FAQ

The following is an attempt to provide information that is often asked of Kirker’s Technical Support team. While the answers are as detailed as possible, we recognize that you may find your specific situation includes unique factors, leaving the FAQ answers insufficient. If this is the case, please contact Kirker’s Technical Support team directly at 80-307-7951, or email us at [email protected].

The following FAQ questions are categorized by mixing, application, compatibility and miscellaneous.

MIXING

Q: Do your products have a shelf life?

A: This depends on the product in question. Certain items, such as activators and/or hardeners are susceptible to environmental conditions such as heat and humidity. Excessive exposure to moisture can quickly spoil these products. Paint, primers and clears, in general, should be used within 2 years after being packaged. The longer these items sit untouched however, the more important a thorough mixing becomes before use. If unsure of the age of a Kirker product, you can always call Tech Support at 1-800-307-7951, or email [email protected]. Have the batch number of the product ready. This can be identified as the five-digit number on the white sticker found on top of the can.

Q: How do I tint your 2K primers?

A: While Kirker markets our PERFECT PRIME and RAPID PRIME 2K urethane primers as “tintable,” it should be noted that our suggestions will yield only a tinted shade, and not a complete shade of the color you are using. Both of these products are available in gray and buff (cream). To tint either color, we recommend using no more than 4 oz. of ULTRA-GLO acrylic urethane paint per each sprayable gallon of primer (or 1 oz. per each quart). It also should be noted that the ULTRA-GLO paint and 2K primer use different activators. Each should be mixed with the appropriate activator before mixing to tint. Some mixes should be avoided altogether (e.g. red mixed with buff primer will yield pink).

Q: What are the proper mix ratios for your products?

A: This depends on the product in question. Always check the mixing and application directions for each specific product you plan to use.

Q: Can I mix clear into my urethane paint?

A: You may mix any of our urethane clears into the final coat of an ULTRA-GLO acrylic urethane paint job. Doing so is a quick and easy way to improve the gloss and long-term durability of the paint finish, without having to apply a full clearcoat. It should be noted that this is not as effective as applying a full clear coat. Kirker’s ULTRA-GLO acrylic urethane paint is completely compatible with all of our urethane clear products, so they will work together in any mix ratio.

APPLICATION

Q: Can you explain the best way to apply your paint?

A: This depends on the product in question. Always check the mixing and application directions for each specific product you plan to use.

Q: Why is MiraClear II heavier than other clears?

A: MiraClear II (M3000) and ZOOM Clear (V2010) are both high-solids urethane clears. As such, there are fewer solvents in the formulas, making the end products heavier, or higher in viscosity. You may need to adjust your application technique when using these products. In some areas, you may consider reducing the activated clear by about 5%-10% with a urethane-grade reducer, but first check local environmental regulations to ensure this is within your local V.O.C. limits.

Q: Can I apply your products by roller and/or brush?

A: We do not suggest application by roller or brush. Automotive refinish materials are designed to be applied by a process that requires spraying. Rolling or brushing will not atomize the material, preventing it from performing as formulated, leading to inconsistent film thickness, potential adhesion issues and future delamination problems.

Q: What are the minimum personal health precautions I need to take when applying your paints?

A: We suggest letting a professional autobody shop do your refinish work, though we understand there are hobbyists who opt to go it alone. If this is the case, we recommend using a full-face supplied-air respirator and wearing an appropriate spray suit. You should also make sure that your workplace environment is also safe. This includes using only explosion-proof electrical devices in and around the shop and ensuring sufficient ventilation and proper exhaust both during and after the actual application. When a full-face supplied-air respirator is not available, you must wear an activated-charcoal cartridge mask (with sufficient eye protection), taking care to change cartridges regularly.

Q: What is the right psi to apply your paint?

A: That depends on the specific material in question and the type of equipment being used. Always check the mixing and application directions for each specific product you plan to use. Following is a general chart indicating suggested gun and air pressure settings for different coatings. This is only a general guideline: Specific factors must be taken into consideration.

COMPATABILITY

Q: Can I spray your clear over another company’s basecoat?

A: Kirker’s urethane clears are designed to be used in a variety of situations, including as the topcoat portion of other manufacturer’s basecoats and other materials. It is suggested that you follow the manufacturer’s specific mixing and application instructions, making sure the material is fully cured before preparing, and topcoating with Kirker’s clear.

Q: Do I have to use a hardener/activator with your paints?

A: Urethane paints, urethane clears, 2K urethane primers and epoxy primers all require an activator or catalyst. Please note: These products will not dry without the use of an activator. While acrylic and synthetic enamel paints may be used without hardeners, we do not suggest this (the actual cure time may be several weeks, and the long-term durability will be significantly compromised). Always check the mixing and application directions for each specific product you plan to use.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q: How do your products compare with more expensive items from the bigger brands?

A: Our manufacturing processes follow the industry standard for automotive refinish coatings. We use many of the same materials, often from the same suppliers, as the larger national brands. As a smaller company, or commitment to quality assurance, focus on technical support and pledge to serve our customers are critical.

