overview Germany Premium Autolack Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG Exclusive Porsche Collection Refinishing Project

Exclusive Porsche Collection Refinishing Project

Complete refinishing of five classic Porsche vehicles with custom-developed paint colors requiring precision air gun application. The client specifically requested the use of cordless air pistols for detail work to ensure optimal finish without compromising on the hard-to-reach areas.

Steps

1 / 9 | Detailed Inspection and Documentation of Porsche Collection

The team is performing a comprehensive inspection and documentation of each Porsche vehicle's original condition before beginning the refinishing process. This involves meticulously examining the entire exterior surface of each car, identifying all imperfections, damage, or unique characteristics that need to be addressed during refinishing. They are documenting the original paint condition, including color matching, checking for previous repairs, identifying any corrosion issues, and evaluating the overall integrity of the body panels. They're taking detailed photographs from multiple angles using specialized lighting to highlight even subtle imperfections, creating digital and physical documentation folders for each vehicle. Additionally, they're measuring paint thickness with electronic gauges to identify areas of previous work and establish baseline readings for future reference. The team is also noting any special considerations for each vehicle, such as rare factory finishes, historically important patina, or manufacturer-specific application techniques that might influence the refinishing approach.

1

Positioning a Porsche on the Inspection Platform Under Neutral Lighting

2

Take initial overall photographs from standard angles

3

Examining and Documenting VIN and Production Codes

4

Clean surface areas to remove dust or contaminants affecting inspection

5

Conducting Paint Thickness Measurements Across All Porsche Panels

6

Map and document previous repairs or bodywork

7

Identify and catalog all surface imperfections (scratches, chips, dents)

8

Examine Panel Gaps and Alignment for Body Integrity Assessment

9

Taking Paint Samples from Inconspicuous Areas for Color Matching

10

Document original paint texture and finish characteristics

11

Photographing Vehicles Under Various Lighting Conditions to Reveal Hidden Defects

12

Check for signs of corrosion or structural issues

13

Test adhesion of existing paint in discrete areas

14

Create digital surface maps showing areas requiring special attention

15

Documenting Rare or Unique Factory Finishes on Porsche Collection

16

Consult historical documentation to verify originality

17

Prepare Written Condition Reports for Each Vehicle

18

Discussing Porsche Collection Inspection Findings with Client Representative

19

Creating Individualized Preparation Plans for the Porsche Collection

20

Documentation Transfer to Project Management System

2 / 9 | Meticulously Stripping and Preparing Porsche Surfaces for Refinishing

The team at Premium Autolack Schmidt is performing meticulous surface preparation on the collection of five classic Porsche vehicles. This critical phase involves carefully removing the original paint and preparing the surfaces to create the perfect foundation for the new custom finishes. The technicians are using a combination of precision hand sanding and machine techniques to ensure complete removal of old finishes while preserving the vehicles' original body lines and character. They're working section by section, using progressively finer grit sandpapers, from coarse grits to remove old paint and surface imperfections to ultrafine grits for final smoothing. Special attention is being paid to edges, corners, and recessed areas which require delicate hand sanding. The team is also addressing any minor body imperfections, applying body filler where necessary and ensuring perfect surface continuity. Throughout this process, they're regularly inspecting the surfaces visually and by touch to detect any imperfections that might compromise the final finish quality.

1

Setting Up Vehicles with Protective Covering

2

Perform Initial Cleaning with Degreasing Solution

3

Removing Trim, Handles, and Components from Classic Porsches

4

Plastic Media Blasting for Gentle Paint Removal

5

Apply Chemical Paint Stripper to Layered Paint Areas

6

Perform initial machine sanding with coarse grit (P80-P120) to remove paint and primer

7

Hand Sanding Edges, Door Jambs, and Recessed Areas of Porsche Collection

8

Apply body filler to minor imperfections and sand to perfect contour

9

Progressively sand all surfaces with medium grits (P180-P240)

10

Conduct thorough inspection for pinholes or imperfections using specialized lighting

11

Clean surfaces with wax and grease remover between sanding stages

12

Final Precision Sanding (P320-P400) for Primer Adhesion

13

Use ultrafine hand sanding (P600-P800) for delicate areas

14

Vacuum and Air-Blow All Surfaces to Remove Sanding Dust

15

Wipe Down with Tack Cloth to Remove Remaining Particles

16

Apply final wipe with anti-static cleaner

17

Mask off areas not receiving primer

18

Document the preparation process with detailed photography

19

Final Inspection of Porsche Vehicle Surface Preparation

3 / 9 | Developing Custom Color Formulations for the Porsche Collection

In this critical phase of the exclusive Porsche Collection refinishing project, the team is developing precise custom color formulations for each of the five classic Porsche vehicles. Led by Sophie Weber, the Specialist for Custom Color Development, the team is analyzing original paint samples, historical documentation, and client requirements to create exact color matches with enhanced durability properties. The process involves spectrophotometric analysis, digital color matching technology, and manual tinting adjustments to achieve the perfect formulation. Each color is being documented with exact mixing ratios and tested on sample panels before approval. The team is also developing specific variants of each color for different body panels to account for how light interacts with the curves of each Porsche model, ensuring color consistency across all viewing angles. The formulations must not only match visually but also provide superior UV resistance and longevity appropriate for collector vehicles.

