RMC Reference: Procedure Explanations

OEM’s may use a multi-step application process at the factory for certain colors. Within the collision repair industry, however, even the most complicated factory-applied finishes are generally available in a two or three-stage color formulation.

New colors may undergo periodic formula revisions to improve accuracy of color match. In some cases, a specific paint supplier may recommend a unique process for a certain color formulation. When these conditions arise, compare the “Included Operations” or the refinish Procedure Pages for the specified process.

Tinted undercoat - Some color formulations may specify that a particular shade of undercoat is required. Application of an undercoat is generally included in the labor costs (refer to “Included Operation” of prime or seal as required). However, the actions of tinting or creating a specific color by adding toners or combining colors are not included.

Certain paint codes and their associated formulas may contain expensive tints/toners or additives that fall outside of the structure of the supplier's normal pricing levels and the pricing structure of the product. Care should be taken when verifying formulas; necessary adjustments to pricing should be taken into consideration when estimating costs.

The following items are included in the cost of refinishing. Do not add these items to the estimate.

The following items are not included in the cost of refinishing.

• Materials used in straightening and repairing panels
• Body-filler

The materials costs for three-stage paints are included in the Cost Charts. The recommended buildup of three-stage materials should be as follows.

Primer: 2.0-2.5 mils

Base: 0.6 mils

Pearl/Mica: 0.6 mils

Clear: 1.5 mils

Total material thickness: 4.7-5.2 mils

The materials costs for blending adjacent panels are listed separately below the Cost Charts. These costs are based on the blend labor time formulas in the Mitchell Collision Estimating Database. These costs provide for application of clear to the entire panel on which color is blended. If blending panels, use the full panel base refinish time from the database. Allow .5 hours per refinish hour for single stage and two stage finishes and .7 hours per refinish hour for three-stage finishes. If more than one panel is blended, add the times together and use the lower portion of the cost chart with the corresponding total blend time.

The included blend items are listed below.

The materials costs for Low-VOC-Compliant paints are included in the cost calculations. These costs represent paint systems compliant with the following VOC specifications.