Does Painting Require Removing the Original Paint?
2 Answers
When repainting the entire car, it is not necessary to remove the original paint; just pay attention to color matching on the original painted areas. Precautions for painting: Color Matching: During the paint mixing process, attention must be paid to color differences. Protective measures should be taken, and any areas not to be painted must be covered with newspaper or other isolation tools. Also, pay attention to the gun pressure and working environment during painting. Baking Time: The correct spraying path should remain perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece. When spraying, the distance between the spray gun and the surface being painted is generally 15~30cm, depending on the angle of the surface. To achieve a wetter, darker, and thicker coating, the distance can be closer. For a drier, lighter, and thinner coating, the distance can be farther. Spraying Angle: Car painting should maintain the spray gun at a right angle to the surface being painted and move parallel. The movement speed of the spray gun is generally adjusted between 30~60cm/s and should remain constant. If the spray gun is tilted and moves in an arc or with variable speed, it will result in uneven paint thickness and may cause streaks or spots. If the spray gun moves too slowly (below 30cm/s), it is prone to sagging.
Spray painting often requires sanding off a bit of the original paint because the surface may be contaminated with dust, grease, or other impurities. Applying new paint directly over it can lead to bubbling, peeling, or uneven color. When I do this job myself, I always assess the car's condition first: for small scratches or localized repairs, the sanding area doesn’t need to be too large—the key is to roughen the surface slightly to enhance adhesion. However, if the original paint has aged, cracked, or shows signs of rust, deeper sanding is necessary, sometimes even down to the bare metal layer. Cutting corners here isn’t an option, or else the new paint may peel off after just a short drive due to wind and rain, wasting money in the long run. For regular maintenance, I recommend periodically inspecting the car’s paintwork and addressing minor issues early to avoid major repairs later. In summary, sanding is an essential step before painting—it ensures both aesthetics and durability. A light, proper sanding can make all the difference.
