Can 4S Store Sheet Metal Painting Achieve Original Factory Effect?
2 Answers
No, because the quality of a car's paint surface is not only determined by the paint itself but also limited by the painting process and conditions. Most painted car exteriors have deformities and usually require sheet metal correction, which can damage the performance of the metal substrate. Here are some precautions after painting: 1. Pay attention to cleaning after painting: Try not to use water other than soft water, including hot water, alkaline water, and water with high hardness, as these components can damage the paint. If hard water is used to clean the vehicle, it will leave marks on the paint surface after drying. 2. Do not expose the car to strong sunlight: This can affect the car's paint surface, thereby accelerating the aging process. 3. Do not use high-pressure water flow to rinse the car body: If there is hard dirt on the car, it can be soaked with water first and then rinsed. Pay attention to the method of water flow; dispersed water flow should be used for cleaning, as excessive water pressure can also damage the car's paint surface. 4. Use detergents: If there are stubborn stains on the car body, detergents with different properties should be selected. If there are dead insects or other animal and plant juices on the car body, they should be soaked with soapy water first; then cleaned with a water-soaked sponge.
I think the bodywork and paintwork at 4S shops can come close to the factory finish, but it's hard to achieve a perfect match. After my car got scratched and I had it repaired there, I found their equipment to be professional and their technicians highly skilled—the color matching was virtually indistinguishable. However, factory paint is baked at high temperatures, making it thicker and more corrosion-resistant, while repairs use low-temperature paint that tends to fade or develop fine scratches over time. For dent repairs, 4S shops have advanced machines to ensure a smooth finish that’s visually seamless. I recommend choosing an authorized 4S shop and checking the materials they use, such as factory-certified paint. Maintenance is also crucial—regular waxing can extend the paint’s lifespan, and avoid parking in direct sunlight for too long. Overall, the results are very satisfying, so there’s no need to worry too much.
