Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Paint

Paint code

The paint code is identified on the Vehicle Safety Certification Label which is located on the drivers door shut face. The color names provided in the Paint and Trim Code Description chart are the color names used on most repair product containers.

Base coat/clear coat finish

DESCRIPTION

On most vehicles a two-part paint application (base coat/clear coat) is used. Color paint that is applied to primer is called base coat. The clear coat protects the base coat from ultraviolet light and provides a durable high-gloss finish.

CAUTION: Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on painted surfaces. Damage to finish can result.

Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning solvents on painted surfaces. Damage to finish or color can result.

Finesse sanding, buffing, and polishing

DESCRIPTION

Minor acid etching, orange peel, or smudging in clear coat or single-stage finishes can be reduced with light finesse sanding, hand buffing, and polishing.

If the finish has been finesse sanded in the past, it cannot be repeated. Finesse sanding operation should be performed by a trained automotive paint technician.

CAUTION: Do not remove clear coat finish, if equipped. Base coat paint must retain clear coat for durability.

Painted surface touch-up

DESCRIPTION

When a painted metal surface has been scratched or chipped, it should be touched-up as soon as possible to avoid corrosion. For best results, use Mopart Scratch Filler/Primer, Touch-Up Paints and Clear Top Coat. Refer to Introduction group of this manual for Body Code Plate information.

WARNING: USE A OSHA APPROVED BREATHING FILTER WHEN SPRAYING PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.

OPERATION

(1) Scrape loose paint and corrosion from inside scratch or chip.

(2) Clean affected area with Mopart Tar/Road Oil Remover, and allow to dry.

(3) Fill the inside of the scratch or chip with a coat of filler/primer. Do not overlap primer onto good surface finish. The applicator brush should be wet enough to puddle-fill the defect without running. Do not stroke brush applicator on body surface. Allow the filler/primer to dry hard.

(4) Cover the filler/primer with color touch-up paint. Do not overlap touch-up color onto the original color coat around the scratch or chip. Butt the new color to the original color, if possible. Do not stroke applicator brush on body surface. Allow touch-up paint to dry hard.

(5) On vehicles without clear coat, the touch-up color can be lightly finesse sanded (1500 grit) and polished with rubbing compound.

(6) On vehicles with clear coat, apply clear top coat to touch-up paint with the same technique as described in Step 4. Allow clear top coat to dry hard.

If desired, Step 5 can be performed on clear top coat.

WARNING: AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL - BASED CLEANING SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.

AVOID PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH PETROLEUM OR ALCOHOL - BASED CLEANING SOLVENTS. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.