Prepare metal and pre-painted substrates in an automotive environment

​This standard is about preparing a wide variety of different vehicle panel and component substrates to accept foundation materials and top coats.

P13.1 suitable materials for the type of substrate

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) 

K2.1 the referral of problems

K2.2 the reporting of delays to the completion of work

K2.3 the completion of work records

K2.4 the use of personal protection

K3 the work that needs to be done and the standard required 

K4 the importance of promptly reporting anticipated delays to the relevant person(s) 

K5 the requirements for protecting the vehicle and contents from damage before, during and after foundation and top coat preparation activities *

K6 the importance of selecting, using and maintaining the appropriate personal and vehicle protective equipment when preparing panel *substrates for foundation and top coats 

K7 the relationship between time, cost and productivity 

K8 how to select, adjust and use the correct tools and equipment throughout the preparation process 

K9 how to recognise damage to substrates and ancillary fittings 

K10 how to test and recognise substrates and assess suitability for repair 

K11 how to rectify substrate defects

K12 how the substrate affects the preparation process 

K13 how to source, use and understand the vehicle manufacturer's  methods and limitations 

K14 how to prepare new and repaired panels using the correct techniques 

K15 how to carry out preparation procedures to avoid materials wastage and vehicle contamination for each stage of the preparation process 

K16 how to prepare and protect panels and parts adjacent to the area being painted 

K17 the factors governing the choice of panel preparation methods for substrate materials 

K18 the types and grades of available abrasives and the factors governing their use for different substrates 

K19 the importance of following manufacturer’s methods and using their approved techniques of working (including use of materials and equipment) 

K20 the consequences of failing to follow manufacturer’s methods and processes 

K21 the importance of working to agreed timescales and keeping others informed 

K22 how to work safely avoiding damage to vehicles, personal injury and injury to colleagues 

K23 how to dispose of waste materials in compliance with any environmental requirements/legislation and workplace procedures 

K24 the importance of disposing of waste safely and the consequences of not doing so to the business, others and the environment 

K25 the implications of not following an agreed quality control process

1.1. electro-coated panels

1.2. repaired panels

1.3. original manufacturer’s finish

1.4. zinc coated panels

1.5. steel panels

1.6. aluminium panels

1.7. previously primed panels

1.8. protection additive/film

2. Preparation activities include:

2.1. abrasives

2.2. feathering out

2.3. flattening

2.4. using guide coats

2.5. de-greasing

2.6. conditioning 

2.7. masking for foundation and top coats

2.8. tack off techniques