3804 Flextex VT: Standard Operating Procedure

Flextex VT is a variable texture coating formulated to simulate textured automotive plastics and metal. It can be used over or under most finishes and may be top-coated with base/clear or single stage paint systems. Flextex VT has excellent durability and may be used as the finish coat where black texture is needed. Flextex can be reduced using the 3804R Zero VOC reducer in low-VOC areas or the 3804N regular reducer in National Rule areas.

Click here to open the 3804 Standard Operating Procedure as a PDF.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1

Clean part with soap and water. Rinse and allow to dry. Clean 1001-4 EcoPrep or 1000-1 Super Prep Plastic Cleaner by applying a heavy, wet coat of the cleaner then wiping dry with a clean, lint-free towel.

*USE PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WHILE WORKING AROUND CHEMICALS!*

STEP 2

Compare the OEM texture to your previously-prepared texture reference cards to identify the proper Flextex VT reduction ratio and gun setup that will most closely simulate the grain. Texture will vary depending on spray gun and gun setup; the user is encouraged to make their own customized texture reference cards.

If you don’t have any texture reference cards, mix 3804 Low VOC Flextex VT and 3804 Reducer by volume according to the following table.

STEP 3

Sand the repair area with 180 grit and gradually feather back from the repair area. If you choose to, you can also sand all of the texture down to give a more uniform appearance when finished. Afterward, sand the entire textured area lightly with 320 grit. You’re not trying to sand all the texture down smooth; rather, you just want to level out the tops of the texture. Blow dust free.

STEP 4

Scuff the entire textured area with a red scuff pad. Blow dust free.

STEP 5

Spray 1051 Low VOC Plastic Magic (or 1050 Plastic Magic in National Rule areas) adhesion promoter with one or two medium wet coat over the area to be primed. Allow Plastic Magic to flash for 10-15 minutes.

STEP 6

Spray 3043 All Seasons Black Jack waterborne primer surfacer (or your desired primer surfacer). Apply two medium wet coats, blending out from the repair area into the original texture and allowing some flash time between coats.

STEP 7

When the primer dries, sand with 320 grit sandpaper. Fill imperfections with spot putty. Sand with 320 and reprime if necessary to smooth out any remaining TPO fuzz or 80 grit scratches.

Scuff the primer with a red scuff pad and feather back into the original texture. Blow dust free and wipe with a tack cloth. Apply 1050 or 1051 Plastic Magic over the entire area to be retextured. It is not necessary to apply Plastic Magic over primer.

STEP 8

Fill an HVLP gravity-feed spray gun with Flextex VT reduced to match the texture determined in Step 2. Gun nozzle size, needle setting, and air pressure are all variables to be adjusted to fine-tune grain size. Adjust gun settings on a sprayout card before applying texture to the part.

STEP 9

Begin retexturing by spraying two or three coats of Flextex VT on the primed area only, blending farther out onto the unprimed areas with each coat. It’s very important to “speckle” the paint droplets onto the surface and let the droplets dry before applying another coat. Increasing the distance to work and increasing the speed of the pass helps to keep the paint droplets from flowing together. The most common error when applying Flextex is applying too wet of a coat and flowing out the paint.

If there are any shiny or blotchy areas, allow the paint to dry completely and scuff the entire part with a red scuff pad. Blow dust free and wipe with a tack cloth before applying more coats of Flextex VT to the entire part to even out the textured appearance.

STEP 10

If a satin black appearance is desired, Flextex VT may be used without top coating. If a different color is required, after the Flextex VT is completely dry, scuff with red scuff pad, wipe with a tack rag, then top coat with base/matte clear or hardened basecoat.

*USE PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WHILE WORKING AROUND CHEMICALS!*