AUT-AUX9344 - Auto Restoration: Surface Preparation

Course Description

This course builds the foundational skills required to achieve professional-quality paint finishes in automotive restoration. Students learn how proper cleaning, sanding, filling, and priming procedures prevent common paint defects and ensure long-lasting adhesion. Hands-on training covers abrasive selection, rust treatment, body filler finishing, and final surface conditioning for various materials including metal, plastics, and fiberglass. Emphasis is placed on defect detection, masking techniques, and quality control standards. Through a series of lab evaluations and practical repair tasks, students develop the expertise needed to prepare panels and entire vehicles for a flawless paint application.

***IN ORDER TO SIGN UP FOR THIS COURSE, YOU MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AUT-AUX9340 PRIOR TO REGISTRATION ***

Course Outline

• Unit 1: Introduction to Surface Preparation
  • Why surface prep determines finish quality
  • Common paint defects caused by poor prep (peeling, fish eyes, orange peel, adhesion failure)
  • Tools and materials overview: sanders, blocks, abrasives, tack cloths, solvents
     
• Unit 2: Cleaning & Surface Conditioning
  • Cleaning methods: soap & water, wax/grease remover, solvents
  • Identifying and removing contaminants (oil, silicone, dirt)
  • Surface conditioning for bare metal, plastics, and fiberglass
  • Masking basics for protection of adjacent panels
     
• Unit 3: Sanding Theory & Techniques
  • Abrasive types and grit selection (36–3000 grit)
  • Hand sanding vs. power sanding (DA sanders, blocks)
  • Cross-hatching, feathering edges, and contour sanding
  • Surface leveling for fillers and repaired panels
     
• Unit 4: Body Filler Finishing
  • Applying glazing putty for minor imperfections
  • Block sanding techniques for straightness
  • Feathering edges into surrounding panels
  • Identifying high and low spots with guide coat
     
• Unit 5: Primers & Sealers
  • Types of primers: epoxy, etching, high-build, sealer
  • Mixing ratios and application guidelines
  • Preventing adhesion problems and shrinkage
  • Primer compatibility with topcoats
     
• Unit 6: Rust & Bare Metal Prep
  • Sandblasting, grinding, and chemical stripping
  • Protective coatings for bare steel and aluminum
  • Use of etch primers and direct-to-metal (DTM) coatings
  • Corrosion prevention best practices
     
• Unit 7: Final Surface Preparation for Paint
  • Wet sanding vs. dry sanding before paint
  • Masking for refinishing (tape lines, edges, jambs)
  • Tack wiping and final cleaning
  • Checking for surface defects under proper lighting
     
• Unit 8: Quality Control & Defect Prevention
  • Inspecting panel straightness and texture
  • Common prep defects (sand scratches, pinholes, solvent pop)
  • Corrective actions before moving to paint booth
  • Documentation and inspection checklists

Learner Outcomes

1. Clean and condition automotive surfaces for refinishing.
2. Perform sanding techniques that achieve straight, smooth panels.
3. Correctly apply and finish body filler and glazing putty.
4. Select and apply the proper primers for specific substrates.
5. Prepare a panel to a defect-free, paint-ready surface.
6. Inspect and correct issues before painting to ensure a professional finish.