The Ford Motor Company has released a new position statement on the practice of clearcoat blending, which the automaker says it doesn’t recommend because it affects paint company warranties and causes edges to lift around repairs over time.
The position statement reads:
Ford Motor Company does not condone or recommend the procedure of clearcoat blending or using clearcoat blending in any warranty or collision repair. Furthermore, Ford never allows for partial clearcoat blending on warranty paint repairs and strongly recommends that repairers do not perform clearcoat blending on customer-pay or insurance-pay repairs.
Paint companies and vehicle manufacturers agree that a repair using this material and procedure is not robust, and that over time, the edge will begin to lift and discolor, making the edge around the repair very noticeable. To resist ultraviolet light and other environmental factors, the clearcoat needs approximately two mils of thickness, however, the millage of the clearcoat in a blended area tapers out at the edge.
Ford’s position is continually reinforced in all approved paint system manuals. Furthermore, paint companies will not warrant any products if clearcoat blending has been done. The preferred process – and the one that Ford approves – is to blend the basecoat color as necessary and then clearcoat the entire panel. On a quarter panel or roof, the ditch area is usually the line to make a break point. Most Ford vehicles include a ditch area, which makes it easier to perform the procedure the right way the first time.
More information on specific paint company recommendations will generally appear with their clearcoat application guidelines and mix information.
More information:
• CAA to Recommend ‘Blend Within Panel’ to Database Providers
• Ford Nixes Salvage Safety Belt Use in New Position Statement
