Pinholes or small surface defects in the clearcoat of finished paintwork are more than annoying. But thanks to a new Standovision training video that shows what can cause these classic mistakes, professional refinishers can now avoid them.

9 February 2021 - Standox, a refinish paint brand from Axalta, has been offering free online training videos under the title Standovision on YouTube and on the Standox website long before the global pandemic. The videos provide solutions for common technical problems and give professional tips for everyday challenges. In particular, refinishers can find out how to prevent pinholes in the clearcoat. Kevin Welling, Training Academy Manager for Axalta in the UK and Ireland, details the tips.

Choose the correct filler shade

Defects and pinholes in the clearcoat can be caused by over-applying the basecoat. Special care is required with red and white solid colours. If refinishers choose the right filler shade, they can reduce the risk of applying too much basecoat and also save material and costs. If they are not sure which filler colour to choose, they should refer to the Standowin iQ colour software where they will find the relevant information in the colour formula.

Cure the Standoblue basecoat correctly

The correct curing of the basecoat is essential for a flawless finish. Refinishers should pay attention to the Standoblue climate guide, where they can find all the information on how to adjust the basecoat to suit the current climatic conditions.

Use the Standoblue Booster for added security

For more security when repairing solid colours, Standox has developed a new additive: the Standoblue Booster MIX 100. Especially in extreme climatic conditions, such as very low humidity or very dry conditions, this additive supports Standoblue basecoat’s optimal properties and prevents surface defects.

Pay attention to the selection of the spray gun and the pressure

When choosing the nozzle size and pressure, follow the recommendations in the Standox technical data sheets. A nozzle that is too large leads to more material application and increases the risk of drips or other defects. The situation is similar with pressure: material that is not atomised finely enough leads to higher layer thicknesses and subsequent problems. Equally, material that is too finely atomised or a very high inlet pressure brings more air onto the surface and can lead to pinholes.

Tips for drying with a blow gun

When drying the basecoat with a blow gun, refinishers should use the right pressure and enough distance. Standox recommends an inlet pressure of a maximum of two bar and a minimum distance of one meter. Refinishers should not use this drying method when the Standoblue basecoat is hardening.

For more information on avoiding pin holes and other Standovision training videos, visit www.youtube.com/standoxonline and for more information about Standox, visit www.standox.co.uk or contact your local distributor.

About Standox

Standox, a global refinish coating brand from Axalta, is the best choice for professional refinishers. Customers can rely on Standox to achieve the best quality results, every time, accurately and quickly. As a brand manufactured in Wuppertal, Germany, Standox ensures our customers are ready for future digitalisation by improving workflow and work processes with digital tools. Standox further supports customers not only with relevant market insights but also work provision thanks to extensive approvals from car manufacturers as well as fleet, lease and insurance companies, which reflect the brand’s position as a leading partner to the automotive industry. Standox – the art of refinishing.