Close
MENU

Follow us on @Ask_ICAR for daily updates.

Home / Collision Repair News / Back-To-Basics: Contaminants

Back-To-Basics: Contaminants

Posted on 03 October 2018 | Share:
| Print Print

Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. It is easy to miss out on key factors that lead to contamination when it comes to refinishing a vehicle.

What is contamination? It is a visible defect caused by particles landing on the surface of the refinishing material. Some of the causes of contamination are: improper surface cleaning, dirty air hose, too much air flow in a paint booth, and spray equipment that is not clean. Another cause is a paint suit that has particles like metal shavings or dirt attached to it.

Cleaning out the paint booth regularly to reduce the number of particles that can be sent airborne during the refinishing process. Making sure that the filters are not clogged and restricting airflow to ensure proper airflow in the booth. The vehicle should be blown off and cleaned with the recommended cleaner, and wiped with a tack cloth before refinishing to gather contaminants off the surface. Air hoses can collect dirt and other materials over time, and should be cleaned prior to, or covered during the refinishing process. Check that the spray gun being used is clean. A dirty air hose can spray contaminants through the fluid tip or air cap onto the refinishing surface.

These are just a few examples on how contamination can occur and how to prevent it. Always follow standard operating procedures and keep the work area clean to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Refinish Defects Correction

Course Understanding Refinish Defects - Part 1

Course Understanding Refinish Defects - Part 2


Article validated in 2025

  • Your 2025 Favorites: Top Articles Friday, 16 January 2026

    As 2026 rolls in, we can reflect back on what the previous year had to offer. Let's take a look at some of the collision industry information you've been most interested in from this past year....

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    Have you had the experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may...

  • Digital Key Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Nissan/INFINITI Position Statements: Advanced Driver Assistance System Components Thursday, 8 January 2026

    Nissan/INFINITI released position statements on the use of salvaged, aftermarket, and "secondary-market" advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) components.

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: RTS 2025 Year In Review - Now Available Tuesday, 6 January 2026

    I-CAR had a discussion on the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) 2025 year in review.

  • Ford On Target 2025: Volume 4 Monday, 5 January 2026

    Ford has released the fourth installment of their On Target publication for 2025.

  • Structural Sectioning Procedures: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Friday, 19 December 2025

    Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Hyundai Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Genesis Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: BMW Wednesday, 10 December 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...

Top Ten Vehicle Specific Questions

Hyundai Does Hyundai have a sectioning procedure available?
2014 Jeep CherokeeIs there a procedure available for resetting the active headrestt?
Kia Does Kia have a sectioning procedure available?
Chevrolet Does Chevrolet have a warning against sectioning when there is no procedure?
BMW Can I-CAR send me BMW repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about repairing damaged SRS wiring harnesses?
Hyundai Does Hyundai have part replacement procedures available?
Mercedes-Benz Can I-CAR send me Mercedes-Benz repair procedures?
Honda What does Honda say about straightening front lower rails?
Subaru Do you have to replace a front passenger airbag on a Subaru even if the airbag did not deploy? The repair information seems to indicate that it should.

Top Ten I-CAR Specific Questions

What does I-CAR say about using a recycled quarter panel assembly that includes the inner, outer, and reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about repair tolerances?
What does I-CAR say about replacing suspension parts in pairs?
What does I-CAR say about straightening a kink?
What does I-CAR say about the decision to use recycled parts?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged door intrusion beams?
Can I-CAR General Sectioning Guidelines be used?
What does I-CAR say about repairing damaged bumper reinforcements?
What does I-CAR say about disconnecting the battery prior to welding on the vehicle, specifically in regards to airbags?
What does I-CAR say about using recycled airbags?