General Paint Procedure For Exterior Flexible Plastics

Polyvinylchloride (PVC), Polyurethane (PUR, TPUR, RRIM, RIM), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic Polyester (SMC), EPDM Rubber (Supplied In Prime).

There are a multitude of finishing systems available on the market for painting and/or repairing flexible plastic parts. Following is a general outline of painting procedures, including a list of available products. Refer to the manufacturer's literature available through their jobbers for for details on proper mixing and application.

A. Thoroughly clean part by washing with a suitable cleaning solvent* to remove all surface contaminates.

NOTICE: Previously painted parts that show signs of cracking, peeling or improper adhesion must be stripped before repainting. The old finish may be removed with any commercially available chlorinated solvent stripper or lacquer thinner.

NOTICE: Do not soak parts longer than necessary to remove the old paint to avoid swelling.

B. Scuff sand to an even dull appearance the entire surface to be painted with fine (400 grit or less) sandpaper and feather edge any damaged areas and rewash as in Step A above.

NOTICE: Unpainted parts do not require sanding prior to painting, but should be thoroughly cleaned as in Step A above.

C. Apply two (2) thin coats of primer when required per top coat manufacturer's recommendation and allow to completely dry before proceeding. (For most products, approximately 30 minutes).

D. Prepare color coat according to the manufacturer's recommendation and apply sufficient double coats to develop the proper shade. For best results allow a few minutes flash time between each double coat and allow to completely dry before using.

E. Following is a list of some of the products available for painting flexible plastic.

Ditzler Elastomeric Primer - DPX844 Ditzler Flexative - DX369 (Permanent Flexible Urethane Additive) Ditzler Flex Additive - DX1798 (Non-Urethane Additive) Ditzler Delthane - DXR80 (Acrylic Enamel Hardener) Rinshed-Mason Acrylic Flex Agent 891 DuPont Dexlar Flexible Finish (Lucite tints plus Dexlar 365B Additive) Sherwin-Williams Flex Additive - V2V297 Acme/Rogers Flex Additive - 699/4699 Martin-Senour Flex Additive - 3082
*Cleaning Solvents
1. DuPont Prep-Sol
2. Rinshed-Mason Pre-Kleano 900
3. Ditzler Acryli-Clean DX330
4. Sherwin-Williams R7K156
5. Acme 88; Rogers 088
6. Martin-Senour 6383

II. NYLON - will be supplied in prime. Use the same procedure to refinish as on sheet metal
parts.

III. ACRYLONNITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE (ABS) - No prime required; paint with acrylic
lacquer.

IV. POLYESTER PARTS (UP, PBTP) - will be supplied in prime and/or black paint. Use the
same procedure to refinish or repair as on sheet metal parts.

V. POLYPROPYLENE - Interior parts.

A. Wash surface thoroughly with enamel reducer (do not use wax and grease removers).

B. Apply primer immediately and allow to dry completely before color coating.

C. Color coat with lacquer or enamel reduced and applied according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

D. Materials:

Cleaning Solvent - DuPont 3812S Enamel Reducer Ditzler DTE-101 or DTE-102 "Bobcat" enamel reducer
Primer - DuPont 3293
GM 1052364