Tag: car paint

Quality has always been a top consideration for collision repair shops when purchasing paint. But recently, many have had a growing concern for the effects of our products on the environment.

Choosing a body shop that will provide quality and be friendly to the environment takes research. When it comes to paints, ask body shops if they use water-based, or waterborne, paints.

Using waterborne paint

Waterborne paints have benefits beyond being safer to the environment than lacquer-based paints. Waterborne paint has heavier viscosity which means it provides about three coats of coverage in nearly half a millimeter of thickness. This means less clear coat is needed to even out the surface, and less materials is better when it comes to using resources.

Only technicians trained to use waterborne paint should apply it to a vehicle, for a quality result. Imperfections are easier to spot with waterborne paint, and it is tricky to work with in humid conditions.

The difference of waterborne paint

Many auto body shops use solvent-based paints, despite harsh toxins. This type of paint has higher levels of organic solvents and when it dries it releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are known for being harsh on our health, as well as adding to smog conditions.

Water-based paints have improved over the years and are quickly replacing the use of solvent-based paint. Waterborne paints feature acrylic emulsions that now offer a faster drying time, similar to solvent paints. It also has less odor and greater durability.

Our team at AMM Collision is trained to provide an exceptional paint job to your vehicle using waterborne paints. Give us a call today for a free estimate.

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The first cars available for purchase did not offer a variety of color choices. All the vehicles were in black because the luxury was owning a car, not the color. Now there are a variety of colors and styles for auto paint, and you can have any or all of them on your car.

Auto painting is no longer about applying a coat and making sure it is even. Giving a vehicle depth and a unique appearance takes skill and training.

Bright colors

According to PPG, the most popular car colors are still monochromatic: white, black, and silver. This year has seen a lot of blues and oranges from manufacturers. But custom paints are a whole other game.

Car owners who want a custom paint job usually want a unique color. For example, a Molten Pearl Lexus or Austin Yellow BMW are not vehicles you see every day. These colors are not offered by the vehicle makers and it takes a professional auto body shop to do the work.

Bright and unique colors are striking on luxury vehicles as well. A Bentley isn’t offered by the maker in bright blue, but it is possible with a custom auto paint job. If you are a fan of maroon, you can have a Rolls Royce painted that color. And colors are not limited to just one color per vehicle any longer. A car can have a variety of shades and designs.

Changing tones

The possibilities are endless with custom auto paint jobs. Want the exterior of your car to change colors? An iridescent paint detail creates different color tones in different lighting, and is an emerging trend among car enthusiasts.

In 2011, Range Rover created a custom Spectral Amber ChromaFlair option that features tones of lemon and lime. An incredible color changing paint detail was created on a BMW X6 with “thermochromic” paint that changes with heat. As hot water is poured on the vehicle, The Incredible Hulk appears. While this is definitely on the rare (and expensive) side, it demonstrates the breadth of possibilities for drivers looking to customize their paint.

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Auto painting can give your vehicle an entirely new, fresh look. Some car owners decide to refresh the same color, change the color, or have a design painted on your vehicle.

Painting takes time and money and it is important to consider the complete process before committing to the work. Painting a car should be done by a skilled professional. Here are a few points to keep in mind when considering a paint job.

Types of paint

There many different types of paint that can be used on a car. Metallic paint looks great on sports cars and better hides scratches, but it is challenging to repair damage later. Acrylic paint provides a nice, glossy finish, but it loses its luster in time. Urethane paint is the most durable and must be applied by an auto paint technician who is trained.

Prepare ahead

If your entire vehicle is being painted, keep in mind that the process takes some time.

There is prep work to remove parts on the car that are not being painted. Then, once that process is complete, the body needs to be sanded to create a fresh surface for the new paint to be applied.

Depending on the amount of work that needs to be done, the process could take a few days to a week or more. You’ll likely need to plan to get a rental or other means of transportation before you take your car in to be painted.

Value of paint work

Painting your vehicle comes with a price because it is labor intensive. If the painting will cost 25 percent or more of the value of your vehicle, you may want to reconsider the expense.

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