Rusty Wiper Coating

From: alkirab@gte.net
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 1997 14:21:42 -0700
Subject: MR2 Rusty Wiper Coating

Hello Austin, Sammy and All,
I've been ejoying the Digest for several months and decided to give it
an input/first try.  Noticed a thread that concerned itself with rust
and corrosion of the wiper arms and black trim pieces on external metal
trim surfaces of the MR2.

Upon just completing a cosmetic restoration of our '88 Celica GT and the
'93 MR2 Wiper Arms and tow hooks, I wanted to share information
regarding a coating (paint product) that does an admirable job of
reconditioning black trim pieces to near-original cosmetic levels.  And
no, I neither work for the manufacturer nor wish to get involved with
purchasing arrangements...just sharing information.

The main problem with paint repairs is paint coating adhesion and
flexibility after cure, especially in  environments which see cold
winters, hot summers, etc.

The Krylon and Epoxy products didn't hold up for me, and personally, 
the cost of replacing the black metal trim (wiper arms, window trims,
black trim pieces) is cost prohibitive...... so I contacted a volume
automotive paint house (commercial/industrial paint-products supplier)
that services restoration and body shop businesses in the Southern
California area.

Their single and strongest endorsement was for using "SEM" brand #39140
TRIM BLACK coating.  It's manufactured by SEM Products, Inc., 651
Michael Wylie Dr., Charlotte, NC (zip code 28217-1546).  Tel # of SEM is
704-522-1006.  The coating comes in a 19.025 ounce aresol spray can, and
is the product used by pro body shops and restorers to match factory
finishes for the black-coated exterior steel, chrome, stainless, and
aluminum metals on Toyota's.  Other product numbers exist for Honda's,
US Cars etc, depending on the level of contrast and sheen required in
the final appearance.  The product requires no primer, just degreasing
plus removal of any loose paint or rust, using a grit blaster, mild wire
brush, or 400 grit sandpaper (better preparation=better final results,
i.e., don't paint over bumps, rust, and dirt and expect a level
finish).  I personally used both part removal and masking methods
(didn't want to worry about overspray), plus waited about 60 hours of
no-touch, full-cure, air setting time to allow the coating solvents to
flash off and allow full shrink-down cure.

Worked very well; product "shrinks" to its final coating size, which
fully encapsulates all the surfaces you area trying to cover.  Some
marginal coverage on "sharp edges" was resolved by tryng to "break
edges" with the sandpaper during prep.......I learned on the first wiper
arm, and had better outcomes as my experience with this product
increased.

I was so impressed with the outcome that I purchased additional "SEM"
vinyl aresol products and redid the entire interior (and fabric
upholstery of the Celica.....but that's another tale).

Three items of critical note if you use the SEM TRIM BLACK:
	1) Use a cannister type respirator mask.....(not the paper
type)            when you use this spray  (free trip to Wallyworld or a
day 	
	   with Elvis if you breathe too much of this material).
	2) Don't smoke near.... it's really flammable (could
add                    significantly to your frequent flyer miles).
	3) Keep all surfaces clear of hand oils, grease, silicone oils,
	   or the coating won't adhere uniformly (don't eat pizza
while             you sand the the metal components).

The material is available in California from "Senik Paint Company" in
Costa Mesa; contact is "Vince" @ Tel: 714-642-8141.  There full location
is SENIK PAINT CO, 1985 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627-3489.
Cost is $7.95 plus CA tax per can + shipping.  Sorry, due to
flammability of the material and postal laws, I can't ship them
out......either Senik Paint or SEM can provide shipping (or local retail
sell point information.

Product use is straight forward, but the usual disclaimer:  results and
methods vary....so your results are based on your personal level of
preparation, workmanship, patience, and TLC, etc.

Regards,

Colin Burns
'93 Grey Stock N/A 
Huntington Beach, CA