Top 5 Car Painting Mistakes and How To Avoid Them
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Every collision repair technician knows that a repair is only as good as the final finish to most customers. The typical driver has no idea of the amount of training, time, and effort that goes into a safe and accurate collision repair. But every driver knows a flawless finish when they see one! If you want happy customers, remember this: Learning how to fix auto paint mistakes is a lot harder than learning how to prevent these five car painting mistakes.
1. Improper Surface Preparation
Improper surface preparation can cause car paint problems throughout the process, from priming to clear coating. Insufficient paint adhesion, low gloss, peeling and premature paint failure are only some of the results of this car painting mistake. Repairing a bad paint job can require the same amount of time, materials, and cost as the original work. Comebacks that could have been avoided are bad for business and the bottom line.
To avoid this common car painting mistake, repair technicians must always adhere to OEM specifications for specific surface preparation. The materials and tools will vary, but the final result must be a clean, dry, uncontaminated surface. A good wash with any wax-free car soap is a must, not only for the damaged area but also for areas that will be masked. A thorough cleaning and sanding prior to applying filler and primer will help prevent common auto paint defects.
2. Paint Mismatching
The clear coat can be immaculate, and the car can shine like never before, but even a minor paint mismatch can ruin the transformation. This obvious car painting mistake disappoints customers, negatively affects vehicle value and doesn’t exactly make your body shop look good. Skip the bad rep and the cost of repainting — make sure your technicians implement these best practices:
- Always verify OEM color formulas using the paint code on the vehicle ID plate or owner’s manual.
- Use a spectrophotometer to analyze the existing paint color and help technicians get the best matching paint formula.
- Ensure repair technicians have the proper training and skills to create a smooth color transition.
- Consider removing panels when practical for better blending.
Paint mismatching creates auto paint defects that can be hard to miss, so following OEM repair procedures is critical. Getting it right the first time will impress customers, increase efficiency and save extra work and expense.
3. Clear Coat Application Errors
Most people are familiar with clear coat peeling and how it significantly detracts from a vehicle’s appearance. Why some factory-applied clear coats fail sooner than others is a bit of a mystery. However, preventing clear coat issues after collision repairs is pretty straightforward:
- Use only the highest quality products with sufficient UV protection.
- Rely on OEM recommendations to ensure correct flash times.
- Follow the clear coat product manufacturer’s mixing directions precisely.
- Ensure the paint booth is at the recommended temperature and humidity level.
- Maintain adequate ventilation throughout the clear coating process to avoid dust and debris.
Put these pro tips to work in your body shop to avoid peeling, discoloration, and other auto paint defects caused by clear coat mistakes. Your shop will be more productive and profitable and your customers will be thrilled.
4. Paint Runs and Drips
Paint runs may not be as easy to spot as other car painting mistakes, but once you see them, they can’t be unseen! A faulty spray gun, too much thinner, inadequate surface preparation and not adhering to flash times are only a few of the culprits. These field-proven tips will help your shop avoid car paint problems like drips and runs:
- Set the air pressure to the recommended PSI for the paint type and monitor it during the painting process.
- Ensure sufficient flash time between coats.
- Select only solvents and hardeners that meet manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Check the paint booth’s temperature and humidity level to ensure a controlled environment.
- Monitor the thickness of the paint and recalibrate when necessary.
Runs are one of those car painting problems that can catch even the most seasoned technician by surprise. While some painting techniques can only be learned through experience, relying on OEM recommendations helps increase efficiency and creates better repairs.
5. Hurrying Curing and Drying Times
Surface imperfections like discoloration and wrinkling are car painting mistakes that can often be traced to improper drying or curing times. When technicians try to hurry the process, the results can range from poor paint adhesion to bubbling. To make the waiting game less of a hassle and avoid auto paint defects, use these tips for proper curing and drying:
- Always follow the product manufacturer’s recommended curing and drying times.
- Ensure the optimal environment with adequate ventilation and recommended temperatures.
- Apply thin coats to speed up flash times and drying and curing times.
- Understand the correct curing and drying times for commonly used coatings.
- Consider investing in technology like car paint dryers to speed up the process.
While adopting the technology requires a significant investment, switching to UV-cured coatings is a smart move. In addition to minimizing car painting problems, using UV technology can improve the final finish and minimize your shop’s eco-footprint.
SUN Collision Repair Information Helps Prevent Car Painting Mistakes.
If your body shop struggles with car paint problems and solutions, you’re in the right place. From surface prep to the final clear coat, SUN® Collision is the most comprehensive resource for OEM collision repair. Check out a free customized demo or invest in SUN Collision today to discover how advanced repair technology can transform your body shop business.