EXCLUSIVE COATINGS • TECHNICAL REFERENCE • EDITION 1.0 • 24 OCTOBER 2026

Automotive Paint & Panel Beating Technical Knowledge

Reference for automotive refinishing customers and the Exclusive Coatings AI Technical Advisor. Sage controls approved catalogue identities; the current manufacturer TDS determines product-specific instructions and the SDS determines chemical hazards and precautions. This reference cannot replace manufacturer sheets or professional inspection.

1. Choosing the correct coating system

Identify the substrate (steel, aluminium, existing finish, plastic, filler or primer), repair stage and desired finish. Use only manufacturer-verified combinations. A basecoat typically provides colour and may require an approved clearcoat. Two-component coatings require the specified compatible hardener. Do not transfer ratios, thinners or hardeners between products, even within one brand. Matt finishes require their own product instructions.

2. Automax 2K Clearcoat: verified technical information

Applies only to Automax 2K Clearcoat (gloss). Technical information reproduced from Exclusive Coatings' retailer edition of supplied Luxor Automax 2K Clearcoat and Fast/Medium Hardener TDS.

Specification	Documented value
Mixing ratio	2 parts clearcoat to 1 part Automax 2K Fast or Medium Hardener by volume
Hardener selection	Fast below 25°C; Medium above 25°C. At exactly 25°C the supplied guidance does not specify a preference.
Thinner	Add 10% specified 2K thinner to the already mixed clearcoat and hardener.
Example	100 ml clearcoat + 50 ml hardener + 15 ml thinner
Pot life	8 hours, test conditions unspecified
Film thickness	30 microns dry film per coat
Drying	Touch dry 1 hour; hard dry 12 hours; full cure 4 days, depending on conditions
Ambient/surface conditions	10–40°C; relative humidity no more than 85%; clean and dry substrate

Never apply these specifications automatically to Automax Black, any primer, or Transline Matt Black. Confirm each product's own manufacturer TDS.

3. AutoGold: manufacturer-reported technical references

Manufacturer descriptions report a 2:1 by-volume mix with the specified AutoGold HS 2:1 Universal Hardener series for AGC1 HS 2:1 Ultrashine Clearcoat, AGC3 2K 2:1 Crystal Clear, AGC4 2K 2:1 Matt Clear and AutoGold Twinpack topcoat. AGC2 2K Ultra Fast Clearcoat is described as 2:1 with its dedicated AutoGold 2K Ultra Fast Clear Hardener. These statements are not blanket cross-compatibility approvals. Confirm exact item/formulation and current TDS before giving an operational recommendation. Do not infer thinning, flash-off, coat count, spray pressure, pot life or drying times.

4. Other coating systems

AutoGold Basecoat: Determine the appropriate reducer, formula, flash-off and clearcoat from the exact current TDS. Luxline and Luxprime N/C: Nitrocellulose lacquer and primer system; use compatible manufacturer-approved thinner and instructions. Do not assume 2K hardeners are required. Automax primers/topcoats: Do not reuse clearcoat mixing instructions. QD coatings, aerosols and custom mixes: Identify the specific formulation and follow its particular technical sheet. No generic thinner percentage, curing time or mixing ratio may be inferred.

5. General vehicle refinishing workflow

1. Assess panel material, damage extent, old coatings, corrosion and safety-critical components.
2. Clean with compatible materials and adequate protective equipment.
3. Evaluate paintless dent repair versus conventional repair; refer structural and safety-system damage to a qualified repairer.
4. Prepare substrate, feather edges and treat corrosion following manufacturer procedures.
5. Select an approved substrate-compatible primer and observe its cure and preparation requirements.
6. Check surface cleanliness, dryness and levelling.
7. Apply approved basecoat or direct gloss coating using its exact TDS.
8. Apply specified clearcoat and matched hardener/reducer only when required.
9. Follow documented drying and curing instructions before polishing or assembly.

This is general repair guidance, not a specification for unidentified products.

6. Dent repair and paint defect diagnosis

Dents: Ask which panel, substrate (steel, aluminium or plastic), paint condition, whether creased or on an edge, access behind the panel and possible sensor/airbag involvement. Suitable small dents with intact paint may be candidates for paintless dent repair. Never advise drilling panels, heating unidentified materials or disturbing restraint systems.

Orange peel: Check gun setup, application distance, viscosity, temperature, film build and manufacturer flash-off instructions. Fisheyes: Investigate silicone, oil, water and air supply contamination. Runs/sags: Investigate film thickness and technique. Peeling/lifting: Investigate contamination, substrate preparation and incompatible coating or recoat schedules. Do not prescribe sanding or polishing until the coating has cured sufficiently and the process is manufacturer-approved.

