PPG, Clearcoat Blending

PPG has the following policy for PPG Certified Collision Repair Centers offering their Lifetime Paint Performance Guarantee:

"When performing PPG Lifetime Paint Performance Guarantee repairs, if no clean break or body line exists for stopping the application of clearcoat, extend the application of clear to the nearest panel edge or break line."

The following graphics show an example of such a repair on a quarter/sail panel repair with no clean break line available.

In the event that an appropriate break line to stop clearcoating on a sail panel is not available, the clear edge can be blended if the technician chooses to do so. However, this is not the recommended method.

• Choose as small an area as possible to minimize the blend area.
• Prepare the area for the blend in the proper manner. A nice, light, wet sanding with 1200-1500 grit paper is recommended.
• Spray the basecoat to hiding and step out the edges where necessary.
• Apply the first coat of clear. Stop the edge in the designated blend area. Dust the edge with DX 830 Blending Solvent.
• Apply the second coat of clear. Extend the edge just beyond the first clear blend edge-not too far; 1-3 inches is fine. Extending the blend edges too far may lead to accidental removal of some of the clear later when the edge is polished due to a film build that is too thin.
• Dust the edge with DX 830 Blending Solvent.
• Apply a third coat of clear if necessary in the same manner.
• When properly dry, polish the edge lightly by hand or machine. Use a foam or similar pad and a "finessing" type polish so you don't buff off the clear edge and leave a line.