Vehicle comprising multi-color paint scheme

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle including a multi-color paint scheme. A method for painting a body of a vehicle with a multi-color paint scheme. The method includes applying a first paint of a first color to the vehicle body; baking and curing the first paint; applying a second paint of a second color to the vehicle body, the second paint configured to be cured by ultraviolet light, the second color being different from the first color; and curing the second paint by exposing the second paint to ultraviolet light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of this specification that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are not explicitly or implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicles including multi-tone paint schemes and methods for applying the multi-tone paint schemes. Background Art

[0003] Vehicle bodies often have a monochromatic paint scheme, meaning that the body is painted with only one color. Some vehicle bodies have a two-tone paint scheme, meaning that different areas of the body are painted different colors. For example, a vehicle painted with a two-tone paint scheme may have a roof and areas of the body below the roof that are painted different colors. Two-tone paint schemes generally require more time and energy to apply than monochromatic paint schemes. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure includes, among other features, a method for painting a vehicle body using a multi-color paint scheme. The method includes: applying a first paint of a first color to the vehicle body; oven curing the first paint; applying a second paint of a second color to the vehicle body, the second paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light, the second color being different from the first color; and curing the second paint by exposing the second paint to ultraviolet light.

[0005] In further features, the first paint is applied to a greater portion of the vehicle body than the second paint.

[0006] In further features, the disclosure includes applying the second paint to a roof of the vehicle body.

[0007] In further features, the present disclosure includes applying the first paint in multiple coats including a UV protective primer, a base coat including the first color, and a protective clear coat over the base coat.

[0008] In further features, the second lacquer is applied over the protective varnish.

[0009] In further features, the present disclosure includes applying an adhesive layer on a metal substrate of the vehicle body, and applying a corrosion protection layer between the adhesive layer and the UV protective primer.

[0010] In further features, the present disclosure includes applying the second lacquer using a no-overspray print head.

[0011] In further features, the no-overspray print head is configured to apply the second lacquer without atomizing the second lacquer.

[0012] In further features, the present disclosure includes applying a third paint of a third color to the vehicle body using a no-overspray print head, the third paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light; and exposing the third paint to the ultraviolet light to cure the third paint.

[0013] In further features, the present disclosure includes simultaneously applying the second paint and the third paint to the vehicle body using an overspray-free applicator including a plurality of print heads.

[0014] In further features, the present disclosure includes applying the second paint to the vehicle body and curing the second paint using ultraviolet light without moving the vehicle.

[0015] The present disclosure includes, among other features, a method for painting a vehicle body using a multi-color paint scheme. The method includes: applying a first paint of a first color to the vehicle body; oven curing the first paint; applying a second paint of a second color to a body smaller than the first paint using a non-atomizing paint applicator, the second paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light, and the second color being different from the first color; applying a third paint of a third color to one of the second paint and the first paint using the non-atomizing paint applicator, the third paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light; and curing the second paint and the third paint by exposing the second paint and the third paint to ultraviolet light.

[0016] In further features, the present disclosure includes curing the second paint and the third paint simultaneously using ultraviolet light.

[0017] In further features, the present disclosure includes curing the second paint prior to applying the third paint.

[0018] In further features, the present disclosure includes applying the second paint and the third paint to apply at least one of the following to the vehicle: stripes; waves; non-linear lines; logos; geometric shapes; and pictures.

[0019] The present disclosure includes, among other features, a vehicle including a multi-color paint scheme, the vehicle comprising: a first paint of a first color applied to a body of the vehicle; and a second paint of a second color applied to the first paint using a non-atomizing paint applicator, the second paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light, and the second color being different from the first color.

[0020] In further features, the vehicle body includes a roof, and the second paint is applied to the roof.

[0021] In further features, the present disclosure provides a third paint of a third color, the third paint applied to one of the first paint and the second paint using the non-atomizing paint applicator, the third paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light.

[0022] In further features, the first paint covers the entire exterior of the vehicle body and the second paint covers less than the entire exterior of the vehicle body.

[0023] In further features, the first paint comprises the following layers: an adhesive layer on the metal substrate of the vehicle body; a corrosion protection layer on the adhesive layer; a UV protection primer on the corrosion protection layer; a base coat of the first color on the UV protection primer; and a protective varnish on the base coat; and the second paint comprises a single layer on the protective varnish.

[0024] The present invention also includes the following technical solutions:

[0025] Scheme 1. A method for painting a vehicle body using a multicolor paint scheme, the method comprising:

[0026] applying a first paint of a first color to the vehicle body;

[0027] Curing the first paint in an oven;

[0028] applying a second paint of a second color to the vehicle body, the second paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light, the second color being different from the first color; and

[0029] The second lacquer is cured by exposing the second lacquer to ultraviolet light.