7. Safety and SDS

Two-component coatings can expose workers to dangerous isocyanates and solvent vapours. Follow the actual product's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS), label, occupational requirements and spray-booth ventilation precautions. Do not assume a disposable mask or ordinary organic-vapour cartridge suffices for isocyanate spraying; supplied-air respiratory protection may be necessary. Consult the SDS for hazards, first aid, respiratory and skin protection, fire and spill procedures, storage and disposal. This page is not a substitute for an SDS.

8. TDS and SDS document index

Automax 2K Clearcoat: The Exclusive Coatings product's Technical Information section links to a retailer-prepared TDS based on supplied Luxor manufacturer documents. AutoGold and other Luxor products: Obtain the current manufacturer TDS and SDS for the exact formulation and pack variant. Manufacturer descriptions are not substitutes for the full documents. For any product without verified sheets, do not invent technical parameters.

9. Rules for the AI Technical Advisor

1. Answer only questions concerning automotive paint/refinishing, panel beating, vehicle body restoration and related Exclusive Coatings shopping/customer support.
2. Politely decline homework, general-purpose coding, unrelated science projects and other off-topic requests.
3. Identify the exact product and its approved specification before giving mixing, hardener or compatibility advice.
4. Use the Sage Product Classification Matrix as the only authority for catalog products, SKUs, classifications, pack sizes, brands and prices.
5. Manufacturer TDS controls application and compatibility details; current SDS controls chemical safety.
6. When sources are absent, uncertain or conflicting, disclose uncertainty, ask for exact label/SKU and refer to Live Technical Support.
7. Do not describe this retailer-curated page as a manufacturer-approved technical revision.

Editorial status: selected manufacturer-based information and general repair guidance. Product-by-product expansion requires current TDS/SDS verification and Sage classification approval.

Product compatibility and what to buy together

Shopify catalogue-derived guidance, reviewed 24 October 2026. Recommendations below preserve the distinctions and specific technical values in existing Exclusive Coatings product descriptions and manufacturer-derived TDS. Manufacturer TDS/SDS take precedence for technical use; the Sage Matrix takes precedence for approved products, SKUs and variants. A shop link is not by itself proof of full compatibility.

AI decision sequence: Identify coating and exact finish, find its linked hardener/reducer/thinner, check application temperature and manufacturer TDS, then offer links to the matching Shopify products. Never assume all members of a brand share ratios or components. If specification is missing, ask or escalate instead of guessing.

AutoGold Colour Matched Basecoat

Product/SKUs: BC01–BC05.

Verified or documented guidance: 2 parts basecoat to 1 part AutoGold Basecoat Reducer AGS1 by volume, under 30°C. Supplied basecoat TDS indicates AGS5 Slow Reducer above 30°C; do not propose AGS1 at exactly 30°C without clarification. Allow the specified flash-off before applying a compatible clearcoat.

What to buy together: Recommend AGS1 Reducer for supported conditions and AutoGold AGC1 Ultra Shine Clearcoat where the finish requirements and system compatibility permit. Optional AGS4 Prewipe Degreaser for approved preparation.

AutoGold AGC1 HS 2:1 Ultra Shine Clearcoat

Product/SKUs: AUTO18–AUTO19.

Verified or documented guidance: Mix 2 parts clearcoat to 1 part AutoGold HS Universal Hardener, by volume. Use AGH2 Fast below 25°C or AGH3 Medium above 25°C. Exact 25°C requires further verification.

What to buy together: Link AGS2 2K Reducer Normal only when the coating TDS and conditions support it; never invent reducer amount.

AutoGold AGP2 HS 4:1 Grey Primer

Product/SKUs: Verify exact SKU against Sage.

Verified or documented guidance: Primer has 4:1 designation; never apply clearcoat's 2:1 ratio to this primer. The published product description specifies AutoGold HS Universal Hardener series.

What to buy together: Recommend AGH2 Fast or AGH3 Medium by approved temperature grade, plus AGS2 2K Reducer Normal only to its TDS-prescribed amount. Check exact primer TDS before quoting a complete mix recipe.

Automax 2K Clearcoat

Product/SKUs: 2K06–2K08.

Verified or documented guidance: 2 parts clearcoat to 1 part Automax hardener by volume; then add 10% specified 2K thinner to mixed material. Example: 100 ml clearcoat + 50 ml hardener + 15 ml thinner.

What to buy together: Recommend Automax Fast Hardener below 25°C or Automax Medium Hardener above 25°C, plus 2K Thinners subject to product TDS.

Automax 2K Black (gloss)

Product/SKUs: 2K17–2K18.

Verified or documented guidance: Automax topcoat TDS: 100 parts paint + 50 parts Automax hardener by volume. The linked Fast/Medium hardener TDS lists 10–20 parts Luxor 2K thinner for topcoat mixtures; check the coating TDS and correct thinner identity.

What to buy together: Recommend Automax Fast Hardener below 25°C or Automax Medium Hardener above 25°C; add thinner only as specified. Grey/Beige Automax M.S Primer may be appropriate for a compatible substrate; do not assume every substrate accepts it.

