We sell a blending solvent which really helps in obtaining a professional looking repair. Blending paint especially metallic paints, is crucial for achieving a much better looking repair. The complexity arises due to the variability in how metallic flakes align and react under different application conditions.
Preparing for Blending
- Area Preparation: Ensure the repaired area and up to two feet around it is thoroughly cleaned and scuffed to promote adhesion.
- Application Technique:
- Begin by fully covering the repaired area with paint.
- Gradually reduce the amount of paint sprayed as you move outward, finishing with a mist coat that extends about one foot beyond the repair.
- The goal is to make the transition from the original paint to the repaired area imperceptible.
Blending Metallic Paint
- Challenges with Metallic Paint: Matching metallic paint is particularly difficult due to the nature of metallic flakes and varying application factors such as angle, pressure, temperature, and humidity. Often, professional body shops opt to repaint larger areas to ensure a match, especially with tricky colors like gold that can fade and change over time.
Clearcoat Application
- Clearcoat Over Blended Area: After the paint dries, apply clearcoat over the entire area, extending about a foot past the mist coat edge. Use full coats of clearcoat to the edges of the panel being repaired.
Using Clearcoat Blender
- Application: While the clearcoat is still wet, apply the clearcoat blender around the edges of the repair. This helps to melt the fresh clearcoat into the existing finish, eliminating visible edges.
- Finish: Once dry, polish the area with rubbing compound to enhance the appearance and smoothness of the finish.
Important Notes
- Paint Pens and Brushes: Blending is not feasible with paint pens or touch-up brushes as these tools cannot achieve the necessary feathering effect and often result in a darker appearance due to the accumulation of paint layers.
- Practice Required: Achieving a perfect blend requires practice. If new to blending, consider practicing on a spare piece of metal before attempting on your vehicle.