Body Shop Glossary
It isn't always easy to understand "repair shop" language. That is why we have provided a useful glossary of "repair shop" terms to help you with those confusing words that you might encounter on your way to having your car repaired.
Acrylic - A plastic like material used in the manufacturing of paint to increase gloss and durability.
Activator - Same as "catalyst". Additive for paint to speed the cure, give better recoatability, better durability to weather and provides gloss.
Additive - Chemicals added to a paint to improve or create certain specific characteristics Alternate Term(s): Flex agents.
Adhesion promoter - Material used over an O.E.M. Or cured insoluble finish to increase the adhesion of the topcoat.
Air dry - The drying or solvent evaporation of a topcoat at room temperature.
Alternate color - A color matched to a verifiable O.E.M. Alternate Term(s): Color shift.
Aluminum pigment - Small aluminum particles used in paint to reflect light. These flakes vary in size and polish to give a look of glamour and luster.
Additional operation - An additional process that may be required in conjunctionwith the repair or replacement of a specific vehicle part (ie., Aim headlights).
Aftermarket Parts - Automotive replacement parts that were not made by the original equipment manufacturer.
Air-drying - The process of drying fully during exposure to air at normal temperatures. Alternate Term(s): Drying
Atomize - The breaking-up of paint into fine particles or droplets by a paint gun.
Basecoat ( BC ) / Clear - A paint system in which the colour effect is given by a highly pigmented basecoat. Gloss and durability are given by a subsequent clearcoat.
Bench - A heavy metal platform used to restore a vehicle's structural geometry to factory specifications. This is done by securing a portion of the vehicle to the platform, then pulling appropriate areas of the vehicle into place using special clamps, chains and hydraulic winches. Alternate Term(s): Frame Rack, Frame Machine
Betterment - Term used to describe an item replaced due to an accident that has some wear. The practice is often applied to tires and batteries that are several years old. If a battery has used up 3/4 of its life, the Insurance company will pro-rate the item's cost and in this case will pay 1/4 of the cost to replace the battery and will ask the insured or claimant to pay the remaining 3/4. The premise being that the Insurance Company is only obligated to return the vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
Bleeding - Soluble dyes or pigments in old finishes dissolved by solvents in new color and bleed through to the new finish color.
Blending - The tapering of finishes or colors so slight differences cannot be distinguished. Merging one color into another. This is achieved by allowing some of the old finish to show through the new color.
Blistering - Effect of pressure from either solvent or moisture under a coating causing a swelling or blister in the finish. Alternate Term(s): Water blister.
Blushing - A milky appearance of a topcoat caused by high humidity where water condenses on or in the wet coating. This can be eliminated by use of heat or a slower solvent or retarder.
Body filler - An activated polyester type material used on bare substrate to fill dents in damaged auto body parts.
Bridging - Occurrence where a primer or surfacer does not totally fill a sand scratch or imperfection. Not usually apparent in undercoat, however, does show up in topcoat.
Brittle - A paint coating lacking flexibility.
Bubbles - Air or solvent trapped in a paint film caused by poor atomization during spraying. Air trapped in body filler caused by excessive agitation.
Buffing/compounding - Using a mild abrasive to bring out gloss and/or remove texture in a topcoat. This can be done by hand or machine.
Burn/burn through - Polishing or buffing of a color or clear too hard or long causing the underlying coat(s) to be revealed.
Cellulose - Natural polymer or resin from cottonseed oil to make paint coatings.
Chalking - The result of weathering of a paint film resulting in a white powdery appearance.
Checking/crowfoot - Tiny cracks or splitting in the surface of a paint film usually seen in a lacquer. Caused by improper film formation or excessive film build.
Chip Guard - A chip resistant, protective coating normally applied to lower panels to avoid sharp stones etc. chipping the paint finish.
Chipping - The removal of paint from a substrate by means of impact of sharp stones etc.
Clear or Clear coat - The clearcoat imparts gloss and protection to a basecoat clearcoat system. It is essentially a pigment-free paint.
Coat - A single layer of paint on a surface.
Compounding - The action of using an abrasive polishing material either by hand or by machine. Alternate Term(s): Polishing
Corrosion - Degradation of the metal substrate by oxidation. That is the formation of an oxide layer on the metal surface. This process requires that the metal surface be exposed to oxygen, and is favored in the presence of water. In the case of iron and steel, corrosion is often referred to as rusting.
Cratering - The forming of holes in a film due to contamination.
Crazing - Fine line cracks in the surface of the paint finish; Alternate Term(s): crow's foot.
Crosscoat - Applying paint in a criss-cross pattern. Single coat applied in one direction with a second single coat applied at 90° to the first.
Crowsfoot - Tiny cracks in the surface of a paint film usually seen in a lacquer. Alternate Term(s): checking; crazing
Cure - The chemical reaction of a coating during the drying process, leaving it insoluble.
Curdling - The gelling or partial cure of paint due to incompatible materials.
Curtains - Large sagging or runs of paint due to improper application.
"Cut-in" - Painting of the edges of parts before installation.
