BASECOAT/CLEARCOAT
FINISH
DESCRIPTION
On most vehicles a two-part paint application
(basecoat/clearcoat) is used. Color paint that is
applied to primer is called basecoat. The clearcoat
protects the basecoat from ultraviolet light and pro-
vides a durable high-gloss finish.
CAUTION: Do not use abrasive chemicals or com-
pounds on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can
result.
Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning solvents
on painted surfaces. Damage to finish or color can
result.
PAINT CODE
DESCRIPTION
Exterior vehicle body colors are identified on the
Body Code plate. (Refer to VEHICLE DATA/VEHI-
CLE
INFORMATION/BODY
CODE
PLATE
-
DESCRIPTION). The paint code is also identified on
the Vehicle Safety Certification Label which is
located on the drivers door shut face. The first digit
of the paint code listed on the vehicle indicates the
sequence of application, i.e.: P = primary coat, Q =
secondary coat. The codes listed in the Color Code
Chart are used for manufacturing purposes.
PAINT TOUCH-UP
DESCRIPTION
When a painted metal surface has been scratched
or chipped, it should be touched up as soon as possi-
ble to avoid corrosion. For best results, use Mopar
t
Scratch Filler/Primer, Touch Up Paints and Clear Top
Coat. (Refer to VEHICLE DATA/VEHICLE INFOR-
MATION/BODY CODE PLATE - DESCRIPTION).
WARNING: USE AN OSHA APPROVED RESPIRATOR
AND SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SPRAYING PAINT
OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
TOUCH UP PROCEDURE
(1) Scrape loose paint and corrosion from inside
scratch or chip.
(2) Clean affected area with Mopar
t Tar/Road Oil
Remover, and allow to dry.
(3) Fill the inside of the scratch or chip with a coat
of filler/primer. Do not overlap primer onto good sur-
face finish. The applicator brush should be wet
enough to puddle-fill the scratch or chip without run-
ning. Do not stroke brush applicator on body surface.
Allow the filler/primer to dry hard.
(4) Cover the filler/primer with color touch up
paint. Do not overlap touch up color onto the original
color coat around the scratch or chip. Butt the new
color to the original color, if possible. Do not stroke
applicator brush on body surface. Allow touch up
paint to dry hard.
(5) On vehicles without clearcoat, the touch up
color can be lightly finesse sanded (1500 grit) and
polished with rubbing compound.
(6) On vehicles with clearcoat, apply clear top coat
to touch up paint with the same technique as
described in Step 4. Allow clear top coat to dry hard.
If desired, Step 5 can be performed on clear top coat.
WARNING: AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT
WITH PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL – BASED CLEAN-
ING SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
FINESSE SANDING/BUFFING &
POLISHING
DESCRIPTION
Minor acid etching, orange peel, or smudging in
clearcoat or single-stage finishes can be reduced with
light finesse sanding, hand buffing, and polishing. If
the finish has been finesse sanded in the past,
it cannot be repeated. Finesse sanding opera-
tion should be performed by a trained automo-
tive paint technician.
CAUTION:
Do
not
remove
clearcoat
finish,
if
equipped. Basecoat paint must retain clearcoat for
durability.
23 - 142
PAINT
PT