Solvent test
Information and tips for performing the solvent resistance test
Before starting any refinishing job, we recommend that you carry out a solvent resistance test on a sand-through to identify any layers which may be solvent sensitive
SOLVENT-SENSITIVE LAYERS MAY BE:
- TPA (thermo-plastic acrylic) paintwork
- Nitro-cellulose paintwork
- Non-cured synthetic resin paintwork
- Solvent-sensitive OEM paintwork
HOW TO TEST:
After sanding, soak a piece of cloth in Glasurit 352-50 or -91 Reducer and rub over the sand-through. If one or more of the paint layers swell, dissolve or become tacky, then they are solvent-sensitive.
Tips & tricks
WHEN REPAIRING SUCH PAINT LAYERS, NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- Sanding process should be finer and cover a wider area than normal.
- Do not use any polyester filler over the feathered edge, leave bright metal showing between.
- Apply filler/surfacer and topcoats only in thin light coats and allow good flash-off times between coats.
- Do not use a wet-on-wet surfacer or system.
- Carefully dry with IR heaters (not over TPA substrates)
- Only use a suitable finishing process
- Where sensitive coats are found along with a high film build, strip back to bare metal.
- Paint system layers that prove to be extremely sensitive to solvents must be removed before any repair work is done.