Degreasing - The removal from the substrate of contaminants which would otherwise give rise to surface defects and performance failures. E.g. poor adhesion.
Detailing - Final cleaning both inside and outside of vehicle, application of pinstripes, removal of overspray from underhood, trunk lids etc. as well as polishing
Defined orientation - The dispersion of metallic or mica flake with a definite pattern.
Delamination - The peeling of a finish having improper adhesion.
Depth - Lighter or darker in comparing two colors. The first adjustment in color matching.
Die-back - The gradual loss of gloss due to continued evaporation of solvent after polishing.
Direct (face) - The color viewed from head-on (90°).
Direct Gloss ( DG ) - A topcoat paint which contains pigment and resin, and gives the required gloss level without the need of the application of a clearcoat. A DG Paint film has good weathering and durability characteristics.
Dispersion lacquer - Particles of lacquer paint suspended or dispersed in a solvent which is not strong enough for total solution.
D.O.I. (Distinctness of image) - How clear a finish reflects an image.
Double coat - One single coat of paint followed immediately by another.
DRP - Acronym for Direct Repair Program. These programs often involve a contractual agreement between an Autobody Repair Center and an Insurance Company. For the most part, the agreements set the rules of repair and standardized procedures such as warranties, billing practices and record keeping.
Dry film thickness (d.F.T.) - The thickness of a paint after it has dried and/or cured. Measured in mils.
Drying - The process of change of a coating from the liquid to the solid state by evaporation of solvent, chemical reaction of the binding medium, or a combination of these processes. When drying takes place during exposure to air at normal temperatures, it is called 'air-drying'; if it can be accelerated by the application of a moderate degree of heat it is called 'Force-drying' (or Low-bake), as distinct from High-bake. Alternate Term(s): Binder, Air-drying, Force-drying, Stoving, Low-bake, High-bake
Edge-to-edge repair - A term denoting a complete panel repair as opposed to a touch-up or spot repair. Alternate Term(s): Spot repair
Enamel - A topcoat paint which forms a film by chemical crosslinking of its component molecules during the cure.
Etching primer - A primer which contains an acid which etches the substrate as well as applying a primer. To protect against corrosion.
Featheredge - A sanding process of tapering a broken paint edge to a smooth finish.
Feathering - Slang term for blending or slowly moving the edge of one color into a second color.
Film build - The wet or dry thickness of applied coating measured in mils. Alternate Term(s): dry film thickness.
Fisheye - Round ring-like craters caused by contamination.
FEA - Acronym for Front End Alignment. Generally appears as a line item on a repair estimate or repair order. It will sometimes be accompanied by 4-W or 4-Wheel alignment. This simply means that the vehicle needs to have all wheels aligned.
Flow - The leveling properties of a wet paint film.
Fogcoat - A final atomized coat of paint, usually applied at higher air pressure and at greater distance than normal.
Glaze - A very fine polishing material used to gain gloss and shine.
Gloss - The degree to which a painted surface possesses the property of reflecting light in a mirror-like manner.
Guide coat - A mist coat of a different color, usually primer, to aid in getting a panel sanded straight. A dry contrasting color applied to prime prior to sanding. This coat remains in the low areas and imperfections during the sanding process. When removed, imperfections are eliminated.
Handslick - The time it takes for a wet paint film to become ready for another coat of paint.
Hardener - Material used to speed cure of an enamel. See also catalyst.
Hardness - Resistance of a paint film to surface damage measured as in pencil hardness.
High bake - The baking of a paint above 180°F
High solid - Paints and undercoats which have more pigment and resin (film formers) than their regular equivalent.
High strength/high concentrated - The amount of pigment in the volume solid portion is in a higher amount, more pigment vs. Resin.
High volume low pressure (HVLP) - Spray equipment which delivers material at a low pressure of no more than 10 psi (at the air cap), however, with greater volume of air.
Hit - Small increment. A gradual increase in quantity. Term used in color adjustment.
Hold-out (color) - The ability of an under-coat to stop or greatly reduce the topcoat from soaking into it.
Hazardous Waste - Any unusable by-product derived from the repair and/or painting process that cannot be disposed of through normal waste disposal streams. These products can be potentially harmful to the environment and require special handling as well as professional disposal. Federal, State and Local laws apply and may differ in their scope.
Infra-red light - Portion of electromagnetic spectrum just below the visible light range. Can be used to cure paint due to heat being produced.
Inner coat adhesion - The ability of one coat of paint to stick to another coat.
Intermix - The mixing of specific colors by adding different components or colorants to produce a usable mixture at the paint store or shop level.
Jelled - Thickening of paint to an unusable form due to drying or curing, before being used.
Lacquer - A paint which dries by solvent evaporation which can be redissolved in its own solvent.
Let down - The process of reducing the intensity of a colorant or mass tone through the addition of white or silver, allowing you to see cast and strength.
Lifting - The soaking of a solvent into a soluble undercoat causing swelling, then causing the topcoat to wrinkle from underneath.
