Paint Term Definitions

Following are definitions of paint repair terms used in this bulletin:

Basecoat: A color topcoat that requires a clear topcoat over it.

Breakline: A natural dividing line on panel(s) that can be used as a starting/stopping point when making a repair.

Clearcoat: A clear topcoat required to cover a color basecoat.

Delamination: Loss of adhesion between one coat of paint to succeeding coats or coatings. Ultraviolet delamination is between the E coat (ELPO) and color topcoat(s).

ELPO: (Electrocoating or "E" coat): The process by which electrically charged primer is plated on conductive surfaces of an opposite charge. This process provides outstanding corrosion resistance.

Guidecoat: A light coat (almost overspray) of color applied over primer surfacer prior to wetsanding to highlight any low spots.

Insert Color: The secondary two~one color between the breakline and body side molding.

Monocoat: A color topcoat that does not require a clearcoat.

Primer: The coating applied to a properly prepared substrate (bare metal) to give adhesion, corrosion and chemical resistance.

Primer Sealer: An undercoat that provides maximum adhesion, color coating and corrosion protection.

Primer Surfacer: An undercoat used to fill imperfections, with primer qualities, that must be sanded.

Refinish: The act of replacing a painted surface, usually undercoat and topcoat.

Scuff Sand: A method of sanding a painted surface using a fine grit sandpaper to promote paint adhesion.

Topcoat: A finish material over an undercoat material.

Ultraviolet Light: The portion of the spectrum of light which can cause fading of paint. It is located above the visible part of the spectrum.

V.O.C.: "Volatile Organic Compound" or "Volatile Organic Content" relates to certain emission requirements in specific areas of the country.