Painting a car is quite a bit more complicated than many people realize. So how does it all work? We wrote a quick guide to the car painting process to give you a feel for everything that goes into it.
To begin, you need a closed and isolated place where no dust or moisture can interfere. Many automobile paint jobs are done in specialized paint booths. We happen to have one of the largest paint booths in Sonoma County that will fix RV’s, semi trucks and buses. The job requires specialty tools and equipment that can be difficult to find and maintain. It also needs to be done with regard to any possible body damage or rust that might be present.
Generally the auto paint process begins with sanding, sandblasting or some similarly rigorous cleaning method. This removes any foreign contaminants and ensures a clean and smooth surface. The next step is to apply primer, which helps to level the surface and provide a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. This is a crucial step and cannot be skipped. The primer also serves to protect the car’s body.
Next is a base coat, also known as a color coat. This gives the car its primary look and appeal. There are a variety of different styles and finishes to consider: solid, pearlescent, metallic, and matte are the primary four. Solid are standard color choices, standard paint finishes – the most widely used paint applications. Pearlescent paint has ceramic crystals, dulling the shine a bit. It also refracts and reflects sunlight more, giving a truly unique look to the paint job. Metallic is shiny with more reflection. Matte dulls the shine more than pearlescent and does not refract or reflect in the same way. Each gives the car’s body a unique look and feel.
Following the base coat is an application of a clear coat. Clear coat is a layer on top of the base coat of transparent material. This is the final material in the process and is the layer that is the one in most contact with the environment and the elements. This means it should be long-lasting and of high quality. You want a clear coat that will protect from wind, water, chemicals, and UV rays to ensure the life of your vehicle.
Whether you’re looking to customize and refresh your vehicle with a new paint job, or you need to have some work done after collision repair, there’s a lot to consider. Let Downtown Autobody provide you with a free estimate. Call or stop by today!
