How to Use the Aerosol Spray Preferred Kit

This is how to use the Aerosol Spray Preferred Kit. Follow these instructions to achieve the best results using an Aerosol Spray Preferred Kit.

The Aerosol Spray Preferred Kit includes

• Color
• Clearcoat
• Primer
• Wax and grease remover 

You will need to provide all other items listed in the instructions below.

BEFORE YOU START

Before any touch up paint project, always test your color with the included test card. Apply the color and clearcoat onto the test card using the directions below for painting and finishing. Compare the color applied on the test card with the color on the vehicle to be painted. If the colors match, proceed with painting. If the colors do not match, stop and contact us immediately.

Paint is best applied in temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not apply in direct sunlight.

PART 1 - Prepare the Surface: Cleaning, Sanding, Taping and Priming

Approximate time to complete*: 30-60 Minutes

What you need for PART 1:

• Soap and water 
• Sandpaper
• Wax and grease remover (included in Preferred Kit)
• Tape (optional)
• Primer (included in Preferred Kit)

1. Clean the entire vehicle or part with soap and water to remove surface dirt. Make sure to rinse and dry the surface thoroughly.
2. Prepare the surface to be repaired using sandpaper (see Sanding Instructions).
3. Clean again with soap and water. Then remove any remaining contaminants by lightly wiping the area with the wax and grease remover included with the Preferred Kit.
4. Tape off the area to be painted. This will help protect the area around the scratch when you are sanding or applying paint.
5. Assess the exposed areas of the damage. If the substrate is bare metal or plastic, you will need the primer included in the Preferred Kit. If you have deep cracks, scratches, or gouges, we recommend a spot putty filler.
6. If the area is already primed or not down to a bare substrate, you are ready to apply the first coat of color.

BEFORE COLORCOAT

Before applying Colorcoat, make sure the Primer is dry on a smooth and even surface. Any imperfection on the Primer will be amplified once the Clearcoat is applied. We suggest wet sanding the dried Primer surface with an 800-1200 grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish.

Paint is best applied in temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not apply in direct sunlight.

PART 2 - Paint the Surface

In progress, previewApproximate time to complete*: 30-40 Minutes

What you need for PART 2:

• Tack cloth
• Color (included in the Preferred Kit)

Only proceed with PART 2 once PART 1 has been completed.

1. Shake color well. Periodically shake between sprays.
2. Remove any surface dust by lightly wiping the surface with a tack cloth immediately prior to the first coat only. We recommend the TUD Tack Cloth.  
3. Aim can in a safe direction, away from anything that should not be painted. Test spray the can 1-2 times with a quick spray to clear the nozzle and ensure the can is functioning properly.  
4. Holding can 6-8 inches from the face of the area to be painted, begin spraying your first pass 1-2 inches before the actual area to be painted. Continue holding the spray trigger for 1-2 inches past the area to be painted.
   
   
5. Using the same technique as the previous pass, continue to apply strokes of paint until the surface is evenly covered.  Overlap the previous pass by 50% to ensure thorough coverage. 
   
   
6. Apply 2-3 coats using the same methods as steps 3 & 4. Let paint dry for 15-30 minutes between coats.
7. If your color is a tricoat, repeat step 6 using the applicator labeled “Midcoat”, also for 2-3 coats. Let paint dry for 15-30 minutes between coats.
8. When finished aim can in a safe direction, hold can upside down and spray 2-3 quick bursts to clear nozzle. 
   
   

PART 3 - Finish the Surface

Approximate time to complete*: 30-45 Minutes

What you need for PART 3:

• Tack cloth
• Clearcoat (included in the Preferred Kit)

Only proceed with Part 3 once Part 2 has been completed. You should now have 3-4 coats of color applied and dried for over 30 minutes.

1. Shake clearcoat aerosol spray well. Periodically shake between sprays.
2. Use a tack cloth immediately prior to the first coat and all additional coats. Apply a thin, even coat of clearcoat. The first coat should be light and have thorough, uniform coverage. Allow to dry for 15+ minutes.
3. Apply an additional coat, which can be heavier than the initial coat. However, be careful not to apply so heavily that it creates runs. Allow to dry for 15-30 minutes.
4. Repeat Step 3 for up to 4 total coats, making sure to allow time to dry between applications. Do not exceed 4 coats.
5. Clearcoat will be dry enough to handle within 30 minutes after last application. Allow to dry for a full 48 hours before wetsanding, polishing, or waxing. 

* Actual implementation times may vary