To perfectly restore dents, dings, and scratches on the body of your car, collision repair technicians will most likely need to apply a new coat of paint. It is vital to match your paint color perfectly. Without a matching shade, the work may look unprofessional and maybe even look worse than the actual scratch or ding ever would.
Vehicles with custom paint jobs can make it difficult for collision repair technicians to find matching colors to complete the job. Older, classic cars run into this problem frequently because the manufacturer has likely discontinued the paint. But with new technology, it’s possible to match almost any paint color.
To find a matching paint color for a damaged vehicle, collision repair technicians use a computerized paint-matching system to identify the exact shade of the vehicle’s current color. The system measures the amount of light and the exact hues on the car’s current paint finish. This data is then paired with the vehicle’s VIN to electronically find the paint formula on the vehicle’s existing finish. Through computerized paint matching systems, that paint color is then replicated and applied over the damaged area, leaving you with a car that looks brand new.
Before repainting
Whether you’re repairing a chip or repainting the whole car, prepping the paintwork is just as important as applying the paint, and plays a huge part in the quality of the end result. All dings and dents should be repaired before the painting process. The surface should be sanded, cleaned, and prepped before any painting can begin.
Paint drying
A professional paint shop usually covers the newly-finished car to protect and prevent it from gathering dust, possible overspray, and other contaminants. This is usually an automotive wrap that allows air between the film and your vehicle’s surface to protect it from the external environment.
While it’s tempting to get your car washed after picking it up from the shop, fresh paint requires proper curing and you shouldn’t soap a car down until after 30 days have passed.
If you must clean it, simply wash it down gently at home with cold water and a microfiber mitt in the shade. Be as gentle as possible to avoid scratches. Wipe dry immediately with a microfiber towel. This will help your car look great while avoiding scratches or disturbances on your freshly painted car.
It is not recommended to expose your new paintwork to harsh conditions before it’s fully cured. Let your car stay in the garage for at least two months. Only drive it when absolutely necessary and when the weather is fair.
You may think it’s harmless to wax your car and that it will protect your newly painted finish. Experts don’t recommend this, as the curing process involves the paint off-gassing itself. Applying wax will hinder it from doing so. Instead, wait for it to fully cure. 60 days after painting is the ideal time to wax your car and make sure to only use real carnauba wax. Now that you know a little more about the process, you can feel confident taking your car to an auto body shop for paint repair. When it’s time to repaint your car, you’ll need the help of a professional Auto Body Shop like Breezy Point Auto Body in Stratford, CT. Give us a call if you need more information, or to schedule an appointment.
Just so you have it handy, you can reach us by calling 203-378-4909 or use our convenient Contact Form. If you’d like to stop by our shop, set your GPS to 75 Access Road, Stratford, CT 06615.