Paint Process Quality Checklist
Covers surface preparation, masking, primer, color matching, paint booth readiness, curing process, polishing, and final finish inspection.
Sample Audit Programs
For the complete checklist, and scoring criteria download the file
1. Is the vehicle surface thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated (wax, silicone, road film) before any surface preparation begins, using appropriate pre-cleaner for the substrate?
2. Is the repair area prepared to the correct stage for the paint system being applied — correct grit progression, feather edge quality, and primer grade — with no shortcuts taken under production pressure?
3. Is masking complete and positioned correctly — protecting adjacent panels, glass, rubber seals, and plastic trims — without tape creep or lifting that could create a paint line?
4. Is the paint colour code confirmed from the vehicle's VIN plate or body data tag before colour mixing begins, with the mixing formula verified from the paint supplier's current database?
5. Is a spray-out card prepared and compared against the vehicle's panel in natural or standardised artificial light, with the paint-to-panel match confirmed before production spraying begins?
6. Is the paint booth confirmed as clean, with filters checked, airflow measured at the required velocity, and temperature within the paint system's specified application range?
7. Is the correct spray gun set up — nozzle size, fan pattern, air pressure — for the paint product being applied, with settings confirmed against the paint system's technical data sheet?
8. Is each paint coat (primer, colour, clear) applied in the correct number of passes and at the correct thickness, without dry spray, sags, runs, or pinholes?
9. Is the curing process followed as specified by the paint system — whether ambient or oven cure — at the correct temperature and for the minimum required time?
10. Is the cured paint surface inspected before polishing for defects (dirt nibs, orange peel, colour mismatch, gloss level) with defects identified and addressed before the vehicle leaves the paint area?
Customizable Audit Programs to Suit Your Business Needs
Our flexible system allows you to create tailored question lists, group them into meaningful programs, and ensure compliance across various departments. Preview sample programs and question lists to understand how you can elevate your auditing process with ease.