Car paint is naturally the most exposed part of the car, making it prone to damage caused by bumps, road debris, and UV rays.
Paint damage in cars varies by nature, size, and severity.
Auto body shops in London usually offer two methods to fix damaged paint: respray and touch-up, depending on the damage. The technicians at the auto body shop will inspect the damaged area and choose the most suitable option. Their aim is to protect the car’s original paint as much as possible to retain its market value.
In this article, we will discuss both methods and provide information on how they work. Let’s get started.
Highlights
This guide covers:
- Touch-up paint
- Paint respray
- The process of touch-up painting and respraying
- Pros and cons of both approaches
What is Touch-Up Paint?
Touch-up paint is suitable for minor scuffs, scratches, paint chips, or damaged paint areas. However, it doesn’t always produce a perfect finish if the car’s original paint is faded or not properly maintained. You may notice a colour difference where the repair was made.
What is Paint Respray?
This method involves repainting the panel with fresh paint to restore its original appearance. It’s suitable for painting larger areas of the panel or the whole car body. Respray is typically done when the original paint is faded due to UV radiation, oxidised, or damaged by an accident.
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How is Touch Up Paint Applied?
Here are the steps involved in touch-up painting:
Step 1: Prepare and Clean the Area
The affected area is washed with water and car shampoo until there is no dirt, grime, rust, or residue on its surface. After the washed area has dried completely, the experts at your auto body shop in London will degrease the surface by removing wax, polish, or other contaminants.
Step 2: Apply Primer (if necessary)
If the damage exposes bare metal, apply a light coat of primer to the area. Make sure the primer doesn’t overlap with the surrounding paint that’s intact as it can affect the paint’s smooth and even finish.
Step 3: Apply Touch-Up Paint
Apply paint in thin coats to the affected area and allow each layer to dry completely. Continue to apply the paint until the chip or scratches are filled to the level of the surrounding surface.
Step 4: Apply Clear Coat
Apply a thin layer of clear coat to protect the fresh paint from ultraviolet rays, weather elements, etc. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next layer for a smooth and durable protective coat.
Step 5: Polish and Wax
When the clear coat has dried, you can wet sand the touched-up area with fine sandpaper and soapy water until it levels with the surface. Next, apply a good-quality polishing compound to restore the finish and wax the affected area for extra protection and shine.
What are the Pros and Cons of Touch-Up Paint?
Pros:
- It’s significantly cheaper than a respray.
- It’s a quick process that doesn’t require your car to be in the garage for several days.
- Touch-up paint is ideal for minor paint chips and scratches that don’t require a full respray, restoring your car’s appearance without hefty costs.
Cons:
- Touch-up paint doesn’t always blend seamlessly with the surrounding paint, particularly if the paint is faded.
- It’s not as durable as a full respray, and the paint may start to chip away again over time.
- Touch-up paint can negatively affect the appeal of premium or luxury vehicles. If you are conscious about the aesthetics of your car, touch-up paint may not be the best option.
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What Steps are Involved in Respraying?
Panel or car respraying is a meticulous process involving the following steps:
Step 1: Surface Preparation
The process starts with a thorough cleaning of the surface so there is no dirt, grease, or rust on it. Small imperfections like dents or dings are filled with a body filler, and old paint is smoothed down through sanding.
Step 2: Masking
Parts of the car that don’t require a respray are masked with a special tape and paper or film. This prevents overspray on unintended surfaces like windows, lights, door handles, etc.
Step 3: Apply Primer
Primer offers protection against corrosion on bare metal and provides a smooth base for the topcoat. Once the primer dries, lightly sand it to remove any unevenness from the surface.
Step 4: Painting
Paint the area with a colour-matching paint using a spray gun. Apply the paint in thin layers and allow each coat to dry completely before the next one.
Step 5: Clear Coat and Finishing
The last step involves applying a clear coat for protection against UV rays and environmental damage. After the clear coat has dried, sand the repaired area with fine sandpaper to level the surface one last time. Then, apply a polishing compound for a shiny finish.
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What are the Pros and Cons of Respraying?
Pros:
- Full paint respray is ideal for severe paint damage and can restore your car’s factory-like finish.
- When the paint is oxidised or faded, touch-up paint won’t fully restore it. You will need a full respray to make your car look fresh and vibrant again.
- It’s a thorough process offering long-lasting results. The fresh paint can last for several years with proper care.
Cons:
- A full respray is more expensive than touch-up paint as it involves respraying the whole panel or even the vehicle.
- Respraying is a detailed process, meaning your car may stay in the garage for several days.
- Metallic, matte, or pearlescent finishes are hard to achieve through respray, and even skilled painters may struggle to deliver the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the damage. Touch-up is suitable for minor paint damage, while respray is suitable for serious damage.
A respray usually doesn’t affect your car’s resale value. Buyers prefer the car in good shape, rather than focusing on whether it’s been resprayed or not.
A quality respray can last for many years with proper care. So, wash the car regularly and keep the surface clean.
Your Car Deserves the Best Finish. Book Your Paint Repair With AVX
Paint damage can lower your car’s appeal. However, it can be restored to its original condition with experienced auto body repair experts in London. At AVX, we offer trusted touch-up painting and respray services in London backed by years of experience, making your car shine like it just came out of the showroom. With us, you will get the best results at the best price. No hidden fees. Only peace of mind. Schedule your repair today, and drive with pride knowing that your vehicle looks its absolute best.