Low-bake - Baking of a paint film up to 180°F
Low pressure coat - The process of applying the final coat of paint at a lower air pressure. Used to uniform a finish or blending.
LKQ - Acronym for Like Kind and Quality. Refers to a used part salvaged from another vehicle. It is inspected by the seller and re-inspected by the shop upon receipt and accepted if it is deemed appropriate.
Masking - Temporary covering of areas not to be painted.
Metallic - A term used for finishes incorporating fine metallic particles, usually aluminium, in the paint.
Mica - A naturally occurring mineral, based on silica, which after treatment, is used as an effect pigment in coatings. Their special property is that light falling on a mica particle, depending on the angle of illumination, reflects the light with a change in colour. Because of this they are sometimes referred to as pearls. Alternate Term(s): Pearl
Mica color - Colors containing various sizes and/or colors of mica. Mica flakes have several optical characteristics allowing light to reflect, pass through and absorb. When added to color alone or with metallic flake, cause the color to look different depending on the angle of view.
Mil - A measure of paint film thickness equal to one/one-thousandth of an inch.
"Mini bell" - Equipment used to apply paint electrostatically consisting of a spinning disk to which paint is applied. The spinning disc is charged electrically and paint is atomized through centrifugal force.
Mist coat - A thin sprayed coat to uniform metallic finishes. Also used to blend colors. Sometimes used with light amounts of solvents to uniform finish and/or increase gloss.
Motor manufacturer's primer - An undercoat system applied by the manufacturer to the metal surface of a commercial vehicle or to new automobile panel parts to give protection during transit, storage, etc. and which, depending on its type, age and condition, may be able to support the finishing system. It may consist of more than just a simple primer coat. Alternate Term(s): OE Primer.
Orange peel - Texture in a paint film that resembles the peel of an orange. Caused by improper reduction or application.
Overlap - The labor associated with an operation that is common to the replacement of two or more parts.
Pearlescent - See "Mica". Alternate Term(s): Mica
Peeling - Loss of adhesion between one coat of paint to succeeding coats or coatings.
Pigment - The colouring matter in paint. A pigment is different from a dye in that a pigment is insoluble in the media in which it is used.
Pin-hole - Paint imperfection resembling a hole about the size of the head of a straight pin. Caused by solvent entrapment or air bubbles.
Prep - The process of washing, degreasing and lightly abrading a panel prior to applying paint. Alternate Term(s): Prep Work
Pretreatment (metal) - The chemical treatment of unpainted metal surfaces before painting, for enhanced adhesion and corrosion resistance.
Primary color - Red, yellow and blue. These colors resemble no other color and cannot be formed by mixtures of any other colors.
Primer - The first layer of a coating system. Applied to an unpainted surface. Its' role is to protect the substrate and to prepare it for the application of a surfacer or topcoat. It must therefore have above all, excellent adhesion to the substrate and to the coating which will follow.
Primer-Sealer - An undercoat which improves the adhesion of the topcoat, and which seals old painted surfaces that have been sanded.
Primer/surfacer primer/filler - A pigmented composition which acts as a primer and at the same time has filling properties such that it may be sanded to provide a smooth surface for the colour coat that is to follow.
Puckered - Small wrinkles or buckles caused by a non-compatibility of additives.
Putty - A plastic material with a high mineral filler content – used for filling deep holes or wide gaps.
R&I - Acronym for Remove and Install. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle to be saved and reinstalled after the repair has been completed.
R&R - Acronym for Remove and Replace. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle that cannot be acceptably repaired. It is replaced with a new part.
Reducer - A solvent used to lower the viscosity of an enamel or urethane.
Refinish - The act of replacing or repairing a painted surface, usually undercoat and topcoat.
Reflow - Adding heat to such a degree as to cause the paint to melt and become a liquid.
Repair Authorization - The point at which a Consumer authorizes the repair to their vehicle (and in some cases contingent upon the Insurance Company settlement process).
Resin - A clear or semi-clear part of a paint film which gives solids or film build. Resin gives the finish shine, gloss, durability, adhesion, handling and drying characteristics.
Retarder - Slowest evaporating solvent.
Rubbing compound - An abrasive paste that smoothes and polishes paint films. Alternate Term(s): Polishing compound.
Run - Excessive amount of coating failing to adhere uniformly over the surface, thus flowing unevenly in a small area.
Sanding - An abrasive process used to level a coated surface prior to the application of a further coat. Alternate Term(s): Flatting
Sectioning - A repair method in which only a portion of a damaged panel is Replaced. It is sometimes a preferred method of repair.
Sealer - An undercoat which improves the adhesion of the topcoat, and which seals old painted surfaces that have been sanded.
Secondary colors - Mixture of two primary colors to produce a second color. For xxample red and yellow make orange.
Seedy - Rough or gritty appearance of paint due to very small insoluble particles.
Shade - A variation of color. Example 1 a blue shade blue. Example 2 light blue versus dark blue.
Shrinkage - Tightening or shrinking of paint film as solvent evaporates.
Sidetone "flop" - The color of a finish when viewed from a side angle.
Single stage - A one-step paint procedure of applying color, protection and durability in one application. No clear is used.
