Does door painting require removing the door?
3 Answers
Door painting generally does not require removing the door. Other areas are usually covered with newspapers before painting begins. Here is relevant information: 1. Two scenarios: Door painting typically doesn't require door removal, as other areas are covered with newspapers beforehand. However, if the entire door is severely damaged and requires complete repainting, the door can be removed for spraying. 2. Precautions: When selecting paint before spraying, it's recommended not to choose quick-drying paint. Although this type of paint is more convenient, over time it tends to peel easily. After all, this paint will age differently from the factory paint, leading to various issues. Also, avoid repeatedly spraying paint, as over time it may continuously peel like dry skin, affecting appearance.
When I had my car door scratched and went for a repaint, the repair shop owner asked if I wanted the door removed. He said if the scratch was in the middle of the door panel, they could just spray it directly without removing the door. But if the scratch was near the edges, not removing the door might lead to uneven paint application, and the paint could get on other areas. Removing the door to spray does give better results, as the entire door can be painted inside and out, ensuring more uniform color, though it costs extra labor, usually around 200 more. I chose not to remove the door that time because the scratch was small, and after a year of driving, it’s still fine. But if the car is new or you care about a perfect finish, removing the door for painting is more reliable.
As an auto body repair technician, whether to remove the car door for painting depends on the situation and the owner's requirements. For exterior surface painting only, we typically mask off the surrounding areas with tape and spray directly, which saves time and money. However, if painting is needed for the inner door panel, hinges, or other interior areas, or if the owner desires a flawless finish, we recommend removing the door for painting. Door removal involves unscrewing bolts and disconnecting wiring harnesses, requiring more effort, but the paint results are significantly better. Of course, the vehicle's condition must also be considered - older cars may develop issues when doors are removed, making direct painting the better option.