FAQ’s & Pro Tips
Yes, you should have received a colour check card with your purchase of Base Coat Colour for this purpose. This will alleviate any discrepancies before painting a larger area. Click here to watch the video on how to correctly use your colour check card.
The vast majority of acrylic paints are susceptible to petrol, along with other harsh solvents such as; acetone, thinner and methylated spirits. If you’re refinishing an area where fuel may come into contact, it is recommended to use a 2-pack paint product.
For best match to existing paint, always use your vehicle’s unique alpha-numeric paint code. However, there’s also the ColorSpec Signature Series of colours comprising of 565 custom colours. They can be found in the ColorSpec Signature Series Colour Chart at your local SuperCheap Auto store.
Yes. ColorSpec is a 3-step ‘Clear-Over-Base’ (COB) system. On its own, base coat has no gloss and will look dull without clear coat. As well as adding gloss, clear coat also seals and protects the base coat against UV damage.
ColorSpec recommends using only ColorSpec primers, base coat and clear coats to ensure maximum longevity and chemical compatibility in conjunction with each other. Mixing brands voids the warranty on ColorSpec products.
ColorSpec aerosol cans have thinner and propellant already added. When using ColorSpec in bulk quantities and applied using air-operated spray equipment, mixing with ColorSpec Acrylic Thinner is essential to ensure compatibility along with proper adhesion and gloss retention.
Refer to your product for correct mixing ratios.
ColorSpec is not recommended for components that will be exposed to extreme heat. This could cause the paint to split, crack or flake. Specialised, high-temperature paint is suggested for components such as these.
Product inside the aerosol can will store for at least 12-months from the time it’s mixed.
Once opened a tin of ColorSpec Body Filler Lightweight will last 8-12 months and should be stored with the lid closed in a cool area.
Pro Tips
- Only spray on days that fall within the weather condition ranges specified on the product.
- Use a tack cloth before applying paint to give the surface one last wipe, to remove any remaining dust and lint you can’t see. This will help reduce blemishes when you apply the particular ColorSpec product you are using.
- After you’ve applied primer, spray a very light coat of dark colour (black works well) over the top, this is known as a guide coat. Once the primer and guide coat have dried you can sand the surface so it’s flat, the guide coat will help you identify when this has been achieved as you should aim to sand until you’ve just removed the guide coat.
- Sharp edges must be feathered back by sanding otherwise they will still be visible after the repair.
- Primer will not hide deep scratches, apply body filler to repair these areas.
- Practice your spray technique on paper before applying to your car.
- If you get a run during paint application, let the coating dry and lightly the sand the run back to a smooth finish before proceeding.
- Mask the surrounding areas of your repair to avoid getting overspray on areas you aren’t refinishing.
- Overspray will carry some distance, it is important to protect your vehicle and surrounding items with newspaper or drop sheets.
