Section one: Moving from Competence to Excellence

What does competence look like in this area? 

• identify the types of defects that may occur on a painted surface including dirt nibs, solvent pop, runs, environmental effects 

• apply correct repair procedures to remove or repair paint defects by sanding and polishing 

• carry out ‘smart’ repairs to small areas of damage to industry standard 

• evaluate the extent of minor panel damage and plan work accordingly to rectify this damage 

• sand clear coat to remove and rectify defects 

• apply polyester and epoxy fillers to repair small stone chip damage to panel surfaces 

• prepare and blend scratch and scuff damage to industry standard 

• obtain gloss levels using polishing techniques and materials to industry standard. 

What does excellence look like in this area?  

• be able to rectify and/or prevent defects that may occur on a painted surface including dirt nibs, solvent pop, runs, environmental effects 

• evaluate the extent of minor panel damage and plan work accordingly to rectify this damage in the most sustainable way possible 

• carry out ‘smart’ repairs to small areas of damage to concours/prestige standard 

• repair small stone chip damage to panel surfaces without the need for filler 

• prepare and blend scratch and scuff damage invisibly 

• reinstate original gloss levels using polishing techniques and materials so that the repair is invisible. 

What does competence look like in this area  

The individual needs to know and understand: 

• basic geometry to a +/-2mm tolerance 

• appropriate use of materials for masking different areas for two-tones 

• the use of various types of masking materials for door jambs, and mouldings (such as vinyl tape, lifting tape, foam tape and soft edge tapes) 

• how to select and use specialist measuring and marking out equipment e.g. rules, straight edges. 

• techniques for applying decals/transfers. 

What does excellence look like in this area?  

• advanced geometry techniques to include arcs and circles within +/-1mm tolerance 

• appropriate use of materials for masking different areas for multiple colours 

• the use of various types of masking materials for door jambs, and mouldings (such as vinyl tape, lifting tape, foam tape, and soft edge tapes)  

• defect rectification techniques to remove pencil lines, prevent cut marks, remove overspray, prevent tape printing and paint lift effectively 

• how to select and use specialist measuring and marking out equipment e.g. rules, straight edges, beam compass, and protractors 

• techniques for applying vinyl decals, and blackout vinyl, to given locations without creases, bubbles, cuts.