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A minor puncture in a plastic panel can be sealed from behind with auto body repair Columbus tape, but larger holes or cracks must be reinforced with a fiberglass patch applied to the back side of the part. One may have to remove the part from the car to get at the damaged area. To ensure good adhesion, wipe the area where the patch will be applied with solvent, then sand it with a 50-grit disc. If necessary, use tape or clamps to hold the damaged pieces in place. Next, cut two pieces of fiberglass cloth large enough to extend about 1Va inches beyond the damaged area. Following the directions on the tubes, mix the FPRM on a clean sheet of metal, glass, or plastic. Then apply a Vi-inch layer of the material to the back of the panel, coating the entire area the patch will cover. Put the first fiberglass patch in place. Then apply a second layer of FPRM, and press the second patch in place over the first. Immediately cover this patch with enough material to fill in the weave, and allow the repair to cure for 20 to 30 minutes at 60 to 80 degrees F. Now one can begin repairing the front side of the part. Two special steps must be taken when painting parts made from a soft plastic like RIM: The repair areas should be sealed to prevent bull’s-eyes, and a flex agent must be mixed into the paint so it will adhere to the part without cracking. Bull’s-eyes occur when solvents in the paint swell the microcellular foam plastic. The result is that the repair is visible through the final paint finish —even though it was filled and sanded perfectly. To prevent bull’s-eyes, seal the repair area with Flexible Parts Coating. Apply two coats, with 10 minutes drying time in between. After 45 minutes of final drying time wet-sand the repair with 320-grit paper. Most paint companies supply a flex agent for use with their paints. Be certain that one get the right agent and that one follow instructions—and safety precautions—to the letter. Some paint-flex agents contain isocyanates, which are extremely hazardous. A respirator approved by the OSHA is usually required to work with this substance. Owner will also need a compressor and a spray gun to apply the paint. If owner don’t have a spray gun or can’t borrow one, a small body shop may be willing to do the job. But keep in mind that most painters won’t guarantee against problems under the primer unless the body work was performed by a professional whom they know. As with any auto body repair Columbus procedure, owner should wear work gloves to protect the hands while grinding and sanding. Wear plastic gloves while mixing and applying FPRM. And wear safety goggles (not glasses) to keep sanding dust out of the eyes. While working with the auto body repair it is important to use the right equipment and safety tools. Reading the reviews provided by the author is one of the best ways to gain necessary information on http://www.columbusautobodyrepair.net/contact/.
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