Frequently Asked Questions

For general dent and ripple repairs, Universal Polyester Filler (ZN-110) is a good starting point for most jobs. For repairs that need strength, such as small holes and tears, Fibreglass Filler (ZN-120) or the finer-textured Micro Fibreglass Filler (ZN-125) is preferred; Lightweight Filler (ZN-140) for easy sanding over large areas; and Soft Finishing Filler (ZN-130) for final smoothing and sealing fine pores. Galva Filler (ZN-170) is recommended on galvanised panels and Aluminium Filler (ZN-160) on parts exposed to heat. You can compare all the options on the Fillers page and use the Product Selector to get a recommendation for your type of job.

The figures express the mixing ratio by volume: with a 4+1 primer, 1 part hardener is added to 4 parts primer; with a 5+1 primer, 1 part hardener is added to 5 parts primer. 4+1 Acrylic Primer Filler (ZN-210) is an easy-to-apply option for general repairs, offering balanced filling and sanding properties. 5+1 HS Acrylic Primer (ZN-220), on the other hand, builds a thicker film in fewer coats thanks to its high solids content, saving time on jobs that require heavy filling. Both primers are used with 2K Acrylic Primer Hardener (ZN-410) and Acrylic Thinner (ZN-510).

HS (high-solids) clear coats contain more solids in the ready-to-use mix; they build a fuller film in fewer coats and give lower VOC emissions per unit of dry film. MS (medium-solids) clear coats, thanks to their more fluid consistency, are easy to apply and are more forgiving of variations in application technique. If you are aiming for a premium appearance and a high film build, 2K Acrylic HS Clear Coat (ZN-330) is the right choice; if a balance between cost and performance is the priority, choose 2K Acrylic MS Clear Coat (ZN-320).

Each clear coat must be used with its matching hardener: ZN-420 is recommended for 2K Acrylic Clear Coat (ZN-310), ZN-430 for 2K Acrylic MS Clear Coat (ZN-320) and ZN-440 for 2K Acrylic HS Clear Coat (ZN-330). Acrylic Thinner (ZN-510) is used for thinning all clear coats; for spot repairs, Blending (Fade-out) Thinner (ZN-520) is preferred for melting in the clear coat blend. Using hardeners interchangeably can adversely affect drying, gloss and durability.

In most cases, yes. On bare plastic surfaces based on PP and PP/EPDM, such as bumpers, spoilers and mirror caps, a thin coat of 1K Plastic Primer (ZN-240) should be applied after the part has been degreased and scuffed, so that the paint can adhere permanently. On new factory-primed parts, additional plastic primer is generally not needed if the primer layer is intact; however, any areas where sanding has gone through to the plastic must always be covered with plastic primer. If you are unsure of the type of plastic, we recommend carrying out an adhesion test on a small area.

Because adhesion on galvanised steel and aluminium is more critical than on bare steel, the surface must first be degreased and then scuffed with fine abrasive or a scuff pad (on galvanised steel, without breaking through the zinc layer). Where filling is needed on galvanised panels, Galva Filler (ZN-170) can be used; for other products, always check the suitable substrates listed on the product page. You can find the right system for you by selecting the substrate and type of job in the Product Selector, and if you are unsure, you can consult our technical team.

1K (single-component) products need no hardener and are quick and practical; they are suitable for small spot repairs, sand-throughs at edges and intermediate coats such as plastic primer. 2K (two-component) products cure chemically with a hardener and provide higher build, chemical resistance and a longer service life. You can choose 2K products for large filled areas and for clear coats that are expected to be durable in the long term, and 1K solutions such as 1K Fast Repair Primer (ZN-230) for small repairs where speed is the priority.

Because products from different manufacturers may have different resin and solvent chemistries, we cannot guarantee system compatibility in terms of adhesion, curing, gloss and durability when they are combined. For the most reliable results, we recommend using the Zenova system as a whole for filler, primer, hardener, thinner and clear coat; you will find the recommended product combinations on the Application Systems page. If you need to work with a different product, avoid mixing hardeners and thinners across brands, and check adhesion and appearance on a small test panel before the actual job.

