Does the Original Car Door Need to Be Painted?
3 Answers
If there are scratches on the original car door, painting can be considered, but it is unnecessary for new cars. New door assemblies come pre-painted with primer (anti-rust paint) and topcoat when leaving the factory. If the assembly surface has not been damaged during transportation, no treatment is needed; simply paint it with the same color as the original car. Related car paint maintenance methods include waxing, glazing, coating, and crystal coating. The details are as follows: Car Paint Waxing: Waxing is the simplest and cheapest form of car paint maintenance. If you have a limited budget but still want to take good care of your car, waxing is a good option. Car Paint Glazing: This method lasts longer, about half a year, and provides better gloss than waxing. Car Paint Coating: This paint maintenance method offers excellent results, leaving the car looking shiny and new. It also reduces damage from external forces in daily life and avoids the impact of protective agents on the paint, maintaining the car's color and gloss for a long time. Car Paint Crystal Coating: This is currently the most advanced form of car paint maintenance, requiring a certain financial capability, and can maintain its effect for 2-3 years.
I've been driving for over ten years and believe that factory-installed doors come pre-painted, usually requiring no additional painting. The original paint is of high quality, effectively protecting metal parts from rust and corrosion. However, if scratches, dents, or rust spots appear on the door, it's advisable to repaint promptly for repair. Last time, I ignored a small scratch on my car door, and rainwater seeped in, causing rust. The repair later cost me several hundred dollars. Repainting isn't just about appearance—it's crucial for preventing structural damage to the door. When washing the car, pay attention to cleaning edges and gaps to avoid dirt buildup that could damage the paint. Address minor issues early to avoid costly repairs later.
As a cost-conscious car owner, the original doors already come with paint, so there's no need to waste money on repainting. However, if the door is dented or the paint is scratched, repainting becomes cost-effective: repainting one door costs a few hundred bucks, whereas ignoring it could lead to rust and require replacing the entire door, which is much more expensive. For minor damage, I use a touch-up pen to fix it quickly and easily, saving time and effort, and only go to a professional shop for major issues. Repainting also keeps the door looking neat, avoiding being judged by other cars for too many scratches when parking. Considering long-term vehicle costs, timely maintenance is far better than ignoring problems, but remember—don’t overdo it if the original paint is still intact.