1

Extract and analyze original paint samples from each Porsche

2

Research Historical Documentation for Authentic Porsche Color Information

3

Perform spectrophotometric analysis of original paint samples

4

Input color data into computerized formulation system

5

Select Premium-Grade Pigments and Binders for Porsche Custom Colors

6

Manually adjust digital formulations based on experienced color assessment

7

Mix initial test batches according to preliminary formulations

8

Spray Test Panels with Initial Color Formulations

9

Evaluating Test Paint Panels Under Multiple Lighting Conditions

10

Refine Paint Formulations Based on Test Results

11

Creating Panel-Specific Paint Variants for Porsche Curves

12

Develop specialized tinting for areas requiring optical correction

13

Conduct Accelerated UV Testing on Sample Formulations

14

Perform adhesion and durability testing on each formulation

15

Documenting Exact Mixing Ratios and Application Parameters

16

Creating Physical Color Reference Standards for the Spray Booth

17

Inputting Final Paint Formulations into Digital Archive System

18

Prepare detailed color mixing instructions for the application team

19

Mix Production Quantities of Each Approved Color

20

Conduct Final Quality Check on Production Batches

4 / 9 | Application of Primer and Base Coats on Porsche Collection

This critical phase involves applying primer and base coats to the prepared Porsche surfaces in the climate-controlled spray booth. The team meticulously prepares each vehicle by masking off areas not being painted and ensuring the surfaces are immaculately clean. Dieter and Thomas lead the application process, using HVLP spray guns to apply the primer in thin, even coats with proper overlap patterns. After primer curing, light sanding with fine-grit paper ensures a perfectly smooth surface. Base coat application follows strict protocols for each custom-formulated color, requiring multiple passes with precise flash-off times between coats. The team constantly monitors paint viscosity, spray gun settings, air pressure, and booth temperature/humidity levels to achieve the flawless finish expected for these high-value classic Porsches. Each vehicle requires approximately 4-6 hours of continuous work for primer and base coat application, with team members rotating to maintain maximum concentration and precision throughout the process.

1

Final Surface Inspection Before Painting Porsche Vehicles

2

Verify all masking and protection of areas not being painted

3

Clean Spray Booth Floor and Ensure Dust-Free Environment

4

Adjust Spray Booth Temperature and Humidity for Porsche Collection Painting

5

Mix primer according to manufacturer specifications

6

Test spray gun pattern on test panels before application

7

Apply First Primer Coat Using Proper Technique and Overlap Patterns

8

Allow proper flash-off time between primer coats

9

Apply second (and if needed third) primer coat

10

Inspect Primer Surface for Defects After Curing

11

Perform light sanding of primer with fine-grit sandpaper

12

Clean surfaces thoroughly after primer sanding

13

Prepare Custom Base Coat Formulation According to Documentation

14

Test color on spray-out cards for verification

15

Apply first base coat using proper gun distance and technique

16

Allow correct flash-off time between color coats

17

Apply Additional Base Coats Until Proper Coverage Is Achieved

18

Perform Visual Inspection Under Various Lighting Conditions

19

Documenting Spray Gun Settings & Environmental Conditions

20

Clean equipment thoroughly between color changes

5 / 9 | Using Cordless Air Pistols for Detail Work in Hard-to-Reach Areas

This critical phase involves applying specialty paint to intricate areas that standard spray guns cannot effectively reach. The team is using advanced cordless HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) air pistols that offer both maneuverability and precision without compromising finish quality. These tools allow painters to access confined spaces like door jambs, engine compartments, and complex body panel junctions on the classic Porsche models. The cordless system eliminates cumbersome air hoses that could potentially contact wet surfaces. Each painter meticulously controls fan pattern width, atomization, and paint flow to ensure uniform coverage in these challenging areas. The work requires exceptional hand stability and technique to maintain consistent distance and movement speed. The team is using the specially formulated custom colors developed earlier in the mixing lab, which have been precisely thinned to the optimal viscosity for the cordless equipment.