Siphon feed gun - Any paint gun which uses air flowing over an opening to create a vacuum to draw paint up a tube to be atomized.
Solid color - A coating which contains coloured pigments only. Does not contain pigments such as aluminums and micas.
Solvent - A liquid, usually volatile, which is used to reduce viscosity. This is essential in both manufacturing and application processes. Solvents evaporate during application and drying of paint and therefore do not become a part of the dried film. In conventional coatings the solvents are organic compounds (Alcohols, Esters and Ketones) whilst in waterborne systems there is a mix of organic solvents with water.
Solvent pop - Blisters in the surface of a film caused by trapment of solvent.
Splitting - The breaking open of an undercoat or topcoat into long cracks resembling the look of a "dry river bottom".
Spot repair - The process of repairing only a portion of a panel or vehicle.
Spray pattern - Spray from the paint gun adjusted from a very small, almost round pattern to a wide, flat, somewhat oval shape.
Substrate - The uncoated/unpainted surface.
Supplement - Additional repairs needed to complete the repair that were not identified on the original estimate
Stabilizer - Special resin-containing solvent used in basecoat color to lower viscosity helping in metallic control and recoat times.
Strength of color - The hiding ability of a pigmented toner or colorant.
Tack coat - Usually the first light coat of paint is allowed to set and become sticky before additional coats are applied.
Tack free - Time in the drying of a paint film where it is not sticky but not completely cured.
Tack rag - Cotton fabric, such as cheesecloth, lightly impregnated with a resin, used to remove dust from a surface after rubbing down and prior to further painting. Tack rags should be stored in an airtight container to conserve their tackiness.
Texture - The amount of orange peel or roughness in a dried paint film.
Tape marking -The imprint caused by applying masking tape on to a newly-applied paint film before it has time to harden.
Total loss - It's imprudent to repair a vehicle if the total cost of repair exceeds The value of the repaired vehicle. Factored into the decision to total a vehicle Are the anticipated cost of repairs, rental charges, If applicable, and salvage Value. If your vehicle is 'totaled,' the insurance Company is, in effect, buying your vehicle from you. Negotiation over the purchase price is completely appropriate.
Thermosplastic paint - Material which with the addition of heat becomes soft and pliable, returning to solid when cooled. Alternate Term(s): Lacquer.
Thermosetting paint - Type of paint that becomes hard when heated and thereafter is cured. Alternate Term(s): Enamels, urethanes.
Thinner - A blend of volatile organic solvents added to the paint to reduce it to the correct viscosity for application.
Three Coat color - A three-step paint procedure which consists of 3 parts, a basecoat, a midcoat and a clear. First a highly pigmented color coat is applied to achieve hiding, referred to as the basecoat. This basecoat is then followed by the intermediate or midcoat coat. The intermediate coat is applied using a transparent mica in a number of single coats until the desired effect is obtained. This finish requires a clearcoat for gloss protection and durability, which is applied last. Alternate Term(s): Tri-coat: Three-stage system
Tint and Blend - The process of mixing toners to match the existing paint finish, then blending or overlapping the color into the adjacent panel to avoid color match problems.
Tinter - Any coloured pigment or paint mixture used to make small adjustments in colour, or to the mix the colour in the first place from a mixing scheme. Alternate Term(s): Base color.
Tinting - The act of changing one color by adding another.
Titanium dioxide - A commonly used white pigment with high hiding power.
Toners - Made with ground pigments, solvent and resin. Used in the intermix system to produce colors.
Top coat - The final layers of a coating system whose role is primarily decorative. However the topcoat often imparts protection to ultra violet light present in sunlight.
Toughness - The ability of a finish to withstand abrasion, scratches, etc.
Transfer-efficiency - The ratio in a percentage of the amount of paint actually applied to a surface compared to the amount of material used.
Touch-up - A localised repair usually confined to the smallest area possible (for example, repairs due to stone chips damage).
Two-component - A paint material which must have a catalyst or hardener to react.
Two-pack - A paint or lacquer supplied in two parts which must be mixed together in the correct proportions before use. The mixture will then remain usable for a limited period only.
U.V. Absorbers - Chemicals added to paint to absorb Ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight.
Ultra Violet Light - That portion of the spectrum which is largely responsible for the degradation of paint films. Invisible to the eye, causes sunburn.
Undercoats - A first coat; primer, sealer or surfacer.
Unibody - The structural support found in most late model vehicles.
Viscosity - Determined by allowing a measured amount to flow through an orifice and measuring the time it takes for this amount to flow.
VIN - Acronym for Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique number that identifies your vehicle. Although its primary purpose is to identify your vehicle, it often contains important information concerning the equipment and options that were installed on your vehicle at the factory. This information allows the Repair Center to order the correct parts for your vehicle. Any professional estimate or Repair Order will have this number on it.
V.O.C. (Volatile organic compound) - Any organic compound that evaporates and subsequently participates in atmospheric photo-chemical reaction; that is, any organic compound other than those that the administrator designates as having negligible photochemical activity.