We like to think these are some of the things that define Kirker Automotive Finishes. We are confident about the products we make and we’re willing to put them up against comparable products from other manufacturers.

Q: Does Kirker make custom colors?

A: Yes, while Kirker maintains inventory on more than 40 pre-mixed factory-pack colors, we do have the ability to make special custom colors, though minimum quantities do apply. ULTRA-GLO acrylic urethane: 60 ¾ gallons. ACRYL-GLO acrylic enamel and SYN-GLO synthetic enamel: 48 gallons.

Q: I have a unique application that requires a specific type of coating, which is not among Kirker’s stock items. Can you make it for me?

A: Kirker Automotive Finishes is capable of manufacturing just about any type of coating. In fact, under other trade names, our parent company makes a number of special-use coatings for a wide variety of high-performance applications. For more details, email us at [email protected], or to speak with someone in our formulation department, call 1-800-307-7951.

Q: How consistent is the color from one gallon to the next?

A: Our products are pre-mixed and packaged at our factory, which means we blend and fill hundreds of gallons at a time, as opposed to single-gallon mixes from most paint suppliers’ in-store tinting systems. When you order multiple gallons of the same color from the same source, it is likely that all of your material was blended in the same batch.

However, we suggest checking the batch numbers (the five-digit code on the white sticker found on the lid of the cans) anytime you order more than one gallon of paint for a single project. If you find different numbers, you should blend all materials in a 5-gallon pail before using, to ensure one uniform color and avoid any potential shade variations.

Q: What is the difference between a primer surfacer and a primer/sealer?

A: A primer surfacer generally features better filling qualities and so should be used when trying to build film thickness. A primer/sealer acts more like a barrier between the substrate and the topcoat, which is important in certain situations where body work and substrate colors may not be uniform, or when coating over a potentially unstable surface.

Q: What’s the best way to care for my finish after painting?

A: You should try to keep the finish clean using detergent wash products designed for automotive uses, while minimizing exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as excessive UV and acid rain, among others. Regular waxing also will help maintain your finish for years to come.

Q: What are your prices?

A: You should always check with your local distributor for current prices. If you are interested in distributing Kirker products, please call 1-800-307-7951, or email us at [email protected].

Q: Where can I buy your products/Can I buy direct from Kirker?

A: Kirker does not sell direct to end-users. We would however be happy to put you in touch with a local distributor. To find your nearest dealer, please call 1-800-307-7951, or email us at [email protected].

Q: Where can I see your colors?

A: We suggest selecting colors only after viewing a Kirker color chart. Ask your local distributor for a chart, or contact Kirker directly and request your own copy. While reproduced and online charts will give you a basic idea, you should never choose a color based on these reproduced color tools.

Q: How can I become a distributor?

A: Kirker Automotive Finishes is continually growing our distribution system. If you are interested in becoming a dealer, please contact sales, at 1-800-307-7951 or email us at [email protected]

Q: What is the difference between synthetic enamel, acrylic enamel and acrylic urethane?

A: Different raw materials yield different grades of paint. Kirker manufactures three grades of paint, suitable for different automotive refinish applications. See the chart below for specific differences in the performance expectations of each

Acrylic Urethane (ULTRA-GLO) features the most modern coatings technology, which gives it excellent durability, gloss retention and color holdout. ACRYL-GLO Acrylic Enamel is a traditional coating, most often used on passenger cars and commercial vehicles. SYN-GLO Synthetic Enamel is an older refinish material type, that still has its uses today. Among them: Refinish of heavy industrial pieces with a limited life expectancy.

TERMS

Q: What does “recoat window” mean?

A: The term “recoat window” refers to a period during which a specific paint material may be topcoated with no surface preparation required. The result is a chemical bond between the two. After the recoat window has closed, the coating will need to be abraded before it can be topcoated. This allows for a mechanical bond between the two materials. Recoat windows are varied, and change with each coating material and according to the specific conditions. Always check the mixing and application instructions for the specific material in question.

Q: What does “single-stage” mean?

A: Single stage finish is one that requires no separate clearcoat. In traditional paint systems, or basecoat/clearcoat systems, the color is applied first, then a separate clear coat is required to give the finish a glossy appearance and durability. Kirker’s paints are designed as single-stage, meaning one application is all that is needed to achieve both color and gloss. That said, using a urethane clearcoat on top of a glossy paint finish will provide additional gloss and make the paint more durable.

Q: What does “VOC” mean?

A: Volatile Organic Compound. This is a standard measure in the coatings industry, comparing weight over volume. That is, the pounds of VOC found in each gallon of a specific material. States have different regulations on maximum VOC contents. Some areas of California have very strict V.O.C. regulations which prevent Kirker from selling its products in that state.

Q: What does “activator” mean?

A: Some coatings are designed to be mixed with multiple components before they can be applied. The second component is called an activator, hardener or catalyst. In some cases, a specific coating must undergo a chemical reaction with an activator or catalyst in order to achieve full cure. In other cases, a hardener will significantly speed the dry time and improve long-term durability of a coating.