Glossary of Terms
This glossary will provide you with definitions of significant, common terms that describe effective writing.
A heavy metal platform used to restore a vehicle’s structural geometry to factory specifications. This is done by securing a portion of the vehicle to the platform, then pulling appropriate areas of the vehicle into place using special clamps, chains and hydraulic winches.Alternate Term(s): Frame Rack, Frame Machine
Term used to describe an item replaced due to an accident that has some wear. The practice is often applied to tires and batteries that are several years old. If a battery has used up 3/4 of its life, the Insurance company will pro-rate the item’s cost and in this case will pay 1/4 of the cost to replace the battery and will ask the insured or claimant to pay the remaining 3/4.The premise being that the Insurance Company is only obligated to return the vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
A chip resistant, protective coating normally applied to lower panels to avoid sharp stones etc. chipping the paint finish.
The removal of paint from a substrate by means of impact of sharp stones etc
The clear coat imparts gloss and protection to a basecoat clear coat system. It is essentially a pigment-free paint.
The action of using an abrasive polishing material either by hand or by machine.Alternate Term(s): Polishing
Degradation of the metal substrate by oxidation. That is the formation of an oxide layer on the metal surface. This process requires that the metal surface be exposed to oxygen, and is favored in the presence of water. In the case of iron and steel, corrosion is often referred to as rusting.
The removal from the substrate of contaminants which would otherwise give rise to surface defects and performance failures. E.g. poor adhesion.
Final cleaning both inside and outside of vehicle, application of pinstripes, removal of overspray from under hood, trunk lids etc. as well as polishing.
A topcoat paint which contains pigment and resin, and gives the required gloss level without the need of the application of a clear coat. A DG Paint film has good weathering and durability characteristics.
Acronym for Direct Repair Program. These programs often involve a contractual agreement between an Auto body Repair Center and an Insurance Company. For the most part, the agreements set the rules of repair and standardized procedures such as warranties, billing practices and record keeping.
The process of change of a coating from the liquid to the solid state by evaporation of solvent, chemical reaction of the binding medium, or a combination of these processes. When drying takes place during exposure to air at normal temperatures, it is called ‘air-drying’; if it can be accelerated by the application of a moderate degree of heat it is called ‘Force-drying’ (or Low-bake), as distinct from High-bake.
Alternate Term(s): Binder, Air-drying, Force-drying, Stoving, Low-bake, High-bake
A term denoting a complete panel repair as opposed to a touch-up or spot repair.Alternate Term(s): Spot repair
A topcoat paint which forms a film by chemical cross linking of its component molecules during the cure
Acronym for Front End Alignment. Generally appears as a line item on a repair estimate or repair order. It will sometimes be accompanied by 4-W or 4-Wheel alignment. This simply means that the vehicle needs to have all wheels aligned.
The degree to which a painted surface possesses the property of reflecting light in a mirror-like manner
Any unusable by-product derived from the repair and/or painting process that cannot be disposed of through normal waste disposal streams. These products can be potentially harmful to the environment and require special handling as well as professional disposal. Federal, State and Local laws apply and may differ in their scope.
Acronym for Like Kind and Quality. Refers to a used part salvaged from another vehicle. It is inspected by the seller and re-inspected by the shop upon receipt and accepted if it is deemed appropriate.
A naturally occurring mineral, based on silica, which after treatment, is used as an effect pigment in coatings. Their special property is that light falling on a mica particle, depending on the angle of illumination, reflects the light with a change in color. Because of this they are sometimes referred to as pearls.Alternate Term(s): Pearl
An undercoat system applied by the manufacturer to the metal surface of a commercial vehicle or to new automobile panel parts to give protection during transit, storage, etc. and which, depending on its type, age and condition, may be able to support the finishing system. It may consist of more than just a simple primer coat.Alternate Term(s): OE Primer
The coloring matter in paint. A pigment is different from a dye in that a pigment is insoluble in the media in which it is used.
The process of washing, degreasing and lightly abrading a panel prior to applying paint.Alternate Term(s): Prep Work
The chemical treatment of unpainted metal surfaces before painting, for enhanced adhesion and corrosion resistance
The first layer of a coating system. Applied to an unpainted surface. Its’ role is to protect the substrate and to prepare it for the application of a surface or topcoat. It must therefore have above all, excellent adhesion to the substrate and to the coating which will follow
A pigmented composition which acts as a primer and at the same time has filling properties such that it may be sanded to provide a smooth surface for the color coat that is to follow.
A liquid, usually volatile, which is used to reduce viscosity. This is essential in both manufacturing and application processes. Solvents evaporate during application and drying of paint and therefore do not become a part of the dried film. In conventional coatings the solvents are organic compounds (Alcohols, Esters and Ketenes) whilst in waterborne systems there is a mix of organic solvents with water.
Cotton fabric, such as cheesecloth, lightly impregnated with a resin, used to remove dust from a surface after rubbing down and prior to further painting. Tack rags should be stored in an airtight container to conserve their tackiness.
The process of mixing toners to match the existing paint finish, then blending or overlapping the color into the adjacent panel to avoid color match problems
Any colored pigment or paint mixture used to make small adjustments in color, or to the mix the color in the first place from a mixing scheme.Alternate Term(s): Base color
A paint or lacquer supplied in two parts which must be mixed together in the correct proportions before use. The mixture will then remain usable for a limited period only.