Ever wondered about the work that goes on behind the scenes when your vehicle is being repaired? We are about to go through the many stages of a ‘while you wait’ repair.
Click here to view our video of the while you wait repair process.
First, the vehicle is prepped for the repair process – removing the wheel and the wheel-arch lining
STAGE ONE
Using a cross-pein hammer and a dollie, the dent is gently teased back to its original shape. The technician must keep the manufacturer profile during this process, checking the lines every step of the way.
STAGE TWO
The damaged area is sanded down
STAGE THREE
The filler is then applied precisely over the damage. This is then fully cured within seconds using our mobile Drytron for speed and accuracy.
STAGE FOUR
Next, the filler is sanded down. We will only ever use a maximum of 1mm of filler to avoid shrinkage and corrosion to the panel.
STAGE FIVE
Next, the stopper is applied, again this is fully cured using the latest drying technology.
STAGE SIX
The stopper is carefully sanded down ready to be primed.
STAGE SEVEN
We identify the colour using a paint spectrometer which will give us a precise formulation for an exact match.
STAGE EIGHT
The panel is de-greased in preparation for the primer coat.
STAGE NINE
The vehicle is masked-up in the spray booth and the etch primer is applied. This provides maximum adhesion to bare metal and corrosion protection.
STAGE TEN
The primer is carefully applied and cured using the Symach Robodry.
STAGE ELEVEN
Once the temperature has cooled the primer is sanded to enable the basecoat colour to adhere to the panel.
STAGE TWELVE
The basecoat colour is now applied and cured using the Symach Robodry. It is essential that the basecoat is fully cured as all moisture must be removed. This ensures a longer lasting overall finish to prevent paint flaking and corrosion. (All paintwork must be carried out in a controlled temperature environment)
STAGE THIRTEEN
Once the basecoat is fully cured, the clear-coat lacquer is applied. This is a very important stage in the process as the lacquer must be applied evenly, this will create a perfect showroom finish.
STAGE FOURTEEN
The panel is machine polished and the vehicle is valeted ready to go back to the customer.
