RAPTOR Coating

1. Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is key to ensuring RAPTOR coating adheres well. Begin by removing any parts or trims that could obstruct painting. Then clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and grease before sanding.

Safety First

• Gear up with PPE: Nitrile gloves, dust mask, coveralls, safety glasses, and a respirator.

Surface Cleaning

• Strip the vehicle of trims, headlights, decals, etc.
• Use a water-based degreaser to clean the surface.

2. Sanding the Surface

Before applying RAPTOR coating, sand the surface with P180 grit sandpaper for OEM paint or P80 for metal surfaces. Ensure thorough sanding, including hard-to-reach areas, until the surface has a dull, matte finish. Any shiny spots indicate areas that need further sanding.

Sanding:

• Use P180 grit sandpaper for OEM paint, or P80 for metal surfaces.
• Sand all areas thoroughly, including hard-to-reach spots using an orbital sander or hand sanding.
• Ensure the surface looks dull with a matte finish, indicating proper sanding.

Final Check:

• Clean the surface again, checking for any shiny spots that might indicate areas that still need sanding.

3. Filler Selection

Choosing the right filler based on your surface material is crucial before applying RAPTOR coating. Using a high-quality, compatible filler will ensure proper adhesion and a durable, long-lasting finish.

Selecting the Filler:

• Choose a filler compatible with the surface (e.g., U-POL D for aluminium, specific fillers for steel, fiberglass, or carbon fibre).
• Ensure the filler is high-quality and compatible with RAPTOR coating to achieve the best results.

Mixing the Filler:

• Follow the filler's guidelines, mixing it with hardener at a 3% by weight ratio.
• Use a sweeping motion when mixing, applying enough pressure to avoid air bubbles that can weaken the filler.
• Mix until the filler has a uniform colour, which ensures it’s fully combined and ready for application

4. Filler Application

Ensure the filler is evenly spread and fully bonded to the substrate guarantees that the RAPTOR coating will apply smoothly and last longer, providing a professional, high-quality finish.

 Applying the Filler:

• Apply the filler to the surface using firm pressure, ensuring no air is trapped during application.
• Spread the filler evenly, working it into any contours or imperfections in the surface.
• If air bubbles appear, either mix a new batch or use a finishing glaze to create a perfectly smooth finish before continuing.

Sanding:

• After the filler cures, start with P180 grit sandpaper to shape the surface, then finish with P240 grit for a finer, smoother finish.
• Proper sanding is essential for achieving an even surface before applying RAPTOR coating.

5. Masking your Project

How many coats of Raptor do you need?

Proper masking is essential to protect areas of your vehicle from overspray when applying RAPTOR coating. Careful attention to detail ensures a clean, professional finish.

Cover the Vehicle:

• Use masking tape and plastic sheets to cover windows, trims, and any areas you don't want coated.
• Ensure all edges are tightly sealed to prevent bleed-through.

Mask Strategically:

• Mask from behind the surfaces you're painting to avoid visible lines when unmasking.
• Spend time masking carefully, as it can greatly impact the final quality of the job.

6. Cleaning the Surface

Cleaning the surface after prepping and sanding is crucial for proper adhesion of RAPTOR Coating. Use a water-based degreaser and two rags to remove contaminants and ensure a clean, dust-free surface.

Wipe Thoroughly

• Ensure all contaminants are removed, using two rags, one to apply your degreaser, and the other to remove it without spreading contaminants back on the surface
• Once your second rag shows signs of no more contaminants present on the surface, you’re ready to prime and paint.

7. Primer Application

For proper adhesion of RAPTOR coatings, it's essential to use the right primer based on the surface. RAPTOR Acid Etch Primer is ideal for bare metal or areas where sanding has exposed the metal, providing a corrosion-resistant base. RAPTOR Adhesion Promoter is designed for difficult-to-sand surfaces like plastic or fiberglass, ensuring strong adhesion on non-metallic surfaces.

RAPTOR Acid Etch Primer:

• Shake for 2 minutes. Apply 2 coats, 25 cm from the surface. Wait 3-5 minutes between coats. Ready for overcoating in 10-20 minutes without sanding.

RAPTOR Adhesion Promoter:

• Shake for 2 minutes. Apply 1-2 coats, 25 cm away. Allow 10 minutes between coats. Overcoat once dry, no sanding needed.

8. Coverage Guide

The amount of RAPTOR coating required depends on the size of your project:

• For a bull bar: 2-bottle kit or 3 aerosol cans.
• For sidesteps: 1-bottle kit or 3 aerosol cans.
• For a full vehicle (e.g., a dual cab ute): approximately 1 bottle per two panels.

For more detailed coverage information, refer to RAPTOR's full coverage guide online.

9. Mixing & Tinting

Tinting RAPTOR coatings requires mixing the tintable product with a compatible 2K solvent basecoat, ensuring correct ratios and mixing for an even application

Mixing Process

• Shake RAPTOR for 2 minutes, add hardener to the marked line, then shake for another 2 minutes.

Tinting Process:

• Add up to 10% of a compatible 2K solvent basecoat by weight.
• Mix with hardener and shake for 2 minutes before applying.

• Verify tint compatibility with RAPTOR's safety and technical data sheets.

10. RAPTOR Application

RAPTOR coating can be applied using aerosol cans, rollers, or spray guns, allowing for versatility in texture control. Proper application techniques and timing are crucial for achieving a high-quality finish.

Application Process:

Roller Application:

• Mix the coating, pour into a tray, and use the RAPTOR Roller Kit for larger, less intricate areas.

Aerosol Application:

• Shake the can for 2 minutes, activate the hardener, shake for another 2 minutes, and spray from 1 meter away, allowing for 20 minutes between coats.

Spray Gun Application:

• RAPTOR can be applied through the RAPTOR Schutz Gun or RAPTOR Vari-Nozzle Gun, both spray guns offer unique ways to control the texture of RAPTOR, with the Schutz Gun depending on air pressure and the Vari-Nozzle Gun allowing for further adjustment through nozzle settings.
• Test the spray gun on cardboard to ensure your desired texture, apply 2-3 coats at a 50 cm distance on your project, and allow 60 minutes of flash-off time between coats.

Drying and Curing:

• Touch-dry in 60 minutes; fully cured in 5-7 days, keeping the project indoors and avoiding sun exposure to prevent blistering

11. The Final Product

After applying RAPTOR coating, it's best to leave the project overnight before demasking to ensure optimal results. Proper masking should allow for easy removal without damaging the finish. Keep the finished project protected from the elements, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent blistering.