Waterborne coating - A coating containing more than five percent water in its volatile fraction.
Acrylic - A plastic like material used in the manufacturing of paint to increase gloss and durability.
Activator - Same as "catalyst". Additive for paint to speed the cure, give better recoatability, better durability to weather and provides gloss.
Additive - Chemicals added to a paint to improve or create certain specific characteristics Alternate Term(s): Flex agents.
Adhesion promoter - Material used over an O.E.M. Or cured insoluble finish to increase the adhesion of the topcoat.
Air dry - The drying or solvent evaporation of a topcoat at room temperature.
Alternate color - A color matched to a verifiable O.E.M. Alternate Term(s): Color shift.
Aluminum pigment - Small aluminum particles used in paint to reflect light. These flakes vary in size and polish to give a look of glamour and luster.
Additional operation - An additional process that may be required in conjunctionwith the repair or replacement of a specific vehicle part (ie., Aim headlights).
Aftermarket Parts - Automotive replacement parts that were not made by the original equipment manufacturer.
Air-drying - The process of drying fully during exposure to air at normal temperatures. Alternate Term(s): Drying
Atomize - The breaking-up of paint into fine particles or droplets by a paint gun.
Basecoat ( BC ) / Clear - A paint system in which the colour effect is given by a highly pigmented basecoat. Gloss and durability are given by a subsequent clearcoat.
Bench - A heavy metal platform used to restore a vehicle's structural geometry to factory specifications. This is done by securing a portion of the vehicle to the platform, then pulling appropriate areas of the vehicle into place using special clamps, chains and hydraulic winches. Alternate Term(s): Frame Rack, Frame Machine
Betterment - Term used to describe an item replaced due to an accident that has some wear. The practice is often applied to tires and batteries that are several years old. If a battery has used up 3/4 of its life, the Insurance company will pro-rate the item's cost and in this case will pay 1/4 of the cost to replace the battery and will ask the insured or claimant to pay the remaining 3/4. The premise being that the Insurance Company is only obligated to return the vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
Bleeding - Soluble dyes or pigments in old finishes dissolved by solvents in new color and bleed through to the new finish color.
Blending - The tapering of finishes or colors so slight differences cannot be distinguished. Merging one color into another. This is achieved by allowing some of the old finish to show through the new color.
Blistering - Effect of pressure from either solvent or moisture under a coating causing a swelling or blister in the finish. Alternate Term(s): Water blister.
Blushing - A milky appearance of a topcoat caused by high humidity where water condenses on or in the wet coating. This can be eliminated by use of heat or a slower solvent or retarder.
Body filler - An activated polyester type material used on bare substrate to fill dents in damaged auto body parts.
Bridging - Occurrence where a primer or surfacer does not totally fill a sand scratch or imperfection. Not usually apparent in undercoat, however, does show up in topcoat.
Brittle - A paint coating lacking flexibility.
Bubbles - Air or solvent trapped in a paint film caused by poor atomization during spraying. Air trapped in body filler caused by excessive agitation.
Buffing/compounding - Using a mild abrasive to bring out gloss and/or remove texture in a topcoat. This can be done by hand or machine.
Burn/burn through - Polishing or buffing of a color or clear too hard or long causing the underlying coat(s) to be revealed.
Cellulose - Natural polymer or resin from cottonseed oil to make paint coatings.
Chalking - The result of weathering of a paint film resulting in a white powdery appearance.
Checking/crowfoot - Tiny cracks or splitting in the surface of a paint film usually seen in a lacquer. Caused by improper film formation or excessive film build.
Chip Guard - A chip resistant, protective coating normally applied to lower panels to avoid sharp stones etc. chipping the paint finish.
Chipping - The removal of paint from a substrate by means of impact of sharp stones etc.
Clear or Clear coat - The clearcoat imparts gloss and protection to a basecoat clearcoat system. It is essentially a pigment-free paint.
Coat - A single layer of paint on a surface.
Compounding - The action of using an abrasive polishing material either by hand or by machine. Alternate Term(s): Polishing
Corrosion - Degradation of the metal substrate by oxidation. That is the formation of an oxide layer on the metal surface. This process requires that the metal surface be exposed to oxygen, and is favored in the presence of water. In the case of iron and steel, corrosion is often referred to as rusting.
Cratering - The forming of holes in a film due to contamination.
Crazing - Fine line cracks in the surface of the paint finish; Alternate Term(s): crow's foot.
Crosscoat - Applying paint in a criss-cross pattern. Single coat applied in one direction with a second single coat applied at 90° to the first.
Crowsfoot - Tiny cracks in the surface of a paint film usually seen in a lacquer. Alternate Term(s): checking; crazing
Cure - The chemical reaction of a coating during the drying process, leaving it insoluble.
Curdling - The gelling or partial cure of paint due to incompatible materials.
Curtains - Large sagging or runs of paint due to improper application.
"Cut-in" - Painting of the edges of parts before installation.
Degreasing - The removal from the substrate of contaminants which would otherwise give rise to surface defects and performance failures. E.g. poor adhesion.
