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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.