Ask the Expert: For fleet refinishing, why does the type of metal or plastic I am painting matter?

Q: For fleet refinishing, why does the type of metal or plastic I am painting matter?

Dan Szczepanik, Global Product Manager - Fleet & Manufacturing, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes: It all comes down to the properties of the metal or plastic, otherwise known as substrate. Let's dig a little deeper. Paints can be formulated to do some amazing things like reflect heat and radar, change colors in the sun or conduct electricity. These are more of the exciting side of coatings, but the main thing paint needs to do is to stick. That sticking or adhesion can be boiled down to understanding the surface of what is being painted. Is it steel, aluminum, polycarbonate or polypropylene? All of these substrates have unique features, which will require paints specifically formulated to adhere to each. Sometimes one product can adhere to multiple substrates, which is convenient if you run into many substrates. Once you understand the surface, you need to understand the preparation needed for the surface. Does the metal need to be blasted or sanded? Does the plastic need to be scuffed or an adhesion promoter applied before the primer? Is a primer even needed? Understanding exactly what you are painting will ensure you choose the correct product. With a little help from your paint provider, you will rest assured the paint job will last the test of time.

Information provided by: Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes