I-CAR ProLevel Refinish key terms

The set of practices that limit worker contact with isocyanate hardeners, including supplied-air or approved respirators, gloves, enclosed mixing areas, and air monitoring, because sensitization can become permanent and life-threatening.

An immune response that develops after repeated overexposure to isocyanate products, causing asthma-like symptoms on later contact even at low concentrations; affected workers may be unable to continue refinish work.

A respirator that delivers breathable air from a remote source through a hose to a hood or tight-fitting facepiece, required for many spray operations involving isocyanates or other high-hazard coatings.

The controlled movement of filtered air through a booth that carries overspray and solvent vapor away from the painter; balanced intake and exhaust keep concentrations below exposure limits and protect finish quality.

The amount of volatile organic compounds in a coating that evaporate during curing; regulations cap VOC levels for specific product categories, and compliant products must be selected for the jurisdiction.

A solvent excluded from regulatory VOC calculations under specific rules, often because it has negligible photochemical reactivity; it may still present health hazards and does not reduce required respiratory protection.

A document, now commonly called an SDS, that lists a product's hazardous ingredients, exposure limits, required personal protective equipment, flammability, reactivity, and safe handling and storage instructions.

The process of deciding whether leftover coatings, solvents, gun-cleaning residue, or used filters are regulated hazardous waste based on product characteristics and local rules before disposal.

An enclosed cleaning unit that circulates solvent through spray guns to remove coating residue; it reduces solvent vapor and waste but produces spent solvent that must be managed as regulated waste.

Determining what a panel is made of, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, or previously refinished coating, so the correct cleaning, adhesion promotion, primer, and topcoat system can be chosen.

A factory-applied electrodeposited primer layer on many new metal parts that provides corrosion protection; it must be scuffed or treated according to the coating system's instructions before refinishing.

A thin tie-coat applied to difficult substrates such as certain plastics or bare aluminum to improve bonding between the substrate and the following primer or topcoat.

Cleaning, identifying, and treating an unpainted plastic bumper or trim with the correct adhesion promoter or flexible additive so the coating flexes with the part without cracking or peeling.

The size and direction of abrasive marks left in a surface; progressively finer grits remove coarser scratches, and the final pattern must be fine enough for the primer or topcoat to fill.

The ordered sequence of abrasive grits used during preparation, moving from coarse to fine so each step removes the previous step's scratches without introducing new deep ones.

A resin-impregnated cloth wiped over a prepared surface to lift dust and loose particles just before coating, reducing dirt nibs and contamination-related defects.

A manufacturer-approved alternate formulation of a factory color that accounts for slight differences between production batches, plants, or model years; choosing the right variant is essential for a blendable match.

A set of physical color chips or sprayout cards used to compare a vehicle's actual color against available variants under proper lighting before mixing.

An instrument that measures the spectral reflectance of a surface and suggests matching color formulas and variants, which must still be verified visually on a sprayout.

A test panel sprayed with a mixed formula and compared with the vehicle under controlled lighting to confirm the color and variant match before applying product to the car.

The phenomenon in which two colors that appear to match under one light source look different under another, a common issue with metallic and pearlescent finishes that requires checking under multiple lights.

The specified proportion of base component to hardener and reducer by volume or weight; incorrect ratios alter cure speed, gloss, durability, and color, so measurement must follow the product sheet.

The usable working time after a reactive coating is mixed with its hardener, after which viscosity rises and the product must be discarded rather than thinned or reused.

Adding the specified reducer or thinner to a coating to adjust viscosity for the spray equipment and conditions; over-reduction can cause runs, poor coverage, and color or gloss problems.

A high-volume, low-pressure gun that transfers more coating to the surface by using high air volume at low atomizing pressure, reducing overspray and improving material efficiency.

The nozzle that meters coating flow from the gun; its size must suit the product's viscosity, with smaller tips for thin basecoats and larger tips for high-build primers.

The shape and width of the spray output at the gun's working distance; it should be uniform and free of tails or heavy spots, adjusted with air pressure and pattern controls.

The standard gun-to-surface distance and pass speed that produce a uniform wet film; too close or too slow causes runs, while too far or too fast causes dry spray and mottling.

Disassembling and flushing a gun with the correct solvent after use, then lubricating moving parts, to prevent cured material from clogging passages and distorting the spray pattern.

Airborne coating particles that miss the target and settle elsewhere; it wastes material, contaminates adjacent panels, and creates health and housekeeping hazards.

A rough, sandy texture caused when atomized droplets partially dry before reaching the surface, often from excessive distance, too much air pressure, or high booth temperature.

A bumpy surface texture resembling citrus skin, caused by inadequate atomization, incorrect viscosity, too little air pressure, or improper gun distance and speed.

The waiting period after a coat is applied to let solvents evaporate before the next coat or clearcoat; too short a wait traps solvent and can cause solvent pop or dieback.

Small blisters or pinholes formed when solvent trapped under a dried surface film escapes too late; prevented by proper flash times, film thickness, and booth temperature control.

Applying successive coats or a clearcoat over a still-wet or partially flashed basecoat without full curing, following the product's specified window to promote adhesion and avoid lifting.

The adjacent panel onto which color is gradually faded to hide a repair; it relies on a correct variant and controlled application so the transition is invisible.

Techniques for applying pearlescent or metallic basecoats so orientation and flake appearance match surrounding panels, including gun distance, pressure, and coat uniformity.

The color-bearing layer applied over primer that provides the visible hue and any metallic or pearl effect; it is typically protected by a clearcoat.

The transparent topcoat that provides gloss, durability, and ultraviolet protection for the color layer; its application and cure determine the final finish quality.

A high-build undercoat applied over repaired or prepared areas to fill minor imperfections, provide adhesion, and create a uniform surface for the color coat.

An additive mixed into primer or topcoat for plastic parts so the coating can flex with the substrate without cracking; the ratio must match the product instructions.

A small particle trapped in a coating that creates a raised speck; it is removed by careful leveling and polishing, and prevention depends on booth cleanliness and tacking.