If you need to address scratches or chips vehicle’s paint job, you need to find an auto body repair shop that specializes in precision paint color matching. With many vehicles, paint colors can be difficult to match, especially if there’s a custom paint job or the manufacturer uses specialty coatings that aren’t widely available.
At Minnetonka Collision, we specialize in high-end auto body repair and all the details that go along with it. When it comes to applying touchup paint, we rely on specialty tools and precision techniques to ensure we don’t run into the most common color-matching complications. Read on to learn how we create a flawless final result.
Control Factors That Cause Paint Color Variances
Temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can all cause slight variances in the color of any auto body paint — even among vehicles of the same paint color, make, model, and year. That’s why tightly controlling atmospheric conditions in the paint bay is absolutely critical.
Every type of auto body paint has a specific manufacturer-recommended temperature range at which it should be applied. Adhering to these temperature recommendations allows us to properly blend the new paint with your vehicle’s existing paint during application. Controlling temperature and humidity also allows the new paint to dry at the proper rate, which helps ensure the color doesn’t change during the curing process.
Airborne contaminants can also affect the final color of new paint. To ensure an impeccable final result, our auto repair specialists also maintain a particle-free environment throughout the application and curing process.
Use the Vehicle’s Paint Code as a Starting Point
Most newer-model vehicles have a paint code included in their specifications. This code helps auto body repair specialists match new paint with the vehicle’s existing color in the event that touchup paint becomes necessary.
But paint matching is far more complex than simply running a paint code through a reader and mixing up the appropriate pigments in the right ratios. When our auto body repair specialists begin the process of matching your vehicle’s paint, they understand that a paint code is merely a starting point.
They mix up the appropriate color according to the code, but before moving forward with the painting process, they always test a small sample to see if it matches. If it’s not a perfect match, they’ll continue tweaking and testing the batch until there’s zero color variance between the new and existing paint.
Practice Proper Surface Prep
Surface preparation is key when achieving a flawless paint color match. The way the paint adheres to your vehicle’s surface affects how the color looks after it cures. If the surface isn’t prepped properly, the touchup paint can end up looking a few shades lighter or darker than the rest of your vehicle.
That’s why our auto body repair specialists take great care to prep the surface of your vehicle extensively before they apply touchup paint. They thoroughly sand, clean, and prime the area to ensure it’s completely smooth and free of residual oils and particulate matter. This process creates a flawless canvas for application to ensure an immaculate final result.
Minnetonka Collision: Your Twin Cities Source for Expert Auto Body Repair
When you need precision auto body repair for your high-end vehicle, look no further than our team at Minnetonka Collision in Plymouth. We specialize in dent removal, touchup paint, collision insurance repair, hail damage repair, and much more. We also offer concierge services to ensure you have an unmatched customer experience.
To learn more or get started, give us a call today at 763-230-7805 or schedule a free estimate. You can also reach out on our contact page with any questions, and we’ll be in touch.
