Service News
	Copyright By Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. - Printed 16/10/2015

We inform you that on some versions of Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta a matte paint named “Matte Magnesium Grey” - code 697/B is used for painting the body.

PRECAUTIONS AND WARNING REMARKS

The opaque features of the new painting need a special care.

To preserve the painting aesthetical characteristics, the Customer should comply with the following instructions:

• paint should never be scratched with cloth as glossy local areas could arise;
• possible scratches or abrasions should not be removed by polishing the area with special wax and car polish;
• do not park the vehicle under trees, especially conifers: the resinous substance and bird droppings must be washed off immediately;
• the car must be exclusively hand washed using neutral pH detergents and cleaned/dried with wet chamois leather; do not use polish nor wax it;
• do not use brushes and high-pressure washing systems: automatic washing systems (if too powerful) could generate glossy areas that cannot be removed anymore;
• do not use pure windscreen washer fluid for cleaning the front windscreen and rear window; dilute it in at least 50% with water.

If needed, remind the Customer to follow the above instructions as well as the instructions of the Owner Handbook and dedicated attachment.

A silver plate is located inside the tailgate/luggage compartment for the identification of the paintwork, with the Matte Magnesium Grey colour identification code 697/B.

Please note that the new "Matte Magnesium Grey" colour is the standard application of a double coat painting cycle.

To get the best results for repair/painting operations of the Matte Magnesium Grey coloured bodywork, the following precautions should be strictly complied with:

• Best application conditions: about 20°C and RH about 50%;
• Dry thickness recommended for the matte primer: 15-20 µ (corresponding to a thin coat plus two separate covering coats);
• Dry thickness recommended for the clear topcoat: 50 µ (corresponding to two separate covering coats).
• Please note that, during repair/painting operations, the whole part should be painted with an opaque transparent layer (e.g. wing or roof) to prevent any shading, that would result in surface differences from the touch-up and the original part;
• It is recommended to try first on sample parts, to be painted according to the same method and times as above, to determine the correct application process and prevent possible colour differences in the finished vehicles, such as for example different opaqueness. The standard process requires two layers of opaque transparent to get the original finish. Anyway, the opaque level of the transparent paint can be increased by applying another layer of paint. It is extremely important to arrange at least 2 test panels, one with two and the other with three layers of transparent paint, to decide the process to be implemented during the vehicle repair activities.

In case of doubt, before any painting operation, refer to the Painting section on eLearn and the Data Sheet of Supplier of the paint product to define the preparation and application techniques.