Customer in Focus: Ben Takes a Mazda 13B to Bare Metal and Back in Bubble Orange

A great restoration is not one heroic step — it is a hundred small ones done in the right order, with products that work together at every stage. That is exactly what Ben at Colourtouch delivered on this Mazda: a full strip to bare metal and a complete rebuild of the finish, using the Germatech range end to end.

We are grateful to Ben for letting us share the job. Here is how it came together.

Bare-metalled and in build — no shortcuts on this one.

About Colourtouch

Colourtouch is a South Australian-based panel and paint workshop run by Ben & Damien specializing in all types of work from minor touch ups to classic car restorations and custom paintwork.

The dynamic duo have operating for over 30 years in the industry and seen it all. The workshop has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality finishes and paying close attention to every detail. Our Germatech system have been in place for over 2 years and the boys have been big advocates for the range.

Ben’s approach focuses on thorough preparation and using compatible products at every stage to ensure lasting results.

Pop in an see Ben or Damien and time at Unit 1 588 Main Road North Gepps Cross

The brief: nothing hidden, nothing rushed

This was a no-shortcuts restoration. Rather than patch over problems, Ben took the car right back to bare metal so every coat from there up was laid on a sound, known surface. That decision sets the standard for everything that follows — and it is where using one matched coating system really pays off.

Stage by stage

Rust removal. The first job was dealing with the rust properly — removing it rather than burying it, so it could not come back through the new finish later.

Abrasive preparation. With the rust addressed, Ben worked the panels back using the Germatech abrasives range — discs, sheets and blocks matched to each stage, from heavier cutting through to refining the surface ready for coating.

New hand-made door skins. Where the original metal was beyond saving, Ben fabricated new door skins by hand and brought them back to bare metal to match the rest of the shell — fresh, clean steel ready to prime.

Prepped right back, with the new hand-made door skin in fresh primer.

Masking. Before coating, the car was masked up with Germatech masking products to keep clean lines and protect everything that was not being sprayed.

Epoxy primer. Onto bare metal went Germatech epoxy primer — the corrosion-resisting foundation coat that grips the steel and protects it for the long haul. On a bare-metalled restoration, this is the layer that determines how well the whole job lasts.

4:1 Hi-Fill primer. Over the epoxy, Ben built and blocked with Germatech 4:1 Hi-Fill primer — filling, levelling and creating the dead-straight surface that makes a solid colour look flawless.

2K solid colour — MG Bubble Orange. The finish: Germatech 2K solid colour in MG Bubble Orange (colour code NFZ). A bold, high-impact orange that only looks this clean because of the preparation underneath it.

Bubble Orange going on — the shell coated up on the rotisserie.

The result

A complete, ground-up finish — bare metal to bright Bubble Orange — built entirely on Germatech product. Because every layer was designed to work with the next, Ben spent his time on craftsmanship rather than chasing compatibility between brands.

Finished — MG Bubble Orange, proudly flying the Germa-Tech banner in the rear window.

On show — the completed car turning heads in MG Bubble Orange.

Ben's take

"Taking it back to bare metal is the only way to do a job like this properly. Running Germatech the whole way through — abrasives, epoxy, Hi-Fill and the 2K colour — meant every stage just worked with the last one. The Bubble Orange came up exactly how I wanted it."

 — Ben, Colourtouch

The products behind the finish

The full Germatech system used on this restoration:

•       Abrasives — for rust-back, shaping and surface prep.

•       Masking — for clean lines and overspray protection.

•       Epoxy primer — corrosion-resisting foundation over bare metal.

•       4:1 Hi-Fill primer — build, fill and blocking for a straight surface.

•       2K solid colour — MG Bubble Orange (NFZ).

Want the same system for your next job?

Whether it is a full restoration or a single panel, the Germatech range covers the whole job from one supplier — which keeps your prep, primer and colour working together.

South Australian customers can get set up and get advice from

Chris Smith, State Manager for Germatech South Australia 

(chris@germatech.com.au · 0410 902 665),

With stock available at

Germatech @ Haymes Paints Parafield and

All Type Paint and Products, Smithfield.

Browse the full range at germatech.com.au and amproaustralia.com.