Detailing - Final cleaning both inside and outside of vehicle, application of pinstripes, removal of overspray from underhood, trunk lids etc. as well as polishing
Defined orientation - The dispersion of metallic or mica flake with a definite pattern.
Delamination - The peeling of a finish having improper adhesion.
Depth - Lighter or darker in comparing two colors. The first adjustment in color matching.
Die-back - The gradual loss of gloss due to continued evaporation of solvent after polishing.
Direct (face) - The color viewed from head-on (90°).
Direct Gloss ( DG ) - A topcoat paint which contains pigment and resin, and gives the required gloss level without the need of the application of a clearcoat. A DG Paint film has good weathering and durability characteristics.
Dispersion lacquer - Particles of lacquer paint suspended or dispersed in a solvent which is not strong enough for total solution.
D.O.I. (Distinctness of image) - How clear a finish reflects an image.
Double coat - One single coat of paint followed immediately by another.
DRP - Acronym for Direct Repair Program. These programs often involve a contractual agreement between an Autobody Repair Center and an Insurance Company. For the most part, the agreements set the rules of repair and standardized procedures such as warranties, billing practices and record keeping.
Dry film thickness (d.F.T.) - The thickness of a paint after it has dried and/or cured. Measured in mils.
Drying - The process of change of a coating from the liquid to the solid state by evaporation of solvent, chemical reaction of the binding medium, or a combination of these processes. When drying takes place during exposure to air at normal temperatures, it is called 'air-drying'; if it can be accelerated by the application of a moderate degree of heat it is called 'Force-drying' (or Low-bake), as distinct from High-bake. Alternate Term(s): Binder, Air-drying, Force-drying, Stoving, Low-bake, High-bake
Edge-to-edge repair - A term denoting a complete panel repair as opposed to a touch-up or spot repair. Alternate Term(s): Spot repair
Enamel - A topcoat paint which forms a film by chemical crosslinking of its component molecules during the cure.
Etching primer - A primer which contains an acid which etches the substrate as well as applying a primer. To protect against corrosion.
Featheredge - A sanding process of tapering a broken paint edge to a smooth finish.
Feathering - Slang term for blending or slowly moving the edge of one color into a second color.
Film build - The wet or dry thickness of applied coating measured in mils. Alternate Term(s): dry film thickness.
Fisheye - Round ring-like craters caused by contamination.
FEA - Acronym for Front End Alignment. Generally appears as a line item on a repair estimate or repair order. It will sometimes be accompanied by 4-W or 4-Wheel alignment. This simply means that the vehicle needs to have all wheels aligned.
Flow - The leveling properties of a wet paint film.
Fogcoat - A final atomized coat of paint, usually applied at higher air pressure and at greater distance than normal.
Glaze - A very fine polishing material used to gain gloss and shine.
Gloss - The degree to which a painted surface possesses the property of reflecting light in a mirror-like manner.
Guide coat - A mist coat of a different color, usually primer, to aid in getting a panel sanded straight. A dry contrasting color applied to prime prior to sanding. This coat remains in the low areas and imperfections during the sanding process. When removed, imperfections are eliminated.
Handslick - The time it takes for a wet paint film to become ready for another coat of paint.
Hardener - Material used to speed cure of an enamel. See also catalyst.
Hardness - Resistance of a paint film to surface damage measured as in pencil hardness.
High bake - The baking of a paint above 180°F
High solid - Paints and undercoats which have more pigment and resin (film formers) than their regular equivalent.
High strength/high concentrated - The amount of pigment in the volume solid portion is in a higher amount, more pigment vs. Resin.
High volume low pressure (HVLP) - Spray equipment which delivers material at a low pressure of no more than 10 psi (at the air cap), however, with greater volume of air.
Hit - Small increment. A gradual increase in quantity. Term used in color adjustment.
Hold-out (color) - The ability of an under-coat to stop or greatly reduce the topcoat from soaking into it.
Hazardous Waste - Any unusable by-product derived from the repair and/or painting process that cannot be disposed of through normal waste disposal streams. These products can be potentially harmful to the environment and require special handling as well as professional disposal. Federal, State and Local laws apply and may differ in their scope.
Infra-red light - Portion of electromagnetic spectrum just below the visible light range. Can be used to cure paint due to heat being produced.
Inner coat adhesion - The ability of one coat of paint to stick to another coat.
Intermix - The mixing of specific colors by adding different components or colorants to produce a usable mixture at the paint store or shop level.
Jelled - Thickening of paint to an unusable form due to drying or curing, before being used.
Lacquer - A paint which dries by solvent evaporation which can be redissolved in its own solvent.
Let down - The process of reducing the intensity of a colorant or mass tone through the addition of white or silver, allowing you to see cast and strength.
Lifting - The soaking of a solvent into a soluble undercoat causing swelling, then causing the topcoat to wrinkle from underneath.
Low-bake - Baking of a paint film up to 180°F
Low pressure coat - The process of applying the final coat of paint at a lower air pressure. Used to uniform a finish or blending.
