Chapter 2

DON'T GET CAUGHT OUT WITH A SECOND-RATE CAR PAINT JOB

If you're like most people, you'll probably only have your car painted once or twice
during its service life.

Typically car respraying only takes places after a collision or when you're looking to
enhance the visual appeal of your vehicle. Either way, it's not usually a regular
occurrence.

Because of this, many people are unfamiliar with how their car's fresh coat of paint
should look and feel.

This can cause problems down the track, as issues associated with a second-rate
car paint job often don't appear until later on. Or after the warranty period has
ended.*

Here's how to evaluate the quality of your car paint work now, so you don't get
caught out later

STEP 1: INSPECT YOUR VEHICLE IN A WELL-LIT AREA

This may seem like a simple step, but it's important to remember.

You'd be amazed how small imperfections in your car's paint can be obscured in
the dim light of a panel beater's workshop.

Check your vehicle either:

 Outside under direct sunlight

 In your garage under quality lighting
 Under fluorescent light globes

Inspecting your car's paint work in a well-lit area can mean the difference between
noticing blemishes and missing them.

STEP 2: ENSURE THAT PAINTS MATCH

Less-reputable panel beaters can cut corners by using 'similar' paint or paint that
isn't an exact match.

This leaves you with a car that essentially has two colours, which diminishes the
overall aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. And it can mean less money in your pocket
should you attempt to sell.

Additionally, mismatched paints can be the most obvious sign of poor workmanship
or low quality paints. If your paints don't match, then there may also be other
problems with your car respraying.

STEP 3: CHECK FOR IMPERFECTIONS IN THE PAINT

Your car paint job should have a consistent sheen. You should be unable to tell the
difference between the freshly painted section and the original coat of paint.

Common blemishes to look for include:

  Streaking or machine swirl marks
 Bubbling or uneven textures
 Places where paint is thicker/thinner

Run a hand over the paint. It should be smooth and clean. Rough patches can
mean dirt or grit trapped underneath the paint.

ASK: WHAT PAINT DO YOU USE?

Not all paints are created equal. Quality and durability can differ significantly
between brands.

At Sheen, we use and recommend Glasurit paints for a superior finish and long-
lasting performance.

STEP 4: LOOK FOR PAINT SPATTER INSIDE AND OUT

Your car's bumpers, glass, tyres and the like should be free of paint spatter and
drips.

Paint where it shouldn't be is usually a sign of ineffective taping during a car paint
job. It can leave you with unsightly marks and run-offs on your bumpers and other
non-painted components.

Check your interiors for paint or paint residue too. Especially around openings such
as windows and doors.

Paint leaking into the interior of your vehicle can damage your carpets, seats, and
finish.

STEP 5: CARE AND MAINTENANCE

After work on your car's paint is complete and you're satisfied with the
workmanship, ask your panel beater or resprayer about care and maintenance.

You'll want to wax your paint as soon as it is safe to do so. This will help your paint
to remain vibrant. It will also prevent some deterioration from the elements.

If in the weeks or months after your car respraying you start to notice peeling or
flaking of paint, contact your panel beater immediately. This shouldn't occur and if it
does it may require a warranty claim.

"Your car paint job should have a consistent sheen across its length."
Why Measure Paint Thickness on
Automobiles?

A paint thickness instrument is a powerful tool for finding evidence of accidents, patching of
rust spots, and past paint repairs to delaminated surfaces. Problems under the paint will
eventually develop with time. No matter how good the paint job—poorly prepared or damaged
bodies will shorten the life of the vehicle. Thus a vehicle that has been repainted, regardless of
the cause, can have a reduced resale value. The resale value decreases more significantly
with high value (hi-line) vehicles and newer models.
Proper inspection can prevent unplanned future repainting costs. High quality repainting costs
can be as high as $3,000 and increase significantly when bodywork is required to repair hidden
collision or rust damage.
In addition, inspectors stake their reputation, future business and possible lawsuits on their
judgments. If they fail to identify a vehicle that has sustained unreported damage it can have a
significant financial impact. The relative low cost of paint thickness meter greatly reduces this
risk in addition to paying for itself due to increases in efficiency while inspecting.