This short video demonstrates key procedures for creating a blend repair using a solvent-based basecoat system. Includes such tips as:

• Melting the sealer edge for a smoother transition
• Creating a “wet bed” using a color blender
• Application tips
• And more

By covering the tried-and-true basics of performing spot repairs, this video provides an excellent orientation for the novice painter.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - September 18, 2018
PPG has announced its Commercial Coatings training schedule for the fourth quarter of 2018. Classes cover a wide variety of subjects and are designed to ensure that paint technicians stay up to date with their commercial refinish certification and knowledge of PPG commercial coatings products, processes and technological advances.

Led by expert PPG trainers, the commercial coatings training classes are held at PPG Business Development Centers and numerous field locations across the U.S. and Canada. The courses take one to two days and provide extensive classroom instruction along with hands-on work in the spray booth. Technicians are given generous opportunities for informal discussions and Q&A sessions with the trainers.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - September 18, 2018
PPG has announced its custom refinish painting class schedule for October, November and December. Custom painting classes cover a variety of creative topics and take place at PPG Business Development Centers throughout the United States. The classes are part of PPG’s overall commitment to training and help technicians skillfully use PPG products to create imaginative custom paint finishes for cars and trucks.

Classes are offered for paint technicians at all levels — professionals, custom builders, hobbyists and others — and are led by expert instructors. The classes include lectures, Q&A sessions, informal discussions and hands-on experience in the spray booth.

STRONGSVILLE, OHIO - August 30, 2018
PPG (NYSE:PPG) has introduced a training video to assist paint technicians with refinishing Lexus automobiles sporting the OEM’s Structural Blue finish, a complex premium color available on a limited number of Lexus LC500 models. The video has been produced to dispel the notion that complex colors require a complex refinish process.

“In many instances, paint technicians assume that a finish like Structural Blue is difficult to work with, but that’s not the case,” said Randy Cremeans, PPG director of training. “Because Structural Blue is a very sophisticated finish, it may look like it requires a four- or five-stage progression, but in truth, it is a simple two-stage process that a painter can easily master. The video clearly shows how uncomplicated and straightforward the task is.”Read More >

We still receive calls regarding HD dies (PRR-10HD & PRR-11HD) breaking and the cause is almost always due to the alignment. These dies were designed for rivet removal on thicker stacks of material. Although they are heavy duty, if not used properly they may still fail during removal. It is imperative that the proper steps are followed to ensure a clean and correct removal.

Ensuring Correct Alignment on the Backside of an SPR During Removal with the PR-5 Riveter is Essential!

DON'T LET BROKEN DIES BREAK THE BANK!
Heavy Duty Dies are expensive! Spare your wallet by following the proper procedures.

MIG brazing is an adhesion process that uses the melted filler metal to adhere to the base material. This differs from MIG welding in that MIG welding is a fusion process, melting the filler metal and the base material together.

The dangers of ignoring an OEM's instruction can result in an unsafe repair or compromise the materials after the repair has been made.

With the extensive use of aluminum in vehicle production, aluminum repair is becoming much more common for the average collision repair technician. With this comes the challenge of being able to properly repair and weld these types of panels.

One of the main challenges has to do with the alloy of aluminum that was used by the vehicle manufacturer. Using the same alloy in the repair process as the material you're working on is critical to the success of the repair. Different OEMs use different alloys in their vehicles.
 
Example: The aluminum series utilized by Ford is different from the alloy used by Tesla or BMW- this can be applied to weld keys as well as welding wire.

What Key Do I Use & Where?

Referring to the OEM Repair Information will point you in the right direction! There you will find information on the specific aluminum alloy to use.
Keep in mind: The alloy's may vary part to part.

Because of these differences, using the correct aluminum key is necessary to ensure a strong hold point and to maintain the integrity of the aluminum.

Pro Spot provides 2 different aluminum keys:

1. Standard AlMg Key (Aluminum Magnesium)- Ford is a great example of an application where you would want this key. Pro Spot Part #: 50-0012
   
2. The AlSi Key (Aluminum with Silicon additive)- This key has a silicon additive- Tesla is an example of an application where these keys would be used. Pro Spot Part #: 50-0014
   

How Can I Tell the Keys Apart?

There is a stamping on the AlSi key to make it easy to spot the difference and make sure you are using the right one.

For more Tech Tips and Videos, visit the ProSpot YouTube Channel and subscribe to stay updated!

For more Tech Tips and Videos, visit the ProSpot YouTube Channel and subscribe to stay updated!

Stop on by Tasco Auto Color's booth at the Southern Automotive Repair Conference in Biloxi, MS from April 21-22.

MORE OEMs! – MORE CLASSES! – MORE SHOPS! – MORE EXHIBITORS! NEW THIS YEAR: Demo areas for exhibitors & Vehicles on the floor!