Acura TL (1995-1998) body repair. Manual — part 27

General

Paint

The 3-coat•3-bake (3C•3B) and 4-coat•4-bake (4C•4B) paint finishes give the Acura 2.5TL/3.2TL a deep gloss and stunning finish. This

manual provides information on paint defect repair and refinishing. Throughout, the objective is to explain in a simple yet comprehensive
manner the basic items you should know about paint repairs. Select the correct material for the defect and repaint or refinish in the
correct manner as described in this manual.

• Most paints contain substances that are harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Read the paint label before opening the

container. Spray paint only in a well ventilated area.

• Cover spilled paint with sand, or wipe it up at once.
• Wear an approved respirator, gloves, eye protection and appropriate clothing when painting. Avoid contact with skin.
• If paint gets in your mouth or on your skin, rinse or wash thoroughly with water. If paint gets in your eyes, flush with

water and get prompt medical attention.

• Paint is flammable. Store it in a safe place, and keep it away from sparks, flames or cigarettes.

Basic Rules for Repairing a Paint Finish
To repair paint damage, always use the 2-part acrylic urethane paints designated; polish and bake each of the three coats, as in
production, to maintain the original film thickness, and to assure the same quality as the original finish.

Outline of Factory Painting Process:

Features in Each Work Process

1. Pretreatment and Electrodeposition

In the pretreatment process, the entire body is degreased, cleaned, and coated with zinc phosphate by dipping.

After the body has been cleaned with pure water, it is placed in an electrolytic bath of soluble primer (Cationic Electrodeposi-
tion). This produces a thorough corrosion inhibiting coating on the inner surfaces and corners of the body, pillars, sills and

panel joints. Chipping primer is then applied to the most susceptible areas (see page

8-16

).

2. Intermediate coat / Intermediate coat 1 (4C•4B)

The intermediate coat is applied to the prepared surface for further protection against damage.

• Intermediate coat 2 (4C•4B)

The intermediate coat 2 is matched to the color of the top coat.

3. Top coat

Enamel paint and either polyester or acrylic resin paint are used in the top coat for higher solidity, smoothness, brightness,

and weather resistance.

Sectional View of Paint Coats:

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The intermediate coat will determine the color and quality of the paint finish (smoothness, gloss, brightness and thickness). Be sure

to follow mixing instructions explicitly and measure the paint accurately.

Combination Table:

Intermediate Coat Colors

Paint

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Paint Refinishing

Paint damage can appear in any form. Before making a repair, check the damaged area carefully, and determine the procedure best

suited to the type. The following relates paint refinishing methods to various types of paint damage of damage or defects.

Defects and Refinishing Processes

• Ventilate when spraying paint. Most paint contains

substances that are harmful if inhaled or swallowed.

Read the paint label before opening the paint contain-

er.

• Avoid contact with skin. Wear an approved

respirator, gloves, eye protection and appropriate
clothing when painting.

• Paint is flammable. Store it in a safe place, and keep

it away from sparks, flames or cigarettes.

A. Damage or defects that have gone through to the

metal surface

Rusting or deformation:

Steps:

Featheredge the damaged area.

Prepare the metal surface.

Apply a chemical coating to metal surface.

Metal conditioner, Precoat, A.C.P treatment

Apply an undercoat (primer surfacer)

NH-585P :

-1 Apply intermediate coat 1 (surfacer and primer

surfacer)

Apply an intermediate coat (color matched to top
enamel paint).
NH-585P : Intermediate coat 2

(Exclusive color paint)

Apply a top coat (body color paint).

Solid color: Enamel top coat paint

Metallic color: Metallic enamel paint + Clear top

coat

Pearl color: Pearl enamel paint + Clear top coat

B. Damage or defects up to undercoat or intermediate

coat/intermediate coat 1 (NH-585P)

External damage or blisters:
(1) Perform Steps through under Item A.
NH-585P :
Damage or defects up to intermediate coat 2
External damage
(1) Perform steps through under Item A.

C. Damage or defects that have not gone through to

intermediate coats (only in top coat)

Shallow scratches or score marks:

(1) If damage has gone through to the metallic paint,

spray metallic enamel, then apply top coat wet on
wet.

(2) If damage has not reached the metallic color paint

and remained in the clear top coat,polish the damaged
surface or spray only the clear top coat.

NOTE: Try to repair by polishing as much as possible if

the damage has not reached the metallic color paint.

D. Replacement of Parts

-1 Welded parts

Rear side outer panel, etc.
(1) Perform Step through if the damaged area is

covered with filler or welded with reinforcement

plate.

(2) Perform Steps and for undercoats except

those on joints (Intermediate coat for replacement

parts).

(3) On inner panels, apply paint where the undercoat is

burned by heat of welding. Follow this with a rust
preventive treatment (see

section 7

).

-2 Single Parts

• Painting of outer and inner hood, door, trunk, lid,

etc.

Perform Steps and under Item A.

• Painting of inside of front fender.

Only enamel top coat paint may be used:
Solid color enamel. Metallic enamel or Pearl enamel.

• After spraying enamel paint, perform rust preventive

treatment (apply inner or outer rust preventive
agent).

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Refinishing Processes

Paint

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