IMI SENIOR PAINT TECHNICIAN ACCREDITATION

Candidates should be able to clean the panel to remove any unwanted surface covering such as polishes/chemicals/dirt by ‘polishing’ the panel, in order to start the repair process and apply the paint top coat(s). Candidates will need to follow the Technical Data Sheets (TDS) to ensure that the products are used in the correct manner.

This module tests the candidates’ ability to identify the vehicle paint type and use the vehicle information (paint code etc.) together with the paint manufacturer’s information to ensure that the correct paint and the colour variant are selected, so that the paint is accurately matched to the vehicle. This requires the correct visual identification of the variant of the vehicle colour in the correct light and the use of data from various sources.

Candidates need to demonstrate they can prepare an existing panel that has paint surface faults, such as deep scratches, through to bare metal ready to receive foundation materials. This includes the removal of panel joint sealer and sufficient masking of the vehicle/panel to prevent contamination of other panel/vehicle areas. Candidates should be able to apply the panel foundation materials such as panel primer(s) to the repair area with the use of spray equipment and then be able to dry the materials in line with the product manufacturer’s specification. It will be necessary for candidates to select, carry out adjustments and use equipment during this module.

In this module, candidates have to identify, to select and to adjust the tools/equipment used in the flatting of a primed surface. Candidates should be able to use various masking techniques resulting in both soft and hard edges to protect other vehicle panel surfaces from accidental damage at all times. Candidates should be able to identify the quantity of materials required to avoid unnecessary waste and cost. Candidates will have to read and to understand the appropriate Technical Data Sheets to ensure that the materials are used as specified by the manufacturer. Once the panel has been flattened, it must be ready for the paint topcoat.

Candidates should be able to reinstate the sealer to a panel joint, matching the existing sealer and creating a seamless joint where the new sealer meets the existing sealer. Candidates will have to use the various tools and equipment necessary to carry out this operation including the use of a ‘power sealer’ gun and adjust/cut the various nozzles to be able to match the existing sealer. Candidates should be able to identify any panel bare metal surfaces and to use the appropriate products to reinstate them ready to be painted.

This module’s aim is to determine whether candidates can accurately identify the panel substrate before undertaking any preparation. Candidates will be required to select the materials and equipment required to carry out the preparation process – this will include reviewing Material Safety and Technical Data Sheets. Once the surface of the panel is sufficiently clean and free from contamination, the panel should be ready to accept foundation materials.

Candidates will need to show they can apply wet-on-wet primers to a new panel. Once the surface of the panel is sufficiently clean and free from contamination, it should be ready to accept the primer. Candidates will be required to select the materials, information and equipment required to carry out the preparation and application of primers. Candidates will be required to follow all appropriate health and safety procedures and wear the necessary personal protection equipment during the assessment. They must also ensure that all the equipment used during the assessment is cleaned and stored correctly on completion of the task.

Candidates need to show their ability to use suitable techniques to apply 3 Stage Pearlescent Paint. Paint technicians will be required to select the materials and equipment required to carry out the preparation process. This will include reviewing Material Safety and Technical Data Sheets. Once the surface of the panel is sufficiently prepared, clean and free from contamination, the panel should be ready to accept the 3 Stage Pearlescent paint process. Candidates will need to select the correct paint type, colour and variant to achieve a compatible paint match with existing paintwork and a fault-free finish. Candidates will be required to ensure adherence to all appropriate health and safety procedures and wear the necessary personal protection equipment during the assessment.

Candidates should be able to identify a range of faults(s) in vehicle paint applied to different panels (plastic, steel, aluminium and composite), whether the panel has been freshly painted or is an existing painted panel. Candidates must identify the paint defect, its cause and the procedure required to rectify the fault. Candidates should have a good knowledge of the materials, products and methods used in refinishing of painted panels (plastic, steel, aluminium and composite).