Monday, April 22, 2024

How to spot original car paint like a pro : A guide for auto enthusiasits

THE IMPORTANCE OF ASSESSING CAR PAINT : WHY IT MATTERS FOR YOUR VEHICLE

1-Asthtetic Appeal : Enhances visual appeal of your vehicle

2- Resale value : Condition of paint plays a crucial role in determining its resale value

When it comes to purchasing a used car or evaluating the condition of your own vehicle, the paint job speaks volumes. However, you don't always need fancy gadgets or tools to determine the quality of a car's paint. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the art of assessing car paint without relying on any gadgets.

Back door has mismatched and blurred lines indicating that it is repainted

Inspecting the Surface and paint texture

Start by examining the surface of the car under natural light. Look for any irregularities such as paint surface bends, dents and discontinuity of paint texture.
Inconsistent color or texture between panels suggests that the car may have been involved in an accident and undergone partial repainting.
Right back door and fender reflecting different shades and texture
Examining Paint Lines: Pay close attention to the edges where different paint colors meet, such as around doors or fenders. Original paint lines should be crisp and well-defined. Blurred or mismatched lines indicate that the car has been repainted.
Run your fingertips gently over the paint surface. Original factory paint tends to have a smooth texture, while repainted areas may feel rough or uneven. Be wary of excessively thick or bumpy areas, which could signal a botched paint job.

Analyzing Reflections: Observe the car's reflection in the paint surface. A uniform and clear reflection suggests a well-maintained paint job, whereas distorted or wavy reflections may indicate underlying issues with the paint quality.
SIGN OF A REPAINT
Overspray on a rubber
Spotting Overspray: Inspect areas like door jambs, trunk edges, and under the hood for signs of overspray. Overspray occurs when paint drifts onto unintended areas during the painting process, hinting at amateur repairs or aftermarket modifications

Overspray paint drop

Checking for Consistency:

Move around the car and observe the panels consistency and character lines. Inconsistent borders of panels represents bad repair works and repaint indications. In the picture below arrows represents door lines inconsistency. Next door edge is out from the body. Suggests that car may have been involved in an accident.
The front door edge is out from the body
Inconsistent color or texture between panels suggests that the car may have been involved in an accident and undergone partial repainting.
Checking for Fading or Discoloration: Look for any signs of fading, discoloration, or oxidation on the paint surface, especially on horizontal panels exposed to sunlight. Faded paint can detract from the car's appearance and may require costly restoration efforts.
Scrutinizing Panel Gaps: Evaluate the consistency of panel gaps and alignment throughout the car. Large or uneven panel gaps could be a result of previous collision damage and subsequent repairs

LACQUER EDGE
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SIGN OF ORIGNAL PAINT

One of the most significant signs that a panel has its original paint is the lacquer edge. This feature can be found on all edges of each panel and appears as a small bump on the edge of the panel. To observe it, one needs to look very carefully.