REMOVAL OF CHEMICAL SPOTTING AND MINOR PAINT IMPERFECTIONS. Buick Skyhawk 1988

For 1990-2009 cars

# REMOVAL OF CHEMICAL SPOTTING AND MINOR PAINT IMPERFECTIONS

#### MODELS AFFECTED: 1985-1988 ELECTRA/PARK AVENUE 1986-1988 LESABRE 1986-88 RIVIERA 1985-88 SOMERSET 1988 REGAL 1988 REATTA 1986-88 CENTURY

CONDITION

The above listed cars have an enamel colorcoat and enamel clearcoat finish. It is possible that some may experience a condition of small etched spots on the horizontal surface of the paint finish clearcoat.

This condition is chemical spotting and may be caused by industrial fallout (acid rain).

Chemical spotting, along with other minor paint imperfections on basecoat/clearcoat finishes such as sand scratches, dirt in paint, sags and orange peel, can be repaired without paint application. Examples of these imperfections are shown in Figure 1.

To repair these conditions, use the following procedure:

1. Wash the subject panel with water, then a grease and wax remover (available from any automotive paint supplier) to remove any foreign material such as dirt, grit, wax, etc.

2. Wet sand subject panel with 3M micro-fine 1500 grit sandpaper, Part Number 02023, or equivalent. Wrap the sandpaper around a 3M rubber sponge backup pad, Part Number 005530, so as not to leave finger marks in the clearcoat. NOTICE: Always sand the length of the panel using a small amount of mild dish soap detergent in the wet sand operation for sandpaper lubricant. Use a rubber squeegee to remove wet sanding residue to check progress.

3. Wheel compound sanded panel with 3M Finesse--It II, Part Number 05928, polishing compound and 3M Super Buff Polishing Pad, Part Number 05705, or equivalent. NOTICE: Half way thru buffing operation, while panel is still wet, with 05928, stop and clean polishing pad with a spur, then finish polishing with light pressure.

a. To remove any swirl marks left in the clearcoat during wheel compounding operation:

- If color is of a lighter color shade, generally using 3M Imperial Hand Blaze 05990 is all that is required.

- If color is of a dark shade, usage of a nondirectional dual action (D.A.) orbital sander motor may be desired to remove any indication of swirls. In addition to the sander, a different pad is required which can be obtained from:

Ferro Industries Mt. Clemens, MI 48045 (313) 792-6001

and a different bonnet, Model 606 from:

Ace Wiping Co. Detroit, MI 48210 (313) 834-4000

Use 3M Finesse-It II for this finish operation.

#### NOTICE: Buffing wheels are not recommended for routine New Car Pre-delivery preparation of basecoat/clearcoat finishes.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.