Paint - Paint Swells/Discolored Under Paint Guard Film
Classification: BT99-032FReference: ITB99-043F
Date: February 11, 2011
PAINT SWELL/STAIN/SPOT UNDER PAINT GUARD FILM
This bulletin has been amended. All current production models have been applied and the company contact information has been updated. Please discard all previous versions.
APPLIED VEHICLES: All Infiniti Production Models with Paint Guard Film
SERVICE INFORMATION
NOTE:
Failure to follow the procedures in this bulletin may result in the denial of a warranty claim.
In an effort to protect the paint finish Paint Guard Film (PGF) is applied on many new Infiniti vehicles.
Paint Guard Film is a temporary white plastic protective film that is applied by the factory to the horizontal painted surfaces of the vehicle. The PGF protects the paint finish during vehicle handling transportation and storage from harmful elements such as acid rain iron particles bird droppings tree sap and other environmental contaminants.
NOTE:
Paint Guard Film CANNOT remain on the vehicle for more than six months after the vehicle's manufacture date. PGF must be removed at the end of six months.
If an Infiniti vehicle exhibits swelling stains or spots on the paint finish (which appear milky or whitish on dark colored vehicles and dark-shaded or coffee-colored on light colored vehicles) immediately after the PGF is removed the cause may be moisture collection under pockets/creases of the PGF. The paint may absorb moisture which may cause the affected paint finish area to temporarily discolor.
The size of the swell stain or spot may range from a dime to a clinched fist and have an irregular shape and possibly a slightly raised surface.
This incident may occur anywhere under the PGF but may be noted in particular to occur around the windshield fluid nozzle (see Figure 1) and on the deck lid. In any case use the following service procedure to correct the incident.
IMPORTANT:
If this condition occurs, do not rebuff or initially attempt to repaint the effected area. Perform the following service Procedure first.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Use one of the following procedures to remove the moisture from the effected area(s).
Place Vehicle in Sun Light (warm weather)
In warm weather place the vehicle in the sun light. The paint condition should disappear in a few hours depending on the severity of the condition.
Place Vehicle Indoors (cold weather)
In cold weather place the vehicle indoors at a temperature of approximately 70°F. The paint condition should disappear in about 8 to 12 hours depending on the severity of the condition.
Heat Lamp or Heat Gun
To speed up the recovery process of the condition use a portable infrared heat lamp or a heat gun. Follow the Important Points listed below when using a heat lamp or a heat gun.
CAUTION:
Only an experienced paint technician who is familiar with paint temperature limitations should use a heat lamp or heat gun. Also do not use a heat lamp or heat gun on painted plastic body components (i.e. bumper covers spoilers etc.).
Important Points
^ The maximum total bulb wattage for the infrared heat lamp should not exceed 750 watts.
^ The heat gun wattage should be between 1200 and 1400 watts.
^ Maintain the heat lamp/heat gun distance so the painted surface temperature is between 175° and 190°F (80° - 90°C). Affix a paper label thermometer on the paint surface two inches away from the effected area (see Figure 2) to monitor the surface temperature.
NOTE:
Paper label thermometers can be purchased from the company listed below.
^ Do not apply the heat gun for more than 5 minutes as permanent damage (i.e. bubbling burns etc.) can occur to the paint.
^ Do not hold the heat gun closer than 12 inches from the paint surface. Also do not hold the heat gun in one position rather move it continuously from side to side to heat the affected area evenly.
^ Do not apply heat directly on to the paper label thermometer as this will give a false temperature reading.
This repair is effective only if performed within a short time period after the PGF is removed from the vehicle i.e. a few days in mild climates or within a week in colder climates. This repair will not be effective beyond that time frame.
If the condition does not disappear after the above service procedures are performed the condition may be permanent and the effected area may have to be re-painted.
Paper thermometers may be purchased from the company listed below.
NOTE:
Equivalent paper thermometers may be used and are available from other local suppliers.
TIP Temperature Products
340 W. Broad Street
Burlington NJ 08016
Phone: 1-877-847-8367
Fax: 1-609-239-1911
www.tiptemp.com
P/N TLCSEN023 (non-reversible 10/pkg.)
P/N TLCSEN006 (reversible 10/pkg.)
CLAIMS INFORMATION
If further repairs necessitating buffing or repainting are needed and paint inspection is required, refer to Infiniti Warranty Bulletin IWB04-013 for the current paint approval process.