This article explores the common mistakes to avoid when applying KAPCI automotive paints to have an excellent, long-lasting finish. Whether you are a professional or DIY car enthusiast, this article will be of immense help to you. Read with undivided attention.
A recent survey has shown that about 65% of the vehicles that experience peeling or fading a few months after they are painted were a result of low-quality paints or materials and improper application. This is simply saying that even if you get high-quality paints like KAPCI, but apply them the wrong way, there will still be issues.
KAPCI is a widely known automotive paint brand that gives excellent finish, durability, and an unending gloss look. But even as that, there are still mistakes made by professionals or DIY car enthusiasts when applying it. Those mistakes are what I have come to help you avoid.
I will be showing you how to choose the right KAPCI paint, the correct ratio mix, the surface preparation, the curing and drying process, etc. All I want you to pay is attention, and I believe you can do that, right?
Let’s get started already.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using KAPCI Automotive Paints
I will be taking them one after the other and also explaining each so that you can get a full overview of what I am saying. I also want to assume that you already know that KAPCI paint is the best out there, and you can get yours from the leading distributor in Nigeria, which is Fidel Associates Limited.
The following are the common mistakes;
1. Skipping Surface Preparation
Without a doubt, one of the recurring painting errors is painting without prep. Grease, soil, rust, and old peeling paint stop the new paint from adhering well, leading to early peeling and weak durability.
How to Prevent It:
· Sand and clean the surface completely before painting.
· Apply KAPCI 605 Primer to enhance adhesion and seal minor surface flaws.
· Ensure the surface is completely dry before painting to prevent water defects.
2. Using the Wrong KAPCI Paint for the Task
Not every kind of KAPCI paint is good for every type of vehicle. Using the wrong paint composition may result in poor adhesion, non-durability, and faulty finish.
How to Prevent It:
· For private cars (Toyota, Honda, Lexus): Use KAPCI 660 Basecoat together with KAPCI 603 Clear Coat.
· For taxis and buses (commercial vehicles): Apply KAPCI 670 2K Topcoat, which is very durable.
· For painting work: KAPCI 605 Primer will help give good paint adhesion.
For product recommendations, contact Fidel Associates Limited, the leading distributor of KAPCI paints in Nigeria.
3. Wrong Mixing Ratio of Paint, Hardener, and Thinner
KAPCI automotive paints must be properly mixed for strong adhesion and excellent finish. Too much hardener and thinner, or too little of either, will result in slow dry time, poor adhesion, or excessive paint buildup.
How to Prevent It:
· Follow the manufacturer’s recommended mixing ratio of the paint, hardener, and thinner.
· Use KAPCI-brand hardeners and thinners because others might not mix properly.
· Mix only what is required to avoid wastage and to maintain consistency.
4. Painting in Unfavorable Environmental Conditions
Nigeria’s climate has abnormally high temperatures, high humidity, and harmattan dust storms. This is capable of affecting auto body paint application significantly. Painting under the wrong conditions can result in dust contamination, poor drying, and spotted finishes.
How to Prevent It:
· Always paint in a dust-free, well-ventilated area or spray booth.
· Never paint under direct sunlight or in conditions of high humidity to prevent bubbling of paint and slow drying.
· Use KAPCI 603 Clear Coat to give additional protection against humidity and UV.
5. Excess or Insufficient Coating
Too much coating causes runs, sag, and extended drying time, while too little coating may not give proper coverage to the surface.
How to Prevent It:
· Use at least two coats of basecoat and give sufficient drying time between coats.
· For metallic or pearlescent finishes, apply a second KAPCI clear coat for added gloss and depth.
· Set up your spray gun correctly to get an even coat distribution.
6. Rushing the Curing and Drying Time
The majority of the painters speed up the drying time, producing soft, scratchy finishes. Others expose newly painted vehicles to elements such as sun, water, and dust too soon, causing water spots, dust sticking, and early fading.
How to Prevent It:
· Allow a minimum of 24 hours to cure completely before exposing the vehicle to weather conditions.
· For professionals, you can use a heat drying system for faster completion.
· Do not wash the vehicle for a minimum period of two weeks to enable the paint to cure completely.
7. Using Fake or Inferior KAPCI Paints
The Nigerian market is flooded with fake automotive paints that mimic KAPCI’S branding but lack quality and durability. Using these paints can result in poor adhesion, rapid fading, and costly reworking.
How to Prevent It:
· Buy only from authorized distributors like Fidel Associates Limited.
· Check for original KAPCI packaging, batch numbers, and manufacturer labels.
· Avoid suspiciously cheap paints sold in unverified shops or markets.
8. Neglecting Regular Paint Maintenance
Even with an excellent paint job, neglect can cause dullness, oxidation, and scratches. Here is how you can care for your KAPCI paint finish.
· Regularly wash your car with a pH-balanced car wash shampoo to remove dirt and other harmful substances.
· Apply KAPCI 603 Clear Coat or use a good-quality wax to help protect the car from the harmful effects of sunlight’s UV radiation.
· Avoid the use of automatic car wash facilities with abrasive brushes that will rub off the finish.
Conclusion
By avoiding these mistakes which I also call “pitfalls”, you can be sure that your KAPCI auto paint job will be bright, long-lasting, and professionally finished.
Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or an auto body professional, the key to a successful paint job is using the proper preparation, application, and maintenance techniques.
Contact Fidel Associates Limited for genuine KAPCI paints, expert advice, and nationwide delivery.