[0030] Option 2. The method according to Option 1, wherein the first paint is applied to a larger portion of the vehicle body than the second paint.

[0031] Option 3. The method according to Option 1 further includes applying the second paint to the roof of the vehicle body.

[0032] Option 4. The method according to Option 1 also includes applying the first paint in multiple coatings, wherein the multiple coatings include a UV protection primer, a base coat including the first color, and a protective varnish located above the base coat.

[0033] Option 5. The method according to Option 4, wherein the second paint is applied onto the protective varnish.

[0034] Option 6. The method according to Option 4 also includes applying an adhesive layer on the metal substrate of the vehicle body, and applying a corrosion protection layer between the adhesive layer and the UV protection primer.

[0035] Option 7. The method according to Option 1 also includes applying the second paint using an overspray-free print head.

[0036] Option 8. The method of Option 7, wherein the overspray-free print head is configured to apply the second paint without atomizing the second paint.

[0037] Option 9. The method according to Option 1 further includes applying a third paint of a third color to the vehicle body using an overspray-free print head, the third paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light; and

[0038] The third paint is exposed to ultraviolet light to cure the third paint.

[0039] Option 10. The method according to Option 9 further includes using an overspray-free applicator including multiple print heads to simultaneously apply the second paint and the third paint to the vehicle body.

[0040] Option 11. The method according to Option 1 further includes applying the second paint to the vehicle body and curing the second paint using ultraviolet rays without moving the vehicle.

[0041] Scheme 12. A method for painting a vehicle body using a multi-color paint scheme, the method comprising:

[0042] applying a first paint of a first color to the vehicle body;

[0043] Curing the first paint in an oven;

[0044] applying a second paint of a second color to a smaller portion than the first paint using a non-atomizing paint applicator, the second paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light and being a different color than the first color;

[0045] applying a third paint of a third color to one of the second paint and the first paint using the non-atomizing paint applicator, the third paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light; and

[0046] The second and third paints are cured by exposing the second and third paints to ultraviolet light.

[0047] Option 13. The method according to Option 12 also includes using ultraviolet light to simultaneously cure the second paint and the third paint.

[0048] Option 14. The method according to Option 12 further includes curing the second paint before applying the third paint.

[0049] Option 15. The method according to Option 12 also includes applying the second paint and the third paint to apply at least one of the following to the vehicle: stripes; waves; non-linear lines; logos; geometric shapes; and pictures.

[0050] Embodiment 16. A vehicle including a multi-color paint scheme, the vehicle comprising:

[0051] a first paint of a first color applied to the body of the vehicle; and

[0052] A second paint of a second color is applied to the first paint using a non-atomizing paint applicator, the second paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light and being a second color different from the first color.

[0053] Option 17. The vehicle according to Option 16, wherein the vehicle body includes a roof, and the second paint is applied to the roof.

[0054] Option 18. The vehicle according to Option 16 further includes a third paint of a third color, the third paint being applied to one of the first paint and the second paint using the non-atomizing paint applicator, the third paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light.

[0055] Embodiment 19. The vehicle of embodiment 16, wherein the first paint covers the entire exterior of the vehicle body, and the second paint covers less than the entire exterior of the vehicle body.

[0056] Embodiment 20. The vehicle according to embodiment 16, wherein:

[0057] The first paint comprises the following layers: an adhesive layer on the metal substrate of the vehicle body; a corrosion protection layer on the adhesive layer; an ultraviolet protection primer on the corrosion protection layer; a basecoat of the first color on the ultraviolet protection primer; and a protective clearcoat on the basecoat; and

[0058] The second lacquer comprises a single layer on the protective varnish.

[0059] Other areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The present disclosure will be more fully understood through the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a body of a vehicle painted in a two-tone paint scheme in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 2illustrates the layers of a two-tone paint scheme according to the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 3 A method according to the present disclosure is illustrated for painting a surface using a multi-color paint scheme according to the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 4 An exemplary applicator for painting a surface with multiple colors of UV-curable paint simultaneously using a no-overspray paint head is illustrated;

[0065] Figure 5 illustrates a vehicle body painted in a multi-color paint scheme in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 6 illustrates a vehicle body painted in another multi-color paint scheme in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 7 illustrates a vehicle body painted in yet another multi-color paint scheme in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0068] Figure 8 A vehicle body is illustrated painted in another multi-color paint scheme in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0069] In the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figure 1 An exemplary vehicle 10 painted in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. Although the vehicle 10 is illustrated as a passenger vehicle, the present disclosure is also applicable to any other suitable vehicle, such as any suitable commercial vehicle, public transportation vehicle, military vehicle, utility vehicle, construction vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, etc. The present disclosure is also applicable to non-vehicle applications, such as any suitable equipment, structure, building, etc.

