctly before polishing or carrying out any final finishing.

A textured finish that can be caused by incorrect gun setup, unsuitable viscosity, poor atomisation or application conditions.

Usually caused by applying too much material, spraying too slowly or using an unsuitable product speed for the conditions.

A rough, dusty finish caused when the coating begins drying before it reaches or properly flows onto the panel.

Small craters in the finish commonly associated with silicone, oil, grease or other surface contamination.