LKQ - Acronym for Like Kind and Quality. Refers to a used part salvaged from another vehicle. It is inspected by the seller and re-inspected by the shop upon receipt and accepted if it is deemed appropriate.
Masking - Temporary covering of areas not to be painted.
Metallic - A term used for finishes incorporating fine metallic particles, usually aluminium, in the paint.
Mica - A naturally occurring mineral, based on silica, which after treatment, is used as an effect pigment in coatings. Their special property is that light falling on a mica particle, depending on the angle of illumination, reflects the light with a change in colour. Because of this they are sometimes referred to as pearls. Alternate Term(s): Pearl
Mica color - Colors containing various sizes and/or colors of mica. Mica flakes have several optical characteristics allowing light to reflect, pass through and absorb. When added to color alone or with metallic flake, cause the color to look different depending on the angle of view.
Mil - A measure of paint film thickness equal to one/one-thousandth of an inch.
"Mini bell" - Equipment used to apply paint electrostatically consisting of a spinning disk to which paint is applied. The spinning disc is charged electrically and paint is atomized through centrifugal force.
Mist coat - A thin sprayed coat to uniform metallic finishes. Also used to blend colors. Sometimes used with light amounts of solvents to uniform finish and/or increase gloss.
Motor manufacturer's primer - An undercoat system applied by the manufacturer to the metal surface of a commercial vehicle or to new automobile panel parts to give protection during transit, storage, etc. and which, depending on its type, age and condition, may be able to support the finishing system. It may consist of more than just a simple primer coat. Alternate Term(s): OE Primer.
Orange peel - Texture in a paint film that resembles the peel of an orange. Caused by improper reduction or application.
Overlap - The labor associated with an operation that is common to the replacement of two or more parts.
Pearlescent - See "Mica". Alternate Term(s): Mica
Peeling - Loss of adhesion between one coat of paint to succeeding coats or coatings.
Pigment - The colouring matter in paint. A pigment is different from a dye in that a pigment is insoluble in the media in which it is used.
Pin-hole - Paint imperfection resembling a hole about the size of the head of a straight pin. Caused by solvent entrapment or air bubbles.
Prep - The process of washing, degreasing and lightly abrading a panel prior to applying paint. Alternate Term(s): Prep Work
Pretreatment (metal) - The chemical treatment of unpainted metal surfaces before painting, for enhanced adhesion and corrosion resistance.
Primary color - Red, yellow and blue. These colors resemble no other color and cannot be formed by mixtures of any other colors.
Primer - The first layer of a coating system. Applied to an unpainted surface. Its' role is to protect the substrate and to prepare it for the application of a surfacer or topcoat. It must therefore have above all, excellent adhesion to the substrate and to the coating which will follow.
Primer-Sealer - An undercoat which improves the adhesion of the topcoat, and which seals old painted surfaces that have been sanded.
Primer/surfacer primer/filler - A pigmented composition which acts as a primer and at the same time has filling properties such that it may be sanded to provide a smooth surface for the colour coat that is to follow.
Puckered - Small wrinkles or buckles caused by a non-compatibility of additives.
Putty - A plastic material with a high mineral filler content – used for filling deep holes or wide gaps.
R&I - Acronym for Remove and Install. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle to be saved and reinstalled after the repair has been completed.
R&R - Acronym for Remove and Replace. Refers to a part removed from the customer's damaged vehicle that cannot be acceptably repaired. It is replaced with a new part.
Reducer - A solvent used to lower the viscosity of an enamel or urethane.
Refinish - The act of replacing or repairing a painted surface, usually undercoat and topcoat.
Reflow - Adding heat to such a degree as to cause the paint to melt and become a liquid.
Repair Authorization - The point at which a Consumer authorizes the repair to their vehicle (and in some cases contingent upon the Insurance Company settlement process).
Resin - A clear or semi-clear part of a paint film which gives solids or film build. Resin gives the finish shine, gloss, durability, adhesion, handling and drying characteristics.
Retarder - Slowest evaporating solvent.
Rubbing compound - An abrasive paste that smoothes and polishes paint films. Alternate Term(s): Polishing compound.
Run - Excessive amount of coating failing to adhere uniformly over the surface, thus flowing unevenly in a small area.
Sanding - An abrasive process used to level a coated surface prior to the application of a further coat. Alternate Term(s): Flatting
Sectioning - A repair method in which only a portion of a damaged panel is Replaced. It is sometimes a preferred method of repair.
Sealer - An undercoat which improves the adhesion of the topcoat, and which seals old painted surfaces that have been sanded.
Secondary colors - Mixture of two primary colors to produce a second color. For xxample red and yellow make orange.
Seedy - Rough or gritty appearance of paint due to very small insoluble particles.
Shade - A variation of color. Example 1 a blue shade blue. Example 2 light blue versus dark blue.
Shrinkage - Tightening or shrinking of paint film as solvent evaporates.
Sidetone "flop" - The color of a finish when viewed from a side angle.
Single stage - A one-step paint procedure of applying color, protection and durability in one application. No clear is used.
