Understanding Auto Paint

Looking to get your car re-painted? If so, the temptation may be to do it yourself, which is fine for small dents and repairs. However, if it’s a complete re-finish job it’s important to understand the automotive painting process to ensure the job is done properly.

The expert team at IPS Paint Supplies explains about this process including the four main layers of automotive paint, the order in which these layers are applied, and why each layer is necessary.

The Four Main Layers of Auto Paint

The four main layers of auto paint are as follows:

Primer: This is the first layer of paint that is applied to the bare metal of the car. The primer serves as a base coat that helps the paint adhere to the surface and also provides an additional layer of protection against rust and other types of corrosion.
Basecoat: This is the second layer of paint that is applied to the car. The basecoat is the colour layer and is what gives the car its overall appearance. It can be a solid colour, metallic, or pearl, depending on the desired effect.
Clearcoat: This is the third layer of paint that is applied to the car. The clearcoat is a transparent layer that protects the basecoat from UV rays, weathering, and minor scratches. It also gives the car a shiny, glossy finish.
Tinted clearcoat (optional): Some cars may have a fourth layer of paint, which is a tinted clearcoat. This layer is similar to the clearcoat but has a slight tint that can change the colour of the basecoat. This layer is often used on luxury cars or custom paint jobs to create a unique appearance.

DIY vs Professional Services

Given the complexity of applying auto paint correctly, there are several reasons why you may want to use a garage for your auto paint repair job rather than doing it yourself:

Equipment: Auto garages have specialized equipment that is designed to handle auto paint repairs. They have paint booths that provide a clean and controlled environment for painting, specialized paint guns for applying paint evenly and efficiently, and other tools for preparing the surface and applying paint.
Expertise: Auto garages have experienced technicians who are trained to handle auto paint repairs. They have a deep understanding of different types of paint, how to match colours, and how to apply paint to achieve a smooth and even finish.
Quality of work: Auto garages take pride in their work and strive to deliver high-quality results. They use high-quality paint and take the time to ensure that the surface is properly prepared before applying paint. This results in a long-lasting and durable finish.
Warranty: Many auto garages offer a warranty on their work, which means that if something goes wrong with the paint job, they will fix it at no additional cost to you.

Overall, using a garage for your auto paint repair job can ensure that the job is done right the first time, and can save you time and money in the long run by avoiding the need for expensive rework or repairs – and is our recommended way forward.

If you still want to have a go yourself, then IPS Paint Supplies can help both with paint products, including an accurate paint matching service, and associated tools for the paint application. Our team can help with advice and guidance on how to get the best out of your DIY job.

Call into one of our depots in Swansea or Cardiff or you can call a member of the team on the numbers below:

Swansea: 01792 784078

Cardiff: 02920 022461