The mixing ratio of each product is given on its label and in its Technical Data Sheet (TDS); for example, with a 4+1 primer, 1 part hardener is added to 4 parts primer, and thinner is then added at the specified ratio. Instead of judging by eye, use graduated mixing cups, mixing rulers or scales, and stir the components thoroughly until the mix is homogeneous. With polyester fillers, BPO hardener is added at approximately 2–3% by weight. Going outside the recommended ratios leads to curing, gloss and durability problems.

Pot life is the time during which a 2K product mixed with hardener keeps a workable consistency in the pot; it is given for 20 °C in the product's TDS. The higher the temperature, the shorter this time, so only mix as much as you will use within a short period. Do not keep using a mix that has passed its pot life by adding thinner to it; the film will not cure properly and adhesion and gloss problems may occur.

Technical values are usually given for 20 °C and 65% relative humidity; most 2K products are not recommended for application at ambient and surface temperatures below 10 °C. At low temperatures, drying and curing slow down considerably and the risk of runs and dulling increases, so bring the material and the part up to workshop temperature beforehand, extend the flash-off times between coats and, if possible, assist curing with baking or IR drying. To prevent condensation, the surface temperature must be at least 3 °C above the dew point. With fillers, do not raise the hardener ratio above the recommended range to speed up curing.

Nozzle size, air pressure and fluid flow should be set according to the product type; with HVLP guns, 1.2–1.4 mm nozzles are generally used for basecoats and clear coats, and 1.6–2.0 mm nozzles for primer fillers. Set the inlet pressure to the value recommended by the gun manufacturer (usually around 2 bar for HVLP models) and test the spray pattern on masking paper before application. Move the gun perpendicular to the surface, at a constant distance (usually 10–15 cm for HVLP guns) and at a constant speed, overlapping each pass by about half of the previous one. For product-specific settings, refer to the TDS of the product concerned.

As a general guide, P80–P120 is used for shaping filler, P180–P240 for finishing filler and P400–P600 on primer filler before basecoat. Avoid large jumps between grits, and remove the scratches from the previous grit completely before moving on to the next; a guide coat makes defects easier to see at this stage. Start sanding only once the product has dried sufficiently; filler or primer that is not fully dry clogs the abrasive and, over time, can lead to sinkage and sanding marks showing through.

The clear coat must have cured sufficiently before polishing. Parts baked at 60 °C can generally be polished once they have cooled down; with air drying, polishing can start once the clear coat has reached sufficient hardness, usually the following day at the earliest. Use the clear coat's TDS as the reference for the exact time. Polishing too early can leave marks and cause dulling over time; at low temperatures, the waiting time is longer.

For the Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for our products, please visit the Technical Documents page. If the document you need is not listed there, or you would like the latest version, you can request it via the Contact page, stating the product code. For application and occupational safety matters, we always recommend using the product's current TDS and SDS as your reference.

For problems you encounter during application or questions about product selection, you can submit a technical support request via the Contact page. Including details such as the product code and batch number, the substrate, the ambient temperature, the mixing ratios you used and the application steps in your request speeds up the assessment. Our technical team aims to review your request and get back to you as soon as possible.

To get a price quote, fill in the form on the Request a Quote page and tell us which products you are interested in, your packaging preferences and your estimated quantities. Once our sales team has reviewed your request, we will contact you with a quote tailored to your needs. Stating the product codes (for example ZN-210) helps us prepare the quote more quickly and accurately.

The minimum order quantity may vary depending on the product group, pack type, scope of the order and delivery region. Our sales team will share the conditions that apply to your request with you; for up-to-date information, please get in touch via the Request a Quote or Contact page.

Delivery time depends on the stock availability of the products ordered, the order quantity and the delivery region. Once your order has been confirmed, our sales team will share the expected delivery schedule with you. Letting us know about any urgent requirements when you place your order helps us plan accordingly.

