Common Auto Body Terminology
A
Activator - A necessary component used to provide a chemical reaction to cure paint.
Acrylic - A plastic like material used in the manufacturing of paint to increase gloss and durability.
Acrylic Urethane - A coating based on urethane chemistry which also includes acrylic chemistry as part of the cross-linked polymer backbone.
Adhesion - The attachment one material to another by means of surface attraction.
Air Cap - The front of a spray gun nozzle that directs compressed air against the paint to form an atomized cloud of droplets.
Air Dry - When the paint dries at room temperature.
Air Hose - Usually a rubber or cloth woven hose. Carries air from storage tank or compressor to be used in operating air tools.
Air Pressure - The amount that air is compressed. Usually measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).
Atomize - The process where the spray gun breaks the paint up into fine particles.
Arcing (The Spray Gun) - The action of turning the wrist or elbow at the end of each pass of paint while doing blends or panel repair. This causes a lighter application of paint at each end of the pattern.
B
Baking - Using heat to cure and dry coatings.
Basecoat - A color coat which requires clearcoat on top for durability and gloss.
Binder - The paint material that forms the film. Called this because it binds the pigment and any additives present into a solid durable film.
Blending - A painting technique where the color or finish is gradually tapered off so that slight differences cannot be distinguished.
Buffing Compound - A soft paste containing fine abrasive in a neutral medium, used to eliminate fine scratches and polish topcoat.
Bridging - Where the primer will not fill a sand scratch or imperfection which then shows through in the topcoat.
C
D
E
F
G
H
Hardener - The material added to paint to make it harden.
I
J
K
L
M
Metallic - .
Multi Stage Paint - A painting process which requires at least two stage. A basecoat is applied first followed by a clearcoat. This is a more durable finish than single stage.
N
O
P
Q
R
S
Single Stage Paint - A painting process which only requires one stage. No Clear Coat is used.
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
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