GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

New Primer For TPO Fascias and Affected Cleaning Process of Painting Operation

Subject: New Primer For TPO Fascias and Affected Cleaning Process of Painting Operation

Models:2009 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks
2009 and Prior HUMMER H2, H3



The purpose of this bulletin is to inform the technician that General Motors has made a change in the primer it uses for TPO plastic for service parts. This new primer comes in several different colors from five different suppliers. This change affects the cleaning process of the painting operation. The new process is as follows.

  1. Wash with soap and water.
  2. Clean with a 50% mix of isopropyl alcohol and water (or a waterborne cleaner). Check with your paint supplier for product recommendations.
  3. Scuff sand per your paint supplier's recommendations.
  4. Note: The use of a solvent-type cleaner will soften, or begin to dissolve, the primer. Base coats do not have any affect on this primer.

  5. Reclean with a 50% mix of isopropyl alcohol and water (or a waterborne cleaner).

All fascias, with the exception of the Corvette, Camaro and Cadillac XLR, are made of TPO. You may find other TPO parts with this primer. If the technician has a question as to the type of plastic they are painting, inspect the back of the part for the plastic symbol (TPO).