Over the past 12 years working in collision repair I have learned that preparation plays an important role in the process of painting whatever material you are resurfacing, whether it is metal, aluminum, plastic, or wood. In the auto collision repair process the best and most enduring paint resurfacing comes from removing all the parts from a panel or pieces from the section of the vehicle you are repairing and refinishing. For example: removing mirrors, moldings, and handles allows for a seamless refinishing of the whole door with a paint job that will last indefinitely, or at least until your next fender bender! This is a key point to get the job done right because failing to do this means the paint will start to peel as soon as the edges are exposed to inclement weather. As AACC’s owner and primary technician, I am happy to explain how the painting process will be applied to every customer’s specific repair.

There are several steps in the collision repair process, but let’s talk about the materials required to deliver the highest quality paint refinishing. There are several layers of different resurfacing materials applied to repair and refinish your vehicle. In the painting process the primer, sealer, color, and clear coat each plays an important role in the process of restoring your vehicle to its “like new” state. We start with the Primer which is needed to promote paint adhesion and durability. The primer also helps to fill small scratches and imperfections, creating a smoother base for the topcoat. Sealer is recommended by the manufacturer to apply to all replacement parts because a sealer acts as an additional protective barrier between the primer and the paint. The sealer also improved adhesion of the Paint Color and helps ensure uniform color distribution.

The Clear Coat is the final layer applied over the paint color. The clear coat provides a glossy, protective finish which shields your new paint from UV rays, scratches, and environmental damage. When applying clear coat, it is important to spray evenly on the entire surface to ensure a durable, uniform appearance, and prevent peeling or delamination. Partial application can lead to visible lines, uneven gloss, and potential adhesion issues.