Mixing spray painting colours is not as easy as most people think. Even a minor bumper or panel bash may require a respray and a second-rate spray job can be worse to cope with than toothache.
Charles Canning, chairperson of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association, a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, says while refinishing or repainting, as it is better known, is not likely to occur often in the lifespan of a vehicle, but when it does happen, you want to be sure you get it back as good as new.
“Paint blending is a process that involves gradually feathering out the new paint and clear coat from the repaired area onto the adjacent panels,” he says.
“This technique is an art that requires skill, patience and attention to detail to achieve a smooth transition from the repaired area to the adjacent panels. The goal is to create a uniform finish that matches the original factory finish of the car, so that the repair is virtually undetectable.
“A perfect panel repair can be ruined by a bad colour match and spray job.
“Colour perception is a complex process that involves the properties of light and the human visual system. In addition, there are different types of finishes, including solid, metallic, pearlescent and special effects (translucent top coats). Each type requires specific techniques and pigmentation, which can add to the complexity of colour matching,” says Canning.
Trust only an insurance-accredited repairer to work on your car, and use these five tips to do your own quality control when collecting and before accepting it back.
- Inspect the vehicle in good lighting: Minor imperfections in the paintwork can be obscured in dim light, so rather check it in direct sunlight or under a fluorescent light.
- Does the colour match? If the colour does not, it is possible that there are problems with the repairs and refinishing work.
- Check for imperfections: The paint job should have a consistent sheen and you should not be able to tell the difference between the fresh and original paint. The paintwork should be smooth to the touch.
- Look for paint splatter: Ineffective masking, where areas that are not subject to repairs are taped-off during a respray can leave marks and run-off on the bumpers and other non-painted components. Check the interior of the vehicle, too.
- If you notice peeling or flaking a few weeks after the repair, contact the repairer immediately.
Source: SAMBRA and SIB