Automax M.S Grey or Beige Primer

Product/SKUs: 2K09–2K14.

Verified or documented guidance: Both primer variants are described as compatible with Automax Fast/Medium hardeners. Primer-specific mixing and application data must come from its own TDS.

What to buy together: Link Automax Fast Hardener below 25°C or Automax Medium Hardener above 25°C. Beige primer is an alternative colour where justified. Do not transfer Automax clearcoat's dilution recipe.

Transline 2K Matt Black

Product/SKUs: 2KMATT.

Verified or documented guidance: No product-specific hardener, thinner or mixing ratio confirmed in current Shopify description.

What to buy together: Do not recommend Automax hardeners merely because the item says 2K. Ask for the manufacturer TDS / refer to Live Technical Support.

Luxcoat QD coatings

Product/SKUs: QD family: verify per variant.

Verified or documented guidance: QD products use their own QD-system application guidance. No universal ratio confirmed.

What to buy together: Where the particular QD TDS specifies QD thinner, direct to B&R QD Thinners; do not recommend 2K hardener or generic thinning percentages.

AutoGold Basecoat variants and complex colours

AutoGold Pearl and Xirallic mixes may require colour-specific groundcoats or multiple stages. Do not assume a conventional two-stage basecoat recipe applies to every mixed colour. Ask for vehicle colour code and confirm mixing formula and complete system before suggesting quantities.

Additional preparation and additive pairings

AutoGold AGS4 Prewipe Degreaser can support suitable surface cleaning before coating. AutoGold AGA2 Fish Eye Eliminator, AGA3 Fast Cure Additive and AGA4 Blend In Additive are specialist options, not standard mandatory add-ons. Recommend only when their need, specific coating compatibility and addition rate are supported by the respective manufacturer technical documents.

Customer-facing recommendation format

For an approved system, name the primary paint, suitable hardener, required reducer or thinner, and any necessary finishing coating. Supply a direct product link for each confirmed item. State clearly when a component is optional or requires confirmation. Do not invent exact quantities or stock status. If a product or variant remains unresolved against Sage, withhold specific SKU/pack/price recommendations.

Understanding delivery prices: Bob Go courier options

Exclusive Coatings offers nationwide delivery through the courier services available at checkout. Customers can compare the shipping options presented for their delivery address and order. Standard, express and eligible pickup-point or locker services may be offered depending on the location and parcel.

Why ordering more than one paint can can offer good value

Courier charges are not necessarily calculated as a new fixed fee for each product. The weight and size of the complete shipment are considered, and courier rate cards can charge the same amount across a range of weights. Therefore, adding another paint can may leave the shipping price unchanged when the total shipment remains within the same applicable rate band. This is not guaranteed: larger, heavier or bulkier orders, different destinations and courier rules can increase the charge.

Actual weight and volumetric weight

Delivery rates can depend on the shipment's actual weight and the space it occupies (volumetric weight). Packed can dimensions, quantity, destination, courier, delivery speed and any applicable surcharges can all affect the quote. Exact packed dimensions and variant weights are used where verified; uncertain measurements should not be presented as confirmed.

Illustrative delivery comparison — Sandton diagnostic test, 25 October 2026

For a test order of one Automax 2K Black 5 L can delivered to the Sandton test area, Bob Go and Shopify checkout both displayed R95 standard door delivery, R105 express door delivery and R64.39 for a Bob Box Locker option at Alexandra Plaza. These amounts are historical test results only, not advertised flat rates, current quotations or a guarantee of service availability. The diagnostic API request used a zero declared product value and the address details differed slightly between tests; the results therefore do not validate a final quote for a real customer order.

How customers should compare delivery

When considering a purchase, select the correct pack size and quantity, then review the shipping methods offered for the delivery address. Compare standard and express delivery; where available and suitable, a nearby collection locker may cost less. For multiple paint cans, compare the combined order's shipping amount rather than assuming each can attracts a separate full courier fee. The final shipping charge and eligible delivery services are confirmed at Shopify checkout.

Guidance for the Exclusive Coatings AI Technical Advisor

Explain that delivery rates are often competitive because couriers may price by weight bands and by actual versus volumetric weight. Use reassuring but factual language: 'Adding more than one product does not always increase the courier charge; check the combined cart to see the actual options.' Do not state or imply that delivery is always cheap or that a fixed rate covers a specific number of cans. Only quote live Bob Go amounts when returned for the customer's actual destination and verified shipment details. Distinguish courier-specific rates from a response with service_code bobgo_fallback_rate, which must be labelled a configured fallback rate. Do not infer current prices from the Sandton example or the rate card. When verified parcel weights, dimensions, Sage prices or product identity are missing, disclose the limitation and direct the customer to Shopify checkout or Exclusive Coatings support. For every quote, remind customers that final rates are confirmed at checkout.