Achieving a perfect paint match is essential to maintain the vehicle’s original look and ensure the repaired areas blend seamlessly with the rest of the car. At A.T. Launder Coachworks, we have seen many car owners worry about whether a car body shop could match the paint to its original one, especially after an accident or damage. The good news is that achieving it is now possible with modern technology, expert techniques, and partnering with professionals.
In this blog, we’ll explain how a car body shop like ours matches paint colours so that your car looks as good as new.
Our colour-matching process is meticulous, whether you want a minor touch-up or a full respray for your car. We use advanced tools, custom paint-matching technology, and skilled professionals to restore your vehicle’s paint to its exact colour. Call us on 02084649399 or email to know more about our car paint services.
At A.T. Launder Coachworks, we restore your car’s beauty with precision, care, and over 50 years of trusted expertise.
How Expert Auto Body Shops Match The Paint Colour Of Your Car – 5 Steps You Should Know!
When you choose the right body shop for car painting, their experts employ a systematic approach that includes several key steps. Here is how they achieve precise auto paint matching:
1. Using Paint Codes For Accurate Matching
The first step in the colour-matching process is identifying the paint code colour for your vehicle. Every car manufacturer provides a unique paint code for each vehicle’s colour. This code, usually found on a label inside the driver’s door or the bonnet area, contains detailed information about the paint used in the vehicle’s original production. Experts then use these codes as a starting point for colour matching.
However, the paint code alone isn’t always enough, as the age of the vehicle or exposure to sunlight and elements can cause the paint to fade or change over time.
2. Advanced Technology For Colour Matching
To address these variations in paint code colour due to fading, spectrophotometers, and other advanced tools are used to capture the current state. A spectrophotometer is a device that analyses the colour of the car’s surface by measuring light reflection. The data collected is then used to formulate the correct paint mix.
This technology allows a body shop to match the exact tint, shade, and sheen of the existing paint, even if the vehicle has been exposed to years of weathering. The result is a paint match that blends seamlessly with the rest of the car.
3. Custom Paint Mixing
After identifying the correct colour code and using technology to ensure accuracy, the next step is customising the paint to match your car’s colour. Even if the correct base colour has been identified, custom mixing ensures that the paint will match precisely. These skilled paint and body shop technicians blend different paint components to match the existing car paint colour, texture, and gloss.
It is particularly important for older vehicles or custom colours with slight variations.
4. Spray Application And Precision
Once the colour has been matched and mixed, the next step is the application of the paint. This stage is important for achieving a flawless finish. Professionals use state-of-the-art spray equipment to apply the paint evenly and smoothly. The spraying is done in a controlled environment to prevent dust and debris from contaminating the paint.
The technicians also employ precise techniques to avoid overspray, ensuring the new paint blends perfectly into adjacent areas. This method, used by a body shop for colour matching, prevents any visible lines or edges from forming between the newly painted area and the original paintwork.
5. Blending The Paint Into Adjacent Panels
The final step is blending the newly applied paint into the surrounding panels. Even if the paint colour is an exact match, the blending process ensures no visible lines or transitions between the newly painted area and the rest of the vehicle. This technique ensures the repair is virtually invisible.
The blending process involves lightly spraying the adjacent areas with a mist of paint, which gradually fades into the surrounding area. This method creates a smooth transition and a natural finish consistent with the rest of the car’s appearance.
Also Read: How To Choose Paint And Body Shop For Your Vehicles
Tips For Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Paint After Repairs
Once your car is repaired and the paint matches, it’s important to maintain that pristine finish. Here are a few tips:
- Regular cleaning: Keep your car clean to prevent dirt and grime from building up. This will help protect the paint and prevent scratches.
- Waxing: Regular waxing adds a protective layer to the paint, helping to maintain its shine and offering protection against the elements.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause the car’s colour to fade over time. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or use a car cover.
- Touch up small scratches: If you notice small scratches or chips, address them early to prevent further damage. A quick touch-up will keep the repair looking fresh.
Contact AT Launder Coachworks
Conclusion
Matching your car’s paint colour requires precision and expertise. As a body shop, A.T. Launder Coachworks, we use advanced technology for colour matching, including spectrophotometers and custom paint mixing systems, to ensure a perfect match every time. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we handle every repair with care.
Whether you need custom paint matching or to match your paint code colour, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us by calling on 02084649399 or email today for a free estimate and to restore your car’s paint to its original condition!