#18 - Drop Coat Technique
Drop Coat / Technique Coat
"Drop coat" or "Technique Coat" are both terms used in Automotive Refinishing to describe the application of the “final effect colour-coat” to metallic or pearl basecoats.
After the initial application of basecoat to create colour coverage to the panel, the Drop or Technique Coat is then applied.
The application of this coat performs several key tasks
- Mimics the application of colour at OEM level (robotic)
- Creates a more accurate colour match to the paint manufacturers formulation.
- Eliminates any possible mottle look in colours which have a high metallic content.
How to apply:
- Reduce the air pressure at the spraygun, down to 1bar (all other settings remain the same).
- Increase the gun to panel distance to approx. 30-40cm.
- Using a “gentle” application, apply a light coat (not dusty, not wet) over the repair panel. Immediately after application you may see a fine texture look on the surface - this is what you want to see - this then disappears once the coat has dried.
- Most colours may only require a single visit, but for very high metallic content colours a second visit may be applied (but no more than two visits).
- Once flashed, clearcoat as normal.
Consult your local DeBeer Representative for further information.
The example above shows the difference between a drop coat being applied (left side) with the colour being accurate, vs no drop coat being applied (right side) and the colour not being accurate.
Elevate
For customized SOP style documents ask DBNZ to do an ELEVATE version for your paint shop.
This incorporates the products and equipment that are used in your shop to create best practice as set by product TDS, Shop Owners and Paint Shop staff.
This will help to bring the understanding of what standards of repair are to be expected by all parties within the repair process, limit down time and speed up process.
This tip was originally written for DBNZ Coatings and has been re-posted with permission.
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