Paint - Removing Contaminants from Clearcoat: Overview

9220infiniti01

Classification
BF92-001A

Section:
Body & Frame

Reference:
TECHNICAL BULLETIN ITB92-005A


Models:
All 1991-92 Models

Date:
April 3, 1992


ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION PAINT REPAIR
This is a reissue of ITB92-005 with updated information. Please disregard ITB92-005 and use this corrected version.


APPLIED MODELS:
All 1991-92 Infiniti models

SERVICE INFORMATION

The following procedures and materials have been found effective in removing iron particles, water or chemical spots, scratches and/or swirl marks which have not penetrated the clear coat of painted vehicle surfaces.

IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE

Wash a test area on the vehicle (2' x 2' area of the hood) in a shaded area using a nonphosphate car wash detergent . The vehicle paint must be clean and cool to the touch. Examine the vehicle in both sunlight and indoor lighting to identify which type of contamination may be affecting the finish.

Iron particles are pin-point spots which can be felt with your finger and have an orange stain surrounding the pin-points if viewed under magnification (typical magnifying glass or lupe). These spots require a chemical removal process or the contamination will not be fully removed, causing blisters later. Attempting to buff iron particles will cause severe scratching.

Water spots are 1/8 - 1/4 inch in diameter and near circular in shape. Chemical spots vary in size and usually have irregular edges. The surface usually feels smooth but the spots will not wash off with detergent or tar and bug remover. A discoloration in the clear coat which is smooth to the touch should be treated as a water or chemical spot.

Note:
Paint overspray can also be felt, but under a magnifying glass it looks like a bead and can be popped off without damaging the surface.