You can obtain our products through our dealer network or by contacting our sales team directly. To find the most suitable point of sale in your region, simply get in touch with us via the Contact page. For regular or high-volume purchases, you can request a quote via the Request a Quote page.

You can submit your dealership application by filling in the form on the Dealership page; sharing information about your company, your area of operation and the customers you serve makes the evaluation easier. Once our sales team has reviewed your application, we will contact you about the process and the terms of cooperation. We aim to build long-term partnerships with our dealers based on mutual trust.

Invoicing and payment terms are set by our sales team according to the scope of the order and the working arrangement, and are shared with you at the quotation stage. For corporate purchases, providing your complete invoicing details before ordering helps the process run smoothly. If you have any questions, you can reach our sales team via the Contact page.

The available packaging options for each product are listed on the relevant product page; you can find all our products on the Products page. If you have different packaging requirements, mention them in your quote request and discuss them with our sales team.

If you notice damaged packaging or missing products on delivery, have this noted on the delivery note and take photos if possible. Then report it to our sales team via the Contact page as soon as possible, together with your order details. Do not touch leaking containers without gloves, and keep them away from heat sources and naked flames.

Store the products in their original containers with the lids tightly closed, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources and naked flames. Storage temperatures of 5–25 °C are generally suitable; freezing and excessive heat can adversely affect product quality. Product-specific storage conditions are given on the label and in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

The shelf life of products stored unopened in their original containers under the recommended conditions is typically 12 months; the product-specific shelf life and expiry information are stated on the label. Opened containers should be kept tightly closed and used up as soon as possible. Consult our technical team before using products that have passed their shelf life or show a noticeable change in consistency, colour or odour.

Isocyanate-based hardeners are very sensitive to moisture in the air; on contact with moisture they can turn cloudy, form sediment or gel. So close the container tightly immediately after each use, and do not leave hardener standing open or in other containers. Do not use hardener that has turned cloudy, contains sediment or has thickened; this leads to curing and gloss problems in the film. The BPO hardener paste supplied with polyester fillers should be kept away from heat and direct sunlight.

When spraying, particularly when working with isocyanate-containing 2K products, you should use suitable respiratory protection (preferably an air-fed mask, or a filter mask as specified in the SDS), chemical-resistant gloves (e.g. nitrile), safety goggles and paint overalls. Do not forget a dust mask and eye protection when sanding, or gloves and goggles when mixing and decanting. Good ventilation of the work area and regular maintenance of the booth filters also reduce exposure; product-specific information on protective equipment is given in Section 8 of the SDS.

In case of skin contact, remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water; never use thinner or solvent to clean the skin. In case of eye contact, remove contact lenses if present, rinse the eyes with plenty of clean water for at least 15 min while holding the eyelids open, and seek medical attention. If redness, itching or irritation persists, seek medical advice and take the product label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) with you; product-specific first aid information is given in Section 4 of the SDS.

If vapour is inhaled, move the person into fresh air immediately and keep them at rest; if breathing difficulties, dizziness or nausea persist, call the 112 emergency number. If the product is swallowed, do not induce vomiting; if the person is conscious, have them rinse their mouth with water and seek medical attention immediately. You can also get advice from the Turkish National Poison Information Centre on 114. Show the product label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to the medical staff.

Paint, thinner and hardener residues, and packaging, rags and filters contaminated with them, must be treated as hazardous waste and must not be released into drains, onto the ground or into household waste. Collect the waste in labelled, suitable containers and hand it over to licensed waste management companies in accordance with current legislation. Do not keep mixed 2K residues in tightly sealed containers, as the ongoing reaction can generate gas and heat; for detailed information, refer to Section 13 of the SDS.

Most solvent-containing paints, primers, clear coats, fillers and thinners are flammable; because their vapours are heavier than air, they can accumulate at floor level. Naked flames, sparks and smoking must not be allowed in work and storage areas, electrical equipment must be of a suitable type and the area must be well ventilated. The suitable extinguishing media to use in the event of a fire are given in Section 5 of the product's SDS.