Coatings Cafe

Low Gloss

Defect Description

This is for the case of a high gloss clearcoat (for example >85 gloss 20º).  The clearcoat shows a dull gloss and this may be localized to specific areas on the car body.  The clearcoat can develop low gloss  from.  The low gloss defect can often appear to be worse with low film thickness. 

 

Also known as:  low DOI, “strike-in”, undercure  

 

 

Possible Causes of Defect

1. Clearcoat film thickness too low 

2. Basecoat application too wet and/or too high in film build 

3. Cure imbalance between the layers 

Tips to Avoid Defect

  1. 1. Follow the film thickness guidelines for basecoat and clearcoat 

    2. Follow the application process for flash times and film builds 

    3. Follow the bake window guidelines 

     


 

How to Repair the Defect?

  • Consult your specific paint shop procedures.
  • Finesse Deck:  Sand plus 2-step Polish
  • Spot Repair:  Sand plus Repaint
                    Low Gloss 1
                     Low Gloss 2
                    Low Gloss 3