1

Setting Up Dedicated Stations for Cordless Air Pistol Charging and Maintenance

2

Adjust spray pattern settings on each cordless pistol for specific detail areas

3

Prepare thinned paint mixtures specifically calibrated for the cordless equipment

4

Test Spray Patterns on Sample Panels to Verify Atomization Quality

5

Apply specialized masking to protect adjacent areas from overspray

6

Position mobile LED lights to illuminate deep recesses and shadowed areas

7

Detail spray door jambs and interior framework connections

8

Apply paint to engine compartment components with precise control

9

Paint wheel well details and suspension component areas

10

Detail trunk compartment seams and closure areas

11

Address intricate grille and headlight surrounds with fine spray control

12

Paint body panel junction areas requiring extremely precise application

13

Document consumption of materials for each detail area

14

Clean cordless equipment thoroughly between color changes

15

Perform immediate inspection of completed areas before paint sets

16

Take high-resolution photos of completed detail work for documentation

17

Allow appropriate flash-off time before proceeding to adjacent areas

18

Maintain detailed logs of air pressure and flow rate settings for each area

19

Implement rolling stations to minimize equipment handling and contamination

6 / 9 | Apply Clear Coats and Perform Wet Sanding Between Layers for Depth

This critical phase of the Porsche refinishing project involves the application of multiple layers of premium clear coat, with meticulous wet sanding performed between each layer to achieve exceptional depth and gloss. The team applies 3-4 layers of high-end urethane clear coat, allowing proper flash time between applications. After each layer cures to the appropriate hardness (typically 24 hours in controlled conditions), they perform progressive wet sanding using increasingly finer grits (starting at 1000 and working up to 3000). This process removes any dust nibs, orange peel texture, or imperfections while creating a perfectly level surface for the next coat. Special attention is given to edges and complex contours where product buildup can occur. The final clear coat layer is applied slightly thicker to allow for the final color sanding and polishing stages. The team maintains precise documentation of product mixtures, application techniques, and environmental conditions to ensure consistency across all five Porsches.

1

Thoroughly clean and tack off the base coat surface to remove any contaminants

2

Mask off areas not receiving clear coat application

3

Mix clear coat with appropriate hardener and reducer according to temperature conditions

4

Set up and test spray gun patterns on test panels before application

5

Applying First Medium-Wet Clear Coat with Proper Overlap

6

Allow proper flash time between coats (15-20 minutes)

7

Apply Second Medium-Wet Clear Coat

8

Allow full curing time (24 hours minimum) in controlled booth conditions

9

Prepare wet sanding equipment with 1000-1500 grit for first sanding stage

10

Wet sand first clear coat layer with block sanding on flat surfaces

11

Wet Sanding Contoured Areas with Flexible Pads

12

Rinse and dry surfaces thoroughly after sanding

13

Inspect sanded surface under various light conditions for uniformity

14

Apply Third Clear Coat Layer with Adjusted Gun Settings for Optimal Flow

15

Allow full curing time before wet sanding with 1500-2000 grit

16

Perform final wet sanding with 2000-3000 grit for ultra-smooth finish

17

Apply final clear coat layer slightly heavier for final color sanding stage

18

Document all materials, techniques and conditions for each vehicle

19

Clean and maintain all equipment between application stages

20

Visual Quality Inspection Between Clear Coat Phases

7 / 9 | Final Polishing and Buffing for Perfect Porsche Finish

This critical final stage transforms the newly clear-coated surfaces into flawless, mirror-like finishes worthy of a premium collection. After the extensive wet sanding between clear coat layers, the team now focuses on removing any remaining imperfections and bringing out the maximum depth, clarity and reflection in each custom color. The process requires exceptional attention to detail, with multiple passes using progressively finer polishing compounds and specialized buffing pads. Each vehicle requires approximately 15-20 hours of hand polishing work, with particular attention paid to edges, curves, and character lines where imperfections are most visible. Workers must maintain optimal pad speeds and pressure to prevent burning through the clear coat or creating holograms (swirl marks) in the finish. The team constantly evaluates the surface under specialized lighting, adjusting techniques for different panels and contours. This task represents the culmination of all previous work, where even microscopic flaws become apparent and must be meticulously addressed.