[0071] Figure 1 The exemplary vehicle 10 of FIG. 1 includes a vehicle body 12 having a roof 14. The vehicle body 12 is painted with a multi-layer paint 20 having a first color. The roof 14 is painted with an ultraviolet (UV) curable paint layer 34 having a second color that is different from the first color of the multi-layer paint 20. The entire exterior of the vehicle body 12 is first painted with the multi-layer paint 20. After the multi-layer paint 20 is cured by oven curing, the UV curable paint layer 34 is applied to the multi-layer paint 20 at any desired location around the vehicle body 12, such as on the roof 14. Figure 1 As shown in Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 3 , the UV curable paint layer 34 is applied to the entire roof. However, the UV curable paint layer 34 can be applied to any other suitable position around the vehicle body 12 .

[0072] The UV curable paint layer 34 can be any suitable UV curable varnish (clearcoat), wherein pigment is added to the varnish to provide any suitable color to the varnish as a second color. Iron oxide black or carbon black can be added as a black pigment. Titanium or zinc oxide can be added as a white pigment. Any other suitable color pigment can be added to the UV curable varnish to provide a UV curable varnish with other colors. The amount of pigment added to the UV curable varnish can range from 1% by weight to 40% by weight, depending on the desired color.

[0073] The UV curable paint layer 34 is applied using any suitable non-overspray applicator. Exemplary non-overspray applicators include, but are not limited to, the EcoPaintJet non-overspray applicator provided by Dürr Systems AG of Germany (and Dürr Systems, Inc. of Southfield, Michigan). Any other suitable non-overspray paint applicator may be used, such as any applicator suitable for applying the UV curable paint layer 34 without atomizing the UV curable paint layer 34.

[0074] Figure 2 Exemplary layers of a multilayer paint 20 applied to a metal substrate 22 of a vehicle body 12 are illustrated. The multilayer paint 20 includes an adhesive layer 24 applied to the metal substrate 22 in the form of a film or phosphate. A corrosion protection layer 26 is applied to the adhesive layer 24 by electrodeposition. Over the corrosion protection layer 26 is an ultraviolet (UV) protective primer 28. A basecoat 30 having a first color is applied to the UV protective primer 28. A protective clearcoat 32 is applied over the basecoat 30. The layers of the multilayer paint 20 are cured in any suitable oven.

[0075] After the multi-layer paint 20 is cured, a UV-curable paint layer 34 having a second color is applied to the multi-layer paint 20 at any desired location on the vehicle body 12 using a no-overspray print head to apply the UV-curable paint layer 34 without overspray. As a result, any need to mask the vehicle body 12 is eliminated. Because the UV protective primer 28 in the multi-layer paint 20 provides UV protection, the UV-curable paint layer 34 no longer needs to provide a UV blocker in its composition. Therefore, the formulation of the UV-curable paint 34 is no longer limited by the conflicting requirements of simultaneous UV curing and UV blocking, which improves the formulation flexibility of the UV-curable paint layer 34. Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only UV curable paint layer 34 is illustrated, but multiple UV curable paint layers may be included, wherein UV curable paint layer 34 is the first UV curable paint layer. Additional UV curable paint layers may be applied directly to the multilayer paint 20, to the UV curable paint layer 34, or to other UV curable paint layers, as further explained herein.

[0076] Figure 3 An exemplary method according to the present disclosure is illustrated for painting a vehicle body 12 or any other suitable surface of a vehicle 10 using a multi-color paint scheme. At frame 110, an adhesive layer 24 is applied to a metal substrate 22 or any other suitable surface of the vehicle body 12. At frame 112, a corrosion protection layer 26 is applied to the adhesive layer 24, such as by electrodeposition. At frame 114, a UV protective primer 28 is applied to the corrosion protection layer 26. At frame 116, a base coat 30 having a first color is applied to the UV protective primer 28. At frame 118, a protective clear coat 32 is applied to the base coat 30, which completes the application of the multi-layer paint 20.

[0077] At box 120, the multi-layer paint 20 is cured in any suitable oven. The vehicle 10 can be moved from a first location where the multi-layer paint 20 is applied to a second location that includes an oven for curing the multi-layer paint 20. The vehicle body 12 is moved from the oven to any suitable location where, at box 122, the UV curable paint layer 34 is applied to the multi-layer paint 20 at any suitable location on the vehicle body 12. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , a UV curable paint layer 34 is applied to the vehicle roof 14 . The UV curable paint layer 34 is applied using any suitable non-overspray applicator, such as an applicator configured to apply UV curable paint without atomizing the UV curable paint. The non-overspray applicator can be mounted to any suitable robotic arm to facilitate the deposition of paint on the vehicle body 12 .

