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Thinner · ZN-520

Blending (Fade-out) Thinner

Blending thinner that makes the transition between new clear coat and existing paintwork invisible in spot repairs; melts in overspray edges and eases polishing.

  • 1K · Single-component
  • Existing paintwork
Request TDS / SDS
BLEND THINNERTHINNER1KZN-5201 L

Packaging

1 L · 5 L

Overview

What is Blending (Fade-out) Thinner?

ZN-520 Blending (Fade-out) Thinner is a special blending thinner developed to make the transition zone between newly applied clear coat and the vehicle's existing paintwork indistinguishable to the eye in spot repairs. It dissolves the band of dry spray (overspray dust) that forms at the edge of the repair area and fuses it with the existing surface. This allows minor damage to be repaired quickly and efficiently without having to paint the whole panel.

Its strong solvency melts the rough overspray in the transition zone while allowing the edges of the new clear coat to flow smoothly into the existing surface. This minimises the risk of a sharp edge line or a dull mark, giving the surface a seamless visual transition. A smooth transition zone also shortens and simplifies the subsequent polishing, helping to achieve a clean result without excessive work on the existing paint.

ZN-520 is used in spot repairs carried out with the ZN-310, ZN-320 and ZN-330 2K acrylic clear coats. Immediately after the clear coat has been applied, and while it is still wet, it is sprayed neat onto the transition zone in thin coats at low pressure. For the blending thinner to give the best result, it is important to prepare the transition zone beforehand with very fine abrasive paper or a scuff pad and to clean it with ZN-530 Surface Cleaning Thinner.

Key features

  • Invisible transition between existing paint and new clear coat
  • Melts in the dry-spray (overspray) edge
  • Seamless visual transition and uniform gloss
  • Shortens polishing time and reduces labour
  • Compatible with all Zenova 2K acrylic clear coats
Technical specifications

Technical data

Values are typical at 20 °C and 65% relative humidity. Please review the product's current Technical Data Sheet (TDS) before application.

Blending (Fade-out) Thinner technical data
TypeStrong solvent blend; blending (fade-out) thinner
UsageReady to use; applied neat to the transition zone
Evaporation rateBalanced to dissolve overspray and flow it into the existing surface
Compatible systemsZN-310, ZN-320, ZN-330 2K acrylic clear coats
Application temperature range15–25 °C
Application toolSpot repair (mini) spray gun, 0.8–1.2 mm nozzle
Application pressureLow; approx. 1.0–1.5 bar
Number of coats1–2 thin coats, while the clear coat is still wet
FlammabilityFlammable liquid and vapour; see the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for details
Packaging1 L, 5 L

Pack sizes

  • 1 L
  • 5 L

Technical documents

Our technical team will send the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) you request by email.

Request TDSRequest SDS

Drying times vary with temperature, humidity, film thickness and air circulation. Consult our technical team about special conditions.

Application

Step-by-step application

The recommended application sequence for a professional result.

  1. 01

    Prepare the transition zone

    Evenly matt down the transition zone around the repair area with very fine abrasive paper (P1500–P3000) or a scuff pad. Then clean the surface with ZN-530 Surface Cleaning Thinner.

  2. 02

    Apply the clear coat

    After completing the colour repair with basecoat, apply the clear coat slightly beyond the repair area, keeping the clear coat edge within the prepared transition zone.

  3. 03

    Prepare the gun

    Fill a clean spot repair gun with undiluted ZN-520 and reduce the pressure to approx. 1.0–1.5 bar.

  4. 04

    Melt in the edge

    While the clear coat is still wet, spray ZN-520 onto the blend edge only, in 1–2 thin coats with a light outward flick of the wrist. Avoid over-application; the aim is only to melt in the overspray.

  5. 05

    Dry

    Dry the repair for the time and at the temperature stated in the technical data of the clear coat used.

  6. 06

    Finish by polishing

    Once the part has fully dried and cooled, lightly polish the transition zone with a fine polishing compound and low pressure to complete the seamless appearance.

Storage and safety

  • Flammable liquid and vapour: keep away from heat, sparks and naked flames; apply in a well-ventilated spray booth.
  • Store in the original, tightly closed packaging at 5–25 °C in a cool, dry place.
  • Avoid breathing the vapour and spray mist; wear suitable respiratory protection, gloves and eye protection.
  • Refer to the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed safety information.
System compatibility

Products used together

Zenova products tested in the same system as this product, which give the best results together with it.

  • Zenova ZN-310 2K Acrylic Clear Coat packaging
    2K
    Clear CoatZN-310

    2K Acrylic Clear Coat

    Standard 2K acrylic clear coat (2 : 1) for automotive repair and industrial surfaces; dries fast and offers strong UV protection and high chemical resistance.

    View product
  • 2K
    Clear CoatZN-320

    2K Acrylic MS Clear Coat

    Medium-solids (MS) 2 : 1 acrylic clear coat; fast drying and easy polishing combine workshop efficiency with a sound cost/performance balance.

    View product
  • 2K
    Clear CoatZN-330

    2K Acrylic HS Clear Coat

    High-solids 2 : 1 HS clear coat for top-quality repairs; delivers high film build in 1.5 coats, glass-like depth and superior scratch resistance.

    View product
  • 1K
    ThinnerZN-530

    Surface Cleaning Thinner

    Removes grease, silicone, wax, tar and sanding dust before painting, priming and filling; cuts the risk of silicone craters (fisheyes) for more reliable adhesion.

    View product

Application systems that include this product

Frequently asked

Questions about Blending (Fade-out) Thinner

Which repairs is blending thinner suitable for?

It is used for minor damage where painting the whole panel is not necessary; damage to bumper corners, wing edges or door edges are typical examples. Where possible, plan the transition zone in narrow areas such as pillars, sills or corners; on large flat surfaces such as bonnets and roofs, clear-coating the entire panel gives a more reliable result.

Should hardener be added to blending thinner?

No. ZN-520 is ready to use and is applied neat to the blend edge; no hardener or other thinner is added. If you are considering a different application method, consult the Zenova technical support team.

What should I watch out for when polishing the transition zone?

The transition zone is where the clear coat edge is at its thinnest. Once the clear coat has fully dried and the part has cooled, work with a fine polishing compound at low pressure and low speed. An aggressive compound and high pressure can cut through the thin clear coat edge.

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