Does repainting the original car have any impact?
2 Answers
Repainting the original car has an impact. Impact on the residual value of used cars: Nowadays, used car inspectors carry paint thickness gauges for examination. Abnormal readings on the paint thickness gauge indicate that the car's paint has undergone repainting. Generally, a used car that has been fully repainted will see a price reduction, depending on the actual situation. Damage to the phosphating layer and electrophoretic layer of the original paint: These two layers are relatively important for preventing corrosion of the metal substrate. Ordinary repainting processes cannot restore them, which is why rust may appear after repainting. Additionally, no matter how advanced the repainting technology is, issues like color differences and paint aging will gradually emerge over time.
I had my car repainted last year, and to be honest, the difference is quite noticeable. I took it to a repair shop for a minor scratch and had the door repainted. At first, the color seemed close enough, but after six months, I noticed it faded faster than the original paint, especially under sunlight. The mechanic explained that the original paint is baked at high temperatures, making it more weather-resistant, while the aftermarket paint applied at room temperature is inferior in quality. Moreover, when I tried to sell it in the used car market, the buyer used a paint thickness gauge and immediately spotted the repainted area, knocking off $2,000 from the price. Now, I’m extra careful when washing the car because the repainted areas are prone to showing swirl marks. My advice: small touch-ups are fine, but if you’re considering a full repaint, it’s better to opt for water-based paint—it offers better protection for the car body.