Siphon feed gun - Any paint gun which uses air flowing over an opening to create a vacuum to draw paint up a tube to be atomized.
Solid color - A coating which contains coloured pigments only. Does not contain pigments such as aluminums and micas.
Solvent - A liquid, usually volatile, which is used to reduce viscosity. This is essential in both manufacturing and application processes. Solvents evaporate during application and drying of paint and therefore do not become a part of the dried film. In conventional coatings the solvents are organic compounds (Alcohols, Esters and Ketones) whilst in waterborne systems there is a mix of organic solvents with water.
Solvent pop - Blisters in the surface of a film caused by trapment of solvent.
Splitting - The breaking open of an undercoat or topcoat into long cracks resembling the look of a "dry river bottom".
Spot repair - The process of repairing only a portion of a panel or vehicle.
Spray pattern - Spray from the paint gun adjusted from a very small, almost round pattern to a wide, flat, somewhat oval shape.
Substrate - The uncoated/unpainted surface.
Supplement - Additional repairs needed to complete the repair that were not identified on the original estimate
Stabilizer - Special resin-containing solvent used in basecoat color to lower viscosity helping in metallic control and recoat times.
Strength of color - The hiding ability of a pigmented toner or colorant.
Tack coat - Usually the first light coat of paint is allowed to set and become sticky before additional coats are applied.
Tack free - Time in the drying of a paint film where it is not sticky but not completely cured.
Tack rag - Cotton fabric, such as cheesecloth, lightly impregnated with a resin, used to remove dust from a surface after rubbing down and prior to further painting. Tack rags should be stored in an airtight container to conserve their tackiness.
Texture - The amount of orange peel or roughness in a dried paint film.
Tape marking -The imprint caused by applying masking tape on to a newly-applied paint film before it has time to harden.
Total loss - It's imprudent to repair a vehicle if the total cost of repair exceeds The value of the repaired vehicle. Factored into the decision to total a vehicle Are the anticipated cost of repairs, rental charges, If applicable, and salvage Value. If your vehicle is 'totaled,' the insurance Company is, in effect, buying your vehicle from you. Negotiation over the purchase price is completely appropriate.
Thermosplastic paint - Material which with the addition of heat becomes soft and pliable, returning to solid when cooled. Alternate Term(s): Lacquer.
Thermosetting paint - Type of paint that becomes hard when heated and thereafter is cured. Alternate Term(s): Enamels, urethanes.
Thinner - A blend of volatile organic solvents added to the paint to reduce it to the correct viscosity for application.
Three Coat color - A three-step paint procedure which consists of 3 parts, a basecoat, a midcoat and a clear. First a highly pigmented color coat is applied to achieve hiding, referred to as the basecoat. This basecoat is then followed by the intermediate or midcoat coat. The intermediate coat is applied using a transparent mica in a number of single coats until the desired effect is obtained. This finish requires a clearcoat for gloss protection and durability, which is applied last. Alternate Term(s): Tri-coat: Three-stage system
Tint and Blend - The process of mixing toners to match the existing paint finish, then blending or overlapping the color into the adjacent panel to avoid color match problems.
Tinter - Any coloured pigment or paint mixture used to make small adjustments in colour, or to the mix the colour in the first place from a mixing scheme. Alternate Term(s): Base color.
Tinting - The act of changing one color by adding another.
Titanium dioxide - A commonly used white pigment with high hiding power.
Toners - Made with ground pigments, solvent and resin. Used in the intermix system to produce colors.
Top coat - The final layers of a coating system whose role is primarily decorative. However the topcoat often imparts protection to ultra violet light present in sunlight.
Toughness - The ability of a finish to withstand abrasion, scratches, etc.
Transfer-efficiency - The ratio in a percentage of the amount of paint actually applied to a surface compared to the amount of material used.
Touch-up - A localised repair usually confined to the smallest area possible (for example, repairs due to stone chips damage).
Two-component - A paint material which must have a catalyst or hardener to react.
Two-pack - A paint or lacquer supplied in two parts which must be mixed together in the correct proportions before use. The mixture will then remain usable for a limited period only.
U.V. Absorbers - Chemicals added to paint to absorb Ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight.
Ultra Violet Light - That portion of the spectrum which is largely responsible for the degradation of paint films. Invisible to the eye, causes sunburn.
Undercoats - A first coat; primer, sealer or surfacer.
Unibody - The structural support found in most late model vehicles.
Viscosity - Determined by allowing a measured amount to flow through an orifice and measuring the time it takes for this amount to flow.
VIN - Acronym for Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique number that identifies your vehicle. Although its primary purpose is to identify your vehicle, it often contains important information concerning the equipment and options that were installed on your vehicle at the factory. This information allows the Repair Center to order the correct parts for your vehicle. Any professional estimate or Repair Order will have this number on it.
V.O.C. (Volatile organic compound) - Any organic compound that evaporates and subsequently participates in atmospheric photo-chemical reaction; that is, any organic compound other than those that the administrator designates as having negligible photochemical activity.
Waterborne coating - A coating containing more than five percent water in its volatile fraction.