1

Clean all surfaces thoroughly to remove any dust or residue

2

Inspect entire vehicle surface under specialized lighting to identify imperfections

3

Mark Areas Requiring Special Attention with Detailer's Tape

4

Select appropriate polishing compounds and pads based on paint hardness testing

5

Perform initial cutting pass with wool pad and moderate compound to remove major defects

6

Evaluate Surface and Adjust Polishing Technique

7

Transition to medium-cut foam pads with finer compound for secondary polishing

8

Using Specialized Small Polishers for Tight Areas on Porsche Collection

9

Perform final jeweling pass with ultra-soft finishing pads and fine polish

10

Hand Polish Unreachable Areas with Microfiber Applicators

11

Clean surfaces between polishing stages to evaluate progress

12

Polishing Edges and Character Lines with Controlled Pressure

13

Remove all polishing residues with specialized detail spray

14

Alcohol Wipedown to Reveal True Finish

15

Inspect Porsche Surfaces Under Various Lighting Conditions

16

Address Remaining Microimperfections with Spot Polishing

17

High-Resolution Documentation Photography of Porsche Finished Surfaces

18

Apply temporary sealant to protect finish until final delivery

19

Clean and recondition all polishing equipment after use

20

Update Project Documentation with Techniques Used and Time Invested

8 / 9 | Perform multi-stage quality control inspection under various lighting conditions

This critical task involves the meticulous examination of the refinished Porsche vehicles under multiple lighting scenarios to identify any imperfections invisible under standard conditions. The team utilizes Premium Autolack's specialized light tunnels and digital imaging technology to detect issues such as orange peel, swirl marks, holograms, uneven color application, dust nibs, or sags. The inspection follows a systematic approach, examining each vehicle from multiple angles under different lighting types (natural daylight simulation, direct LED spotlighting, indirect ambient lighting, and UV lighting). Each detected imperfection is marked with small removable tabs, photographed, and documented in the quality control database. The team particularly focuses on curved surfaces, panel edges, and transitions between different materials where defects are most common. This extensive inspection ensures that the custom finishes meet Premium Autolack's exacting standards of perfection before client delivery.

1

Position Porsche in the Light Tunnel on Rotating Platform

2

Perform initial visual inspection under standard daylight simulation lighting

3

Activate LED spotlighting and examine surfaces at 45-degree angles

4

Switch to indirect ambient lighting to check for color consistency across panels

5

UV Lighting Inspection for Clear Coat Inconsistencies

6

Employ handheld light wands to inspect difficult-to-reach areas

7

Mark any identified imperfections with small removable tabs

8

Photograph each imperfection using digital macro imaging equipment

9

Rotating Porsche Vehicle for 360-Degree Quality Inspection

10

Verify color accuracy using digital spectrophotometer readings against reference standards

11

Check panel alignment and uniform gap measurements

12

Inspect all edges and transitions between different materials for defects

13

Magnification Examination of Fine Details and Orange Peel

14

Document all findings in the digital quality control database

15

Conduct team review of all identified issues

16

Create a prioritized remediation plan for any necessary corrections

17

Perform final walk-around inspection with at least two team members

18

Generate comprehensive quality control report with images and measurements

19

Clean vehicle surfaces of any inspection marks or fingerprints

20

Position vehicle for final client presentation once approved

9 / 9 | Prepare detailed documentation of the refinishing process and color formulations for client records

This critical final task involves creating comprehensive documentation of the entire refinishing process for the five classic Porsche vehicles. The team is meticulously compiling detailed records that include high-resolution photographs of each stage of the process, precise color formulation data, application techniques used, environmental conditions during spraying, curing times, material specifications, and quality control results. Sophie Weber is leading the color documentation part, creating detailed files with spectrophotometer readings, mixing ratios, and even physical color samples on specialized cards. Markus Hoffmann is overseeing the production of a leather-bound presentation portfolio for each vehicle, containing printed documentation and USB drives with digital files. The team is creating both technical documentation for potential future restoration work and a more narrative-focused presentation suitable for the client's collection showcase. Thomas Becker is recording specific techniques used for challenging areas of each vehicle, while Klaus Wagner is documenting the surface preparation methods. Dieter Schmidt is personally writing detailed notes about the custom application techniques employed for each vehicle's unique contours.

1

Compile and organize all digital photographs from each stage of the refinishing process

2

Create detailed color formulation sheets with exact mixing ratios and base components

3

Generate spectrophotometer readings for each custom color under various lighting conditions

4

Produce physical color sample cards for client reference

5

Document spray gun settings, pressure levels, and application techniques for each coat

6

Record environmental conditions during application stages

7

Create diagrams of spray patterns used for complex contours and challenging areas

8

Document all materials used including batch numbers and safety data sheets

9

Compile detailed surface preparation methods for each vehicle's unique condition

10

Create before and after photo comparisons with annotations

11

Prepare maintenance and care instructions specific to each finish

12

Documenting Quality Control Procedures and Test Results

13

Create Curing Schedules and Environmental Conditions Documentation

14

Design and produce leather-bound presentation portfolios for each vehicle

15

Prepare USB drives with digital copies of all documentation

16

Create executive summaries describing the artistic approach for each vehicle

17

Document workspace preparation and contamination prevention methods

18

Compile time logs showing total hours invested in each vehicle

19

Create certificates of authenticity for the custom-developed colors

20

Prepare final client presentation materials highlighting key aspects of the project