Simoniz Red VHT Paint 500ml

Vehicle paint covers the products used to repair and refinish paintwork on cars, vans and their parts: aerosol primers, colours and clear lacquer, engine enamel and brake caliper paint, touch-up brushes and tips, thinners, masking film and wheel covers, spray gun cleaning kit and spray-out cards. It also includes disposable seat, steering wheel and gear lever covers that keep the interior clean during workshop jobs.

Primers and coats

• Etch primer: for bare metal, including aluminium and galvanised steel. It is not for plastics.
• Filler or high build primer: fills fine scratches and sanding marks so the surface can be flatted smooth before colour.
• Plastic primer: helps paint grip bumpers, trims and other plastic parts.
• Clear lacquer: a top coat over the colour that adds gloss and protection.
• Engine and caliper paints: made for parts that run hot.

Preparation and colour matching

Clean and degrease the repair area, sand it to the grade the primer instructions give, and mask surrounding panels, glass, trim and tyres with film, tape and wheel covers. Spray a test card first to check the colour match before painting the panel. Build up thin coats and leave the drying time given on the can between coats.

Safety

Aerosol paints, primers and thinners are flammable and give off vapour, so work in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data. Two-pack (2K) paints contain isocyanates, which can cause asthma. HSE guidance is that they should be sprayed in a spray booth or spray room, with sprayers wearing air-fed breathing apparatus, because filtering masks do not give enough protection.

For polishes, cleaners and waxes, see car care and valeting; for body repair products, see repair and maintenance.