Does Spray Painting Require Removing the Original Car Paint?
3 Answers
No, if there is no damage to the body, just dull the paint surface. Here is some related information about car spray painting: 1. Purpose of Car Spray Painting: Car spray painting is to apply a layer of paint on the car's surface to achieve the effect of protecting the car. 2. Types of Car Paint: Car paint is divided into ordinary paint, metallic paint, pearl paint, etc. 3. Precautions for Car Spray Painting: Before spray painting the car, first treat some areas that are difficult to spray, such as the engine hood, trunk, door edges, etc. Spray these difficult areas first.
In all my years of driving, I've learned that sanding off the original paint is absolutely essential when applying new paint—otherwise, the new coat simply won't adhere properly. Last time I tried spot-painting without sanding, the finish started peeling within days, looking as unsightly as aged skin. The reason is straightforward: the original paint accumulates dirt, oxidation, or micro-scratches, and if not thoroughly sanded, the new paint will bubble, appear uneven, or become prone to water seepage and rust. For sanding, I typically use 200 to 400 grit sandpaper, meticulously treating the surface to ensure the new paint bonds securely. If you go to a professional shop, they’ll first sand the entire area comprehensively to guarantee a smooth, seamless finish—this isn’t just for aesthetics but also to prevent corrosion from spreading. So, don’t skip this step—it’ll save you repair costs down the road.
In my experience with car DIY, I've found that sanding off the original paint is a crucial step before repainting. Imagine spraying new paint directly over the old—residual grease or oxides on the original paint surface can interfere with adhesion, causing the new coating to bubble or peel within days. I usually use sandpaper or a grinder to sand down the body area, focusing on removing old paint and impurities to ensure a slightly rough surface for better paint adhesion. For small local repairs, you can just sand around the damaged area to avoid redoing the entire car. However, for major projects, a full sanding is necessary because aged original paint becomes brittle, and new paint applied over it may develop cracks. Remember, adding a primer before painting is even better—it ensures more uniform color, prevents rust, and saves both money and effort.
