| Masking | Protect everything you are not refinishing with paper, plastic, tape, or liquid mask. Mask to prevent overspray and hard edges. |
| Blend prep | For a blend, scuff the adjacent panel correctly; for full clear, remove trim and abrade edge to edge. |
| Stone-chip coating | Textured chip-resistant coating on rockers and lower panels, applied per the maker's instructions. |
| Corrosion coatings | Restore corrosion protection on repaired areas, including cavity wax inside closed panels. |
| Trim, decals, moldings | Remove or properly mask trim, and remove/replace decals, tapes, and pinstripes. |
ase_b2a_mask_s11.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Clean first; tape does not stick to a dirty panel and can cause tracking. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_mask_s21.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Mask the perimeter wide enough that overspray cannot reach unprotected surfaces. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_mask_s31.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Use fine-line tape at paint edges and reverse/foam masking where you will blend. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_mask_s41.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Cover glass, openings, and the engine bay with paper, plastic, or liquid mask. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.Remember: Mask wide to stop overspray, mask soft where you blend.
ase_b2a_blendprep_s11.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Remove trim pieces rather than masking over them where possible. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_blendprep_s21.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Scuff the whole adjacent surface that the clear will cover, edge to edge, with a fine scuff pad/grit. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_blendprep_s31.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Clean and tack. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_blendprep_s41.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Plan the blend area so the color fades out before the clear edge. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.Remember: Clear has to grip everywhere it lands, so scuff the whole panel, not just the blend zone.
ase_b2a_stonechip_s11.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Prep and prime the area as the product requires. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_stonechip_s21.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Mask the texture line cleanly. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_stonechip_s31.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Apply the chip-guard coating per the maker's instructions to match the factory texture. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_stonechip_s41.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Topcoat as directed if the product is paintable. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.Remember: Chip-guard goes on per the product instructions and matched to the factory texture.
ase_b2a_corrosionprot_s11.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Apply weld-through primer and seam sealer during the repair as specified. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_corrosionprot_s21.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Restore corrosion-resistant coatings to the repaired exterior areas. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_corrosionprot_s31.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Spray cavity wax inside closed panels and rails through access holes. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_corrosionprot_s41.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Follow the vehicle maker's corrosion-protection procedure. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.Remember: If repair removed the corrosion protection, you have to put it back, inside and out.
ase_b2a_trim_s11.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Remove moldings, emblems, and trim; gentle heat softens adhesive for clean removal. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_trim_s21.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Remove leftover adhesive with an eraser wheel without scratching the panel. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.ase_b2a_trim_s31.jpg: Create an image showing this exact step in an automotive refinishing lesson: Refinish, then reinstall or replace trim and apply new decals/pinstripes. CONSISTENT SERIES STYLE (keep identical across every step): the SAME refinish technician (same face and build, navy shop uniform), the SAME clean, brightly lit collision-repair booth, the SAME medium working camera distance and soft, even lighting. If a technician or hands appear, show correct PPE for the task. Photorealistic, true-to-life color, no text, no watermark. Aspect ratio 16:9.Remember: Remove the trim when you can. Masking over it traps an edge and hides contamination.
Masking
Which material is LEAST likely to be used as a primary barrier when masking a vehicle against overspray?
Blend prep
What is required when preparing an adjacent panel for a basecoat blend with full clearcoat?
Stone-chip coating
What is the proper procedure for applying textured stone-chip resistant coatings to lower rocker panels?
Corrosion protection
After collision repairs, what is the primary purpose of spraying cavity wax inside closed structural panels?
Trim & moldings
Two techs discuss prepping around exterior moldings. Tech A says best practice is to remove the trim. Tech B says removing it gives a cleaner edge and better adhesion than masking over it. Who is right?
Masking materials: use automotive masking paper, plastic sheeting, fine-line and masking tape, and liquid mask. Heavy canvas tarps are not a primary barrier (they shed lint and do not seal edges). Mask wide to stop overspray and soft (reverse/foam) where you blend.
Stone-chip coating: apply textured chip-resistant coating per the product maker's instructions, matched to the factory texture โ not mixed into the basecoat and not over the final clear.
Corrosion protection: restore coatings on repaired areas and spray cavity wax inside closed panels after repair. Follow the vehicle maker's corrosion procedure.