Can partial painting be done?
4 Answers
Partial painting is possible, but it's important to match the color of the car paint. If it's a new car, it's easier, but for older cars, there might be color discrepancies. Precautions for car painting: When painting, ensure that the paint used matches the original color of the car body. Also, avoid using different types of paint for the same job, as paints from different brands or materials may cause chemical reactions, leading to imperfections on the car body. Check for unevenness: After painting, inspect the car's surface for any uneven areas, impurities, or spots that haven't been painted evenly. Inform the painter immediately so they can repaint those areas.
Sure, partial paint repair is quite common nowadays. Last time I had a palm-sized scratch on my car's rearview mirror, the repair shop only repainted that section, and the color difference was almost unnoticeable. The key lies in the craftsmanship – a skilled technician will first sand down the edges of the original paint layer, then spray gradually from dark to light like painting watercolors, and finally apply clear coat and polish. However, metallic or pearl paints are more challenging because they contain reflective particles, and poor blending can make it look like a patch. Also, if the scratch reaches the primer and exposes bare metal, make sure the technician applies rustproofing first, otherwise it may bubble later. Small-area repairs do cost half as much as repainting the entire panel and only take half a day to complete, which is perfect for working professionals like us who need our cars back quickly.
Partial repainting is definitely doable. I've had it done twice on the doors of my white SUV. The repair shop matched the factory paint code using color charts, and the mixed color was pretty close, but upon closer inspection, you can still tell the new paint is slightly brighter than the old. That's why experienced technicians recommend painting the entire component for a more natural edge blend. If your car is over three years old and the paint has started to oxidize and fade, it's advisable to polish the entire car before partial repainting to minimize color mismatch risks. Also, for plastic parts like the front bumper, the adhesion of partial repainting is slightly weaker than on metal parts, but it's perfectly adequate for daily use. The cost savings are real – my last palm-sized repair only cost 400 RMB, whereas repainting the entire hood would've been over 2,000.
Partial repainting is technically feasible, with the key lying in the workmanship quality. I've personally witnessed the repair process: first sanding the damaged area with sandpaper, applying filler to level the surface, then covering the surrounding area with masking film. The spray gun doesn't directly target the damaged spot but rather employs a gradient coverage technique from the outside in, like a mist, to minimize color discrepancy. When selecting a shop, pay attention to three criteria: whether they have computerized paint mixing equipment, if they use imported water-based paints (eco-friendly and less prone to yellowing), and if they offer a two-year warranty. Exercise caution with multi-layer paints like pearl white or soul red, as improper blending can result in a patchy appearance like clothing repairs. Additionally, repainted areas are less hard than factory paint, so avoid direct high-pressure water jet contact on seams during car washes.