[0078] At frame 124, the UV curable paint layer 34 is cured by exposing the UV curable paint layer 34 to ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV curable paint layer 34 can be exposed to UV light at the same location where the UV curable paint layer 34 is applied, which eliminates the need to transport the vehicle body 12 to another curing location, thereby saving time, space, and energy. The UV light source can be mounted to a robotic arm for moving the UV light source to help direct the UV light to the UV curable paint layer 34.

[0079] Any suitable number of UV curable paint layers may be applied to the vehicle body 12. For example, at box 126, a second UV curable paint layer 36 having a third color may be applied to the multi-layer paint 20 or to the first UV curable paint layer 34 using a non-overspray applicator. At box 128, the second UV curable paint layer 36 is cured using UV light. Any suitable number of additional UV curable paint layers may be applied to the vehicle body 12 using a non-overspray applicator so as not to atomize the UV curable paint layers. For example, Figure 4A third UV curable paint layer 38 is illustrated. Because the UV protective primer 28 and the base coat 30 provide UV protection for the corrosion protection layer 26, the UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38 (and any additional UV curable paint layers) do not need to include UV blocking properties. The UV radiation used to cure the UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38 (and any additional UV curable paint layers) can be provided by any suitable source, such as a robot-mounted UV LED lamp.

[0080] although Figure 3 The UV curing at blocks 124 and 128 is illustrated as being cured with UV light after each of the first UV curable paint layer 34 and the second UV curable paint layer 36 are applied, but the UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38, etc. may be applied and then cured with UV light simultaneously. In other words, the UV curing at block 124 is optional, because the second UV curable paint layer 36 may be applied before the first UV curable paint layer 34 is cured.

[0081] refer to Figure 4 , multiple UV curable paint layers can be applied simultaneously by an overspray-free applicator 210 comprising multiple print heads. Figure 4 In the example of , UV curable paint layers 34, 36 and 38 can be applied simultaneously by first overspray-free print head 212, second overspray-free print head 214 and third overspray-free print head 216, respectively. The overspray-free applicator 210 and its print heads 212, 214 and 216 are configured to apply UV curable paint layers 34, 36 and 38 without atomizing the UV curable paint layers 34, 36 and 38. The overspray-free applicator 210 can be configured so that the print heads 212, 214, 216 can be moved to provide various deposition patterns. For example, the distance between the print heads 212, 214, 216 can be varied. In addition, for example, the print heads 212, 214, 216 can also be arranged as follows Figure 4 The paint may be deposited in parallel lines as shown in , or in an alternating color pattern in a single pass of variable color length, or in any other suitable arrangement.

[0082] Continue to refer Figure 1-4 , and additionally refer to Figure 5-7 , various exemplary multicolor paint schemes according to the present disclosure will now be further described. Figure 5 The vehicle body 12 is illustrated as being covered with a multi-layer paint 20. In this example, the multi-layer paint 20 is applied to the entire exterior of the vehicle body 12, including the entire roof 14. Figure 3At frame 120 of FIG. 1 , the multi-layer paint 20 is cured in an oven. Next, a first UV curable paint layer 34 is applied to the multi-layer paint 20 at the vehicle roof 14 using a non-overspray applicator so as not to atomize the first UV curable paint layer 34. The first UV curable paint layer 34 may be applied to the entire vehicle roof 14. After the first UV curable paint layer 34 is cured by UV light at frame 120, a second UV curable paint layer 36 is applied to the first UV curable paint layer 34 using a non-overspray applicator to form a vehicle roof 14 as shown in FIG. Figure 5 Alternatively, the second UV curable paint layer 36 may be applied to the first UV curable paint layer 34 before curing the first UV curable paint layer 34, and then, the first UV curable paint layer 34 and the second UV curable paint layer 36 may be cured together by exposing the UV curable paint layers 34, 36 to ultraviolet light at the same time.

[0083] Another option for printing stripes on the roof 14 or at any other suitable location is to apply the first UV curable paint layer 34 to the left and right sides of the roof 14 so as to leave a gap between the left and right sides of the first UV curable paint layer 34. The second UV curable paint layer 36 can then be applied directly to the multi-layer paint 20 in the gap using a no-overspray applicator. Before the second UV curable paint layer 36 is applied at the gap, the edges of the first UV curable paint layer 34 that define the gap can optionally be cured by ultraviolet light without curing the rest of the first UV curable paint layer 34, which saves energy. Alternatively, both the first UV curable paint layer 34 and the second UV curable paint layer 36 can be cured at the same time. Printing the first UV curable paint layer 34 to define the gap advantageously reduces the application of the multi-layer paint. Figure 5 The amount of first UV-curable paint layer 34 required for a multi-color paint scheme.

