Last updated 2025-06-24

Three and four-stage refinishing

Summary of three-stage and four-stage refinishing times.

Three-stage refinishing

By default Mitchell Cloud Estimating (MCE) applies two-stage refinishing. When the user selects the three-stage checkbox on the vehicle card or enters a three-stage paint code, MCE automatically recalculates refinish times to reflect a three-stage process.

Participants can add three-stage refinishing time to an estimate by selecting the three-stage checkbox within the vehicle card in MCE. Refinish times are automatically calculated and display in the Additional Operations section on the repair estimate.

Entering the paint code in the vehicle card in MCE helps identify most two and three-stage refinishes and automatically applies the three-stage refinish to the estimate when applicable.

Note: Common paint codes like Mazda 46G and 46V are three-stage refinishes.

Four-stage refinishing

Some rare paint applications may require a four-stage refinish process. To qualify for billing, the following refinish stages must be performed.
  • Base colour coat.
  • Clear top coat, removed from booth and sanded.
  • Tinted coat.
  • Second and final clear top coat.

Four-stage refinishing is not recognized within MCE. A four-stage refinish must be supported by current, paint manufacturer-approved procedures that are specific to the applicable paint code. Billing for four-stage refinishing must follow the defined formula and requires prior approval from ICBC. For additional information, refer to Document a four-stage refinish

Section topics

Use the menu on the left or click on the links below to explore topics.

Procedure
Document a four-stage refinish
A collsion repair program participant must document and submit a four-stage refinish for approval.
Parent topic: Refinishing