Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find the most common questions we are asked at SEM.
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How is Sure-Coat applied?
- It can be applied with a paint spray gun with a 1.4mm tip, brushed with our 05500 Poly Brush Applicator, or daubed with 70400 Dauber Applicator. Watch the Sure-Coat Training Video.
Can I thin Sure Coat?
- Yes, with 16754 Sure-Coat Reducer.
I am trying to match the interior of my 1975 Mercedes Benz. I don’t know what the color is called and I don’t have an interior trim code. What can I do?
- Consult the 70034 Fleet and Foreign Color Selector. Here you may find a color that matches or is close enough for your application. If there is a color that is close, you or your jobber can mix the formula and tint it to match what you need.
I am trying to match the interior of my 1997 Chrysler. I don’t know the trim code or the name of the color. What can I do?
- Take a look at the CCCC-97 Interior and Exterior Automotive Vinyl & Plastic Colors chip card. Here you may see the color you need and its corresponding SEM Intermix number. If it is not here, try the 70034 Fleet and Foreign Color Selector.
I applied Sure Coat to some plastic parts on my car. If I scrape that part, the coating comes off.
- Sure Coat is designed to be a durable and permanent coating that won't flake, peel or crack. A quality job begins with quality preparation. Please refer to the technical document, RAP-1 in the product section of the web site for detailed preparation and application.
Can I paint my convertible top with your products?
- Yes, if it is a vinyl convertible top. We don’t recommend to coat canvas or cloth tops. See the RAP-1 under product information for detailed prep and application procedures.
Can I paint my leather seats with Color Coat?
- We don’t recommend using Color Coat on leather. Use our water-based system, Sure-Coat, or Classic Coat aerosols which are designed for leather. See the RAP-1 under product information for detailed prep and application procedures.
Can I brush on Color Coat?
- No, Color Coat must be sprayed.
I applied Color Coat to some plastic parts on my car. If I scrape that part, the coating comes off.
- Color Coat is designed to be a durable and permanent coating that won't flake, peel or crack. A quality job begins with quality preparation. Please refer to the technical document, RAP-1 in the product section of the web site for detailed preparation and application.
Can I buy 15163 Presidio in something other than an aerosol?
- We don’t sell this particular color in factory-packaged quarts or gallons; however, many Color Coat aerosols may be mixed by your local jobber for application with a paint spray gun. The SEM Intermix formula number for 15163 Presidio is 4171.
Can I buy 15013 Landau Black in something other than an aerosol?
- Yes, it is available in ready to spray quarts and gallons. 15011 = gallon, 15014 = quart, and 15016 = cone top quart.
What can I use to tint the 39650 Tintable Truck Bed Liner or 40660 Pro-Tex Tintable Truck Bed Liner?
- Use a base coat or single stage automotive paint, without binders or reducers to tint the bed liner resin. Do not use lacquer or water based paints to tint.
What ratio do you tint the resin in your tintable bed liner systems?
- 8:1. Use one pint of unreduced colorant to one gallon of resin. Then catalyze according to the instructions.
When sanding my truck bed for application of Pro-Tex bed liner, I sanded through the paint to bare metal. Do I need to prime the metal first before applying the Pro-Tex?
- Yes, wherever there is bare metal, use a 2K primer and allow it to fully cure before applying Pro-Tex. Do not use a Self-Etching Primer under Pro-Tex. Self-Etching primer is only acceptable to use under our 396( )0 Truckbed Liner systems.
What product do I use to fill a repair area on a TPO bumper?
- 39767 or 39768 Problem Plastic Repair Material. 68422 Mini Max Bumper Repair is the same product in a 1-oz. cartridge. See the RAB-2 under product information for detailed information about plastic repair.
What do I use to bond fiberglass to metal?
What product to fill a repair area on SMC or fiberglass?
- 39542 Carbo-Fill or 39492 No Swell Plastic Panel Filler.
What’s the difference 39542 Carbo-Fill or 39492 No Swell Plastic Panel Filler?
- 39542 is based on the same technology as the 39492, but is enriched with carbon fiberfor added strength and durability.
What is the part number for the static mixers that go on our Dual Mix cartridges?
- 70011 Integral Nut Square Static Mixers (6 pack) and 70012 Integral Nut Square Static Mixers (50 pack) are for use with all 7oz Dual-Mix cartridges, except 39997 Rigid Urethane Foam. Use 70049 Long Static Mixers (50 pack) when dispensing 39997.
Do you have a color chip card for your Color Horizons products you can send me?
- Consult the 01003 Color Horizons Chip Card. It can be ordered from yourjobber or warehouse.
What is the difference between Rust Shield, Rust Mort and Rust Seal?
- The main difference between Rust Mort and Rust Seal is that Rust Mort must be top coated and Rust Seal may be left exposed. Both will neutralize and convert the rust to a permanent protective coating. Rust Shield is a rust and corrosion control coating available in 14 different colors that can be intermixed. Rust Shield may be brushed, rolled, or sprayed. 38008 Hardener and Gloss Enhancer may be added to Rust Shield to increase the durability and add gloss.
I painted the frame of my vehicle with Rust Shield and now I want to top coat it. How long do I need to wait?
- While we don’t recommend this practice, as long as Rust Shield has fully cured (7 days minimum), it can be sanded and top coated. If the hardener has been added to the Rust Shield, it cures quicker and may be sanded and top coated the next day. Again, we discourage sanding and top coating Rust Shield as it is a finish coat and not a primer. If you have already applied the Rust Shield and intend on painting over, it must be fully cured and it isn’t recommended.
Can Flexible Primer Surfacer be reduced?
- No. It is ready to spray.
Can I use 39134 Flexible Primer Surfacer on polypropylene plastics?
- Yes, if primer is needed to fill minor imperfections. If you're just trying to get paint to adhere, use 39863 Plastic Adhesion Promoter then Color Coat.
How long should 39624 World Class Flexible Primer Surfacer dry before painting?
- Allow product to dry for 1 hour before sanding and applying top coat.
Can I use Flexible Primer Surfacer on my dashboard?
- No, it will crack over time. If your trying to get rid of texture, use 39482 Flexible Polyester Glaze. Work intensive.
I would like to buy a can of (insert product). Can I purchase directly from you?
- We sell to warehouse distributors and a few jobbers. Please see the Where to Buy section of our site for local listings. Please contact Customer Care with any questions at cust_care@semproducts.com.
If you have further questions try our Training & How To's section or contact our technical department at technical@semproducts.com
