Work with plastic and composite components in an automotive environment

​This standard is about preparing a range of plastic components to accept foundation materials and top coats.

P13.1 suitable materials for the type of surface

P13.2 the approved method and technique

P13.3 the approved tools and equipment

P14 Ensure all prepared areas are free from contamination and ready for the application of foundation and top coat materials

P15 dispose of waste materials to conform with legal, environmental and workplace requirements

P16 leave tools, equipment  and work environment in a clean and serviceable condition, as appropriate

P17 complete all vehicle preparation activities within the agreed timescale and to an agreed quality control process

P18 promptly report any anticipated delays in completion to the relevant person(s) 

K3.1 the referral of problems

K3.2 the reporting of delays to the completion of work

K3.3 the completion of work records

K3.4 the use of personal protection

K4 the work that needs to be done and the standard required 

K5 the importance of promptly reporting anticipated delays to the relevant person(s) 

K6 the requirements for protecting the vehicle and contents from damage before, during and after the foundation and top coat preparation process 

K7 the importance of selecting, using and maintaining the appropriate personal and vehicle protective equipment when preparing plastic surfaces for foundation and top coats 

K8 the relationship between time, cost and productivity 

K9 how to select, adjust and use the correct tools and equipment within the plastic preparation process 

K10 how to recognise damage to surfaces and ancillary fittings 

K11 how to test and recognise plastics and assess suitability for repair 

K12 how to rectify substrate defects 

K13 how the substrate affects the preparation *process 

K14 how to source, use and understand the vehicle manufacturer's  methods and limitations 

K15 how to prepare new and repaired *plastics using the correct techniques 

K16 how to carry out repair procedures to avoid material wastage and vehicle contamination for each stage of the preparation process 

K17 how to prepare and protect panels and parts adjacent to the area being painted 

K18 the factors governing the choice of panel preparation methods for substrate materials 

K19 the types and grades of available abrasives and the factors governing their use for different plastics 

K20 the importance of following manufacturers' methods and using their approved techniques of working (including use of materials and equipment) 

K21 the consequences of failing to follow manufacturers' methods and processes 

K22 the importance of working to agreed timescales and keeping others informed 

K23 how to work safely avoiding damage to vehicles, personal injury and injury to colleagues 

K24 how to dispose of waste materials in compliance with any environmental requirements/legislation and workplace procedures 

K25 the importance of disposing of waste safely and the consequences of not doing so to the business, others and the environment 

K26 the implications of not following an agreed quality control process

1.1. plastic components

1.2. composite components

2. Preparation activities include:

2.1. abrasives

2.2. feathering out

2.3. flatting 

2.4. using guide coats

2.5. de-greasing

2.6. conditioning

2.7. adhesion promoter

2.8. masking for foundation and top coats

2.9. tack off techniques