TechnicianVision · Knowledge base
Back-To-Basics: Hybrid Refinishing And Baking
I-CAR · February 22, 2023
Summary
This article highlights the critical need to cross-reference paint manufacturer Technical Data Sheets (TDS) with OEM guidelines when baking refinish products on electric and hybrid vehicles. It details how different paint makers (AkzoNobel, Axalta, BASF, PPG, and Sherwin-Williams) define bake times by either booth air temperature or metal/substrate temperature, which must be managed to prevent high-voltage battery damage.
What to do on the job
Always cross-reference the vehicle maker's maximum temperature/time limits for the high-voltage battery with the paint manufacturer's TDS, and use alternative air-dry or low-bake clearcoats if the required bake temperature exceeds OEM limits.
How to use it
Use this document to justify the selection of premium air-dry or speed-clear products on EV/hybrid repair estimates. It serves as supporting evidence when explaining to insurers why a vehicle cannot undergo a standard high-heat bake cycle, or why additional paint booth cycle time/alternative scheduling is required to protect the high-voltage battery system.
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