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 their 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.
Some shops use solvent-based paint, which can create a hazardous work environment for painters because they release a large amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), even weeks after the paint is completed. Water-based paint is safer for everyone involved and is better for the environment.
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 paintwork
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.
For more information about car paint and repair, visit AMM Collision on Facebook.