[0084] refer to Figure 6 , the first UV curable paint layer 34 can be applied to the roof 14 using a non-overspray applicator so that the first UV curable paint layer 34 extends completely to the left and right sides of the roof 14. The second UV curable paint layer 36 can be applied in a wavy manner at the center of the roof 14 using a non-overspray applicator so that the sides of the second UV curable paint layer 36 are not straight but curved to provide a wavy or sinusoidal appearance. The second UV curable paint layer 36 can be applied to the multi-layer paint 20, or in the gap defined by the first UV curable paint layer 34 printed using a non-overspray applicator.

[0085] refer to Figure 7 , a second UV curable paint layer 36 may be applied to the roof 14 on top of the first UV curable paint layer 34 or in a gap defined by the first UV curable paint layer 34. Figure 7In the example of FIG. 3 , the second UV curable lacquer layer 36 is applied by a non-overspray applicator in the shape of any suitable logo or symbol, such as an original equipment manufacturer's logo. Figure 8 , a second UV curable paint layer 36 may be applied to the first UV curable paint layer 34, or in a gap defined by the first UV curable paint layer 34, to print numbers or any other suitable pictures, geometric shapes, non-linear lines, etc. The multi-color paint scheme of the vehicle 10 may also include a third UV curable paint layer 38 (and any suitable number of additional UV curable paint layers) printed using an overspray-free applicator to form any suitable shapes, logos, pictures, etc.

[0086] The present disclosure provides many advantages. For example, the use of UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38 (or additional UV curable paint layers of various colors) eliminates the need to transport the vehicle 10 to a separate oven curing chamber to cure the UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38. Instead, the UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38 can be cured at the same location where they are applied, thereby reducing painting time, saving energy, reducing costs, etc. The use of a non-overspray applicator to apply the UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38 (and any suitable number of additional UV curable paint layers) advantageously eliminates the need to mask the multi-layer paint 20 before applying the UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38 and then remove the masking of the multi-layer paint 20, thereby also saving time and energy. In addition, the use of a non-overspray applicator to apply the UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38 allows for targeted curing using UV light, which consumes less energy than oven curing. The use of an atomizing applicator to apply the paint typically results in the paint being applied in areas that would be difficult for UV light to reach. The edges of a two-color area painted in accordance with the present disclosure can be distinguished from a two-color area applied by conventional spraying and masking methods. The spraying and masking boundary will show a sharp break line resulting from the masking operation. UV curable layers, such as UV curable paint layers 34, 36, 38, can also be tested for photoinitiator components by chemical analysis of the UV curable paint layer.

[0087] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the actual scope of the present disclosure should not be limited thereto, because other modifications will become apparent based on the study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within the method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in any other embodiment and / or combined with the features in any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the permutation of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "directly," when describing the relationship between a first and a second element in the above disclosure, the relationship may be a direct relationship in which no other intervening elements exist between the first and second elements, but may also be an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements exist (spatially or functionally) between the first and second elements. As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted to mean a logic (A OR BOR C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

Claims

1. A method for painting a body of a vehicle using a multicolor paint scheme, the method comprising: applying a first paint of a first color to the vehicle body; Curing the first paint in an oven; applying a second paint of a second color to the vehicle body, the second paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light, the second color being different from the first color; as well as The second lacquer is cured by exposing the second lacquer to ultraviolet light.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first paint is applied to a greater portion of the vehicle body than the second paint.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying the second paint to a roof of the vehicle body.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying the first paint in multiple coats comprising a UV protective primer, a base coat comprising the first color, and a protective clear coat over the base coat.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The second lacquer is applied onto the protective varnish.

6. The method of claim 4, further comprising applying an adhesive layer on the metal substrate of the vehicle body, and applying a corrosion protection layer between the adhesive layer and the UV protection primer.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying the second lacquer using a no-overspray print head.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The no-overspray print head is configured to apply the second lacquer without atomizing the second lacquer.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising applying a third paint of a third color to the vehicle body using a no-overspray print head, the third paint being configured to be cured by ultraviolet light; and The third paint is exposed to ultraviolet light to cure the third paint.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying the second paint and the third paint to the vehicle body simultaneously using a no-overspray applicator including a plurality of print heads.

Images