Refinishing Plastic Parts (Updated)

Utilize the following links to go directly to the Paint Manufacturer's current information online.

The following information is the original contents of this bulletin:

Nothing can ruin a flawless paint job quicker than problems with paint adhesion. Delaminating paint can result in costly rework for the shop and frustration and dissatisfaction for the customer. While paint adhesion problems over metal surfaces are infrequent, plastic parts, particularly unprimed replacement bumper covers and fascias continue to be problematic. But the solution is at hand-just like metal refinishing, the key to applying a paint job that sticks to plastic parts is proper surface preparation.

For unprimed, raw plastic parts this means a thorough solvent wash to remove residual mold release agents and other contaminants. An often-overlooked practice is to make sure that both sides of the plastic part are cleaned according to refinish manufacturer's recommended procedures. Mold release agents remaining on the backside of parts can creep through to the surface of the part over time, causing the paint to blister and peel on the refinished side, even if it was thoroughly prepped.

This bulletin is a reference guide to automotive paint manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning, prepping and refinishing both unprimed and primed plastic parts. Consult the specific paint manufacturer's technical manual for additional information. General refinishing topics, including manufacturer recommendations for clearcoat blending, color blending and the proper use of flex additives are published in Tech-Cor Automobile Research Bulletin #2000-1 (Updated).

Akzo Nobel / Sikkens

BASF / Glasurit

DuPont

PPG

Sherwin-Williams

Links to paint manufacturers

Click any of the above for more information.

The information provided in this bulletin is for educational purposes only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this bulletin, Tech-Cor assumes no responsibility or liability for any repairs performed using information from any publication issued by Tech-Cor.

Any person performing repairs must determine whether any suggested or recommended procedures or repairs are suitable or appropriate for the particular vehicle being repaired. The repairer remains solely responsible for such determination, as well as for the proper completion of the repairs.

Reproduction of this bulletin is not permitted without the written approval of Tech-Cor.