A good paint job goes beyond looks, and protects your vehicle from all of the damages that come at it from all sides: inclement weather, dirt, tar and gravel thrown up from the road, and those shopping cart and door dings that are inevitable throughout the life of your vehicle. However, there are a wide range of paint jobs that you can get, so it’s important to know the steps that go into a truly solid protective coating.
There are many factors that go into a quality paint job for your car. Maybe the most important is the person who is applying the paint – and this is also the most variable! You want a vehicle painter who has a good eye, patience, a steady hand and the artistic bent that means they will know intuitively just how much of the paint and clear coat to include to make your vehicle end up with that beautiful, crystalline finish that you want. Here are a few tips on achieving the best look for your vehicle's paint:
Taping: Preparation is incredibly important. Your vehicle has to be taped carefully and precisely, ensuring that all ridges are cleared out because those are the parts that will chip and peel. Tape lines should be smooth and continuous.
Body repair: Part of the preparation process is making sure that all necessary body repair is completed before you attempt to paint. Getting rid of small dents and blemishes is critical to ensuring you get the flawless, smooth, and shiny finish that you’re expecting.
Environment: The correct environmental conditions have to be present as well – if the weather is too hot or cold, the paint will not dry and may run in odd patterns. You can have a climate-controlled paint shop in areas of the country where the weather is rarely conducive to good painting, but this is something you need to confirm before you turn over your car.
Surface sealer: Adding a surface sealer is yet another step in the process, and one that may be skipped by lower-cost painting shops. Sealers help establish a barrier, or sticking point, for the new paint and cover up the old paint.
Choosing the best paint shop for your job has a variety of factors, not the least of which will be cost. Balance your knowledge of the quality with the cost and see where you’re able to find your definition of quality.
