Paint - Technology Information
91infiniti01
Classification: Section:
BF91-003 Body & Frame
Reference:
TECHNICAL BULLLETIN ITB91-025
Models:
1990-91 Infiniti Q45, M30
Date:
May 16, 1991
INFINITI PAINT REFINISH SYSTEMS
APPLIED MODELS: 1990-91 Infiniti Q45 (G50) 1990-91 Infiniti M30 (F31)
SERVICE INFORMATION
Infiniti vehicles utilize some of the most advanced paint finish systems currently available. This includes fluorine clear coat and an available twilight color. Repairing these finishes requires a thorough understanding of the factory finish system and application of refinish materials which are equivalent to factory-applied. Spot/panel or overall refinishing of an Infiniti Q45 or M30 requires re-application of the fluorine clear coat to maintain standards of appearance and durability. Conventional clear coats should not be used where fluorine clear was originally used.
This bulletin gives a brief overview of fluorine clear and twilight color technology and how it applies to refinishing specific Infiniti models. Refer to the chart below for fluorine clear/twilight color usage by vehicle.
Fluorine Clear
Fluorine clear coat is applied over all colors of both Q45 and M30 models. This advanced clear coat produces superior weathering characteristics and reduced maintenance, while retaining luster for an extended time. Because they contain the chemical element fluorine, they have a higher resistance to ultra-violet rays than conventional clears.
The appearance and durability of the fluorine clear coat must be maintained during any refinishing procedure. This means that the refinish system must also use a fluorine clear coat. Check with the vendor you normally use for recommendations on a suitable product. If your regular vendor doesn't have a fluorine clear coat available, contact your local representative of PPG/Ditzler Automotive Finishes. PPG has become the official supplier of the Infiniti Vehicle Processing Centers where the vehicles enter the U.S. While PPG has a full line of products available for refinishing Infiniti cars, their products are not recommended exclusively by Nissan.
Twilight Colors
Twilight color is a pearlescent metalic containing metal particles and mica flakes. In addition, they contain graphite flakes which give it an improved deep color tone. Twilight color improves color tone by producing minor changes in color and luster. This is most noticeable as the surface is viewed at different angles and under various lighting conditions. The illustration below shows how the color varies when viewing from the "face" and "flop" sides. Of course, checking under sunlight is best when comparing finishes for a color match.
Achieving an acceptable color match tends to be one of the biggest challenges for most repair facilities. The use of twilight color adds another variable to the challenge of color matching.
However, the process is much the same as with other colors which use metallic and pearlescent additives. If general color matching rules are kept in mind and manufacturer's instructions are closely followed, finish matching should not be too difficult of a challenge for skilled painters.
Most major paint manufacturers have developed matching finishes for the twilight color -- refer to Technical Bulletin BF90-007/BF90-013 or check with your paint jobber for availability details.
Use One Manufacturer's System
We recommend refinishers select one system and stick with it for the entire repair. Paint chemistry is very different from manufacturer to manufacturer. The practice of using one brand of paint, another brand of reducer, etc., will no longer work. Systems should not be intermixed since the individual components are made to work with one another.
Each manufacturer will also include specific directions for the use of each product, such as the amount of reduction, and so on. Carefully following manufacturer's instructions will help to ensure a satisfactory refinish procedure.
Infiniti Paint and Body Repair Self-Study Course
Infiniti provides its dealers and their designated paint and body repair facilities with the Infiniti Paint and Body Repair Self-Study Course at no cost. These guidebooks contain specifications on finishes, body repair manuals, a tutorial and video on body and paint systems used on Infiniti vehicles, and related information. This material is being updated and shipped to Infiniti dealers and designated shops at this time. We suggest it as a reference for the repair and refinishing of Infiniti vehicles.