More that meets the eye when it comes to automotive paint! Find out why.

A bright red candy apple sport car, or a freshly waxed black vehicle is impossible to miss! The hood appears wet because the color is so deep! Automotive paint color is one of the first things we see and often appreciate on a vehicle. And that is why many customers ask us,

“how will we match their car paint after its repair work?”

There is definitely more that meets the eye when it comes to car paint. Find out why the paint process is so important!

 

A BODY SHOP’s PAINT PROCESS

Refinishing a surface starts with preparation before applying color. Auto manufacturers use a variety of primers and products to help protect your vehicle from environmental wear. As your car got built in its factory, it underwent a complex process where each layer was covered with protective finishes and product.

When your vehicle is at Mannes Body Shop, we make sure to replace the corrosion protection primers and sealers so that your vehicle finish meets the same quality it did in its factory. Mannes holds OEM certification that ensures this right action. Not only do these primers help protect your vehicle from future corrosion, they also are part of a layering system that builds upon itself. Each layer is made to properly bond to the next, until the final coat is applied. This is a technologically advanced system that requires a technician with skill and knowledge to ensure  proper application. An experienced painter is key to the success of your paint finish.

AFTER-MARKET + BIG CHAIN BODY SHOPS

E-COATING vs “REPLICA” E-COAT

Vehicle manufacturers use a high-tech e-coat on most metal components. E-coating is known as electro-coating, a process that uses an electric current to apply a protective coating to car parts. The coating helps prevent corrosion, but also provides a base for the paint.

After-market parts often come in a “replica” e-coat. In our experience, we see a far thinner coat on after-market parts than on OEM parts (original equipment manufactured). This should matter to you and here’s why! Inferior coatings cause adhesion problems and result in a repair that can’t stand up to its environment.  UV rays; salt and sand used to ice roads; acid from bugs splattered on your car in summer; or berries and birds leaving their stain as you park your vehicle for a few hours are all examples of environment your vehicle faces each day. This is why Mannes Body Shop uses OEM parts for the most safe, honest, and effective repair. Many shops use only after-market “replica” e-coats. The difference in repair quality will tell in short time. Isn’t one accident enough? Don’t let your vehicle get in the hands of painter’s and company’s that don’t care. Mannes Repairs are warrantied to last the lifetime of your vehicle. Read more about after-market vs OEM parts here.

BIG BRAND BODY SHOP’s INFERIOR PAINT PROCESS

Plastic parts such as bumper covers require a specific adhesion promotor to assure proper adhesion of paint and clear coat. BIG brand body shops often skip this step-in their effort to save time and materials. And the result? A really poor adhesion that doesn’t withstand the test of time, as well as an uneven color match to help prove the inferior paint job. Prepping and preparing parts matter to the quality finish of your vehicle. At Mannes, we say our repair difference is deep, and this is why.

A tech who properly preps panels and identifies everything that needs paint will ensure your car looks and functions as it did before the accident. A good painter’s goal is to layer each level of primer, sealer, color, and clear coat to be a reproduction of the original factory paint.

Vehicle paint technology over time. 

Automotive paint has changed dramatically over the last number of years. Today’s high metallic finishes, three and even four stage colors, matte finishes, and tinted clear coats are all relatively new types of automotive finish processes. And a body shop must consider each type and its proper application. Mannes Body Shop utilizes AXALTA coating systems. AXALTA is one of the lead manufacturers of automotive paint finishes and products. This company provides our shop with the latest color matching tools, computerized paint mixing systems, and color-read cameras that ensure our perfect match. Not to mention our technicians with decades of experience behind a paint gun.

CLEAR COAT IS PROTECTIVE AND PRETTY

Automotive clear coats are the shiny topcoat that makes your car shine! Clear coats are made to chemically protect your car from the environment, and even stones that impact your car while driving. Inferior or bargain clear coats do not contain the level of solids that are present in the original clear coat. Mannes Body Shop stays committed to use the highest quality clear coats to protect your vehicle. This is another reason why we can warranty our finishes for the life of your repair! 

VIP Painters

The painter is the most important part of the refinishing process! Automotive Painters have hundreds of decisions to make in the refinishing process. A good painter knows how to use color-matching tools that are provided and understand color theory to make sure your vehicle looks good in all directions and conditions.  Our paint team at Mannes Body Shop has nearly 50 years combined experience painting cars! Our dedication to excellence means your vehicle is sure to look and function like the day it left its factory. We take pride in your vehicle so you can too!