Repainting

Before attempting repainting, determine the surface and overall condition of the existing paint.

Horizontal surfaces usually show the greatest surface deterioration. Carefully inspect the hood and roof to determine the overall condition of the paint.

Clean the areas to be inspected and look carefully for any signs of surface deterioration, or any other form of film breakdown such as checking, cracking, or humidity blistering. In particular, note the gloss level.

Low gloss indicates surface irregularities caused by such defects as checking or blistering.

Look for evidence of brittleness or poor adhesion, or excessive chipping. If in doubt about the condition of the paint, scrape the finish slightly with a penknife and examine further.

If a complete repaint job is necessary, plan a painting sequence, primarily for the sake of continuity so as to avoid dry joint overlaps and minimize unnecessary work, before beginning to spray.

First, spray all locations that are not easily accessible (hood and hood edges, drain channels, door jambs). Keep doors slightly ajar to prevent sticking and permit efficient drying. The purpose of this initial spraying is to remove dust that otherwise might be blown about and adversely affect the exterior finishing operation.

Some state and local governments have specific health and safety regulations that recommend the use of special breathing apparatus when using finishing materials containing toxic products.

Respray Sequence, Methodical

1. Once the difficult access areas have been sprayed, begin painting the roof panel at the C-pillar, along the drip rail, to the A-pillar, then paint from the rail inward toward the panel center.

2. Move to the opposite side of the body, pick up the wet paint edge by applying the paint from the center of the roof, continue outward and along the drip rail to the A-pillar, and finish the roof panel by spraying the C-pillar.

3. Extend the coat application down the C-pillar, then paint the entire body side, including the door and fender quarter.

4. Move across to the cowl side panel, hood, and top of the opposite fender.

5. Continue down the fender and along the body side to include the door, quarter panel, and C-pillar.

6. Paint the tailgate and back panels.

Drying Paint Repair Work

1. Cover turn signal indicator lamps, rear lamps, and exterior mirrors when drying the vehicle at approximately 90°C (195°F).

2. If all openings caused by missing window frames, etc., are properly masked, it is not necessary to remove plastic parts from the interior of the vehicle, except perhaps the radio chassis.

3. Monitor the temperature of the passenger compartment. If the vehicle is equipped with a radio tape player digital audio compact disc player, do not allow the temperature to exceed 78°C (170°F).

4. Latch doors in the first catch to avoid distortion of the weatherstrips.