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METAL REPAIR AND PAINTING
313
FINISHING
PLASTIC
TRIM
PARTS
Gieiral
Paintable plastic interior trim parts can be divided
into three general types:
• Polypropylene plastic (Rigid)
• ABS plastic (Rigid)
• Vinyl plastic (Flexible)
It is important to be able to identify each plastic in
order to paint it satisfactorily.
The purpose of the following test is to determine the
identity of a given plastic so t h a t proper paint pro-
cedures and materials can be used.
Test for Polypropylono and ABS Plastic
To determine if a service part to be painted is Poly-
propylene or ABS plastic, perform the following burn
test:
(1) From hidden backside of part, remove a sliver of
plastic with a sharp knife.
(2) Hold sliver of plastic with needlenose pliers and
ignite plastic.
(3) Observe burning plastic closely.
(a) Polypropylene burns with a clear blue flame
which has a yellow tip and no readily visible smoke.
When extinguished, it gives off a white smoke with a
odor of paraffin.
(b) ABS plastic burns with an orange flame and
readily visible black, sooty smoke which hangs tempo-
rarily in air.
Tost for Vinyl Plastic
To determine if a part to be painted is vinyl plastic, a
copper wire test may be performed as follows:
(1) Heat a copper wire in a suitable flame such as a
propane torch until wire glows (red).
(2) Touch heated wire to backside or hidden surface
of part being tested in a manner so as to retain some of
plastic material on wire.
(3) Return wire and retained plastic to flame and
observe for a green turquoise blue flame. A flame in this
color range indicates that plastic being tested is vinyl.
Procedure for Painting Rigid Polypropylono Plastic Parts
The system for painting polypropylene parts involves
the use of a special primer. Since polypropylene plastic
is rigid, it can be color coated after prime with appropri-
ate Jeep color interior spray paint (plastic and vinyl) or
equivalent.
CAUTION: It is essential
that the service part
be
primed first
with a coating of Jeep 8993626 poly-
propylene primer (or equivalent)
according to the in-
structions.
Failure
to use the required
primer
as
directed will result in the color coat lifting or peeling.
(1) Wash part thoroughly with paint finish cleaning
solvent, such as DuPont Prep-Sol, Ditzler Acryli-Clean,
or equivalent.
(2) Apply a thin, wet coat of polypropylene primer
according to instructions on label. Wetness of primer is
determined best by observing gloss reflection of spray
application in adequate lighting. Be sure primer appli-
cation includes all edges.
(3) Allow primer to flash completely.
(4) Apply appropriate color coat of interior spray
paint and allow to air dry before installing part.
Procodyro for Painting Rigid ABS Plastic Parts
Rigid ABS plastic requires no primer. Jeep color inte-
rior spray paint (plastic and vinyl) or equivalent will
adhere satisfactorily to rigid ABS plastics.
(1) Wash part thoroughly with a paint finish clean-
ing solvent, such as DuPont Prep-Sol, Ditzler Acryli-
Clean, or equivalent.
(2) Color coat part using appropriate Jeep color in-
terior spray paint (plastic and vinyl) or equivalent.
(3) Allow to dry and then install part.
NOTE: Apply only sufficient color for proper hiding to
avoid wash out of grain effect.
Procoduro for Painting
Flexible
Vinyl Plastic Parts
The paint system for flexible vinyl plastic involves the
use of Jeep interior spray paint (plastic and vinyl) or
equivalent.
NOTE: No special primer is required when
painting
flexible vinyl plastic parts.
(1) Wash part thoroughly with a vinyl cleaner.
Wipe off cleaner while still wet with a clean, lint-free
cloth.
(2) Immediately after wiping surface dry, apply ap-
propriate Jeep color interior spray paint (plastic and
vinyl) or equivalent in wet coats allowing sufficient
flash time between coats.
(3) Allow to dry completely before installing part.
NOTE: Apply only sufficient color for proper hiding to
avoid wash out of grain effect.
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