How Many Times Can a Car Door Be Repainted?
2 Answers
A car door can be repainted a maximum of 2 times. Here are the relevant details: Clear coat should be slightly thinner: If the base coat is relatively smooth (if rough, polishing can fix it), the first layer of clear coat should be slightly thinner, while the second layer should be thicker. With good spray gun atomization, the effect will be closest to the original car paint texture. The thickness needs to be gradually mastered. No loss of gloss: Generally, if the base coat is applied too thickly or doesn't dry properly, the clear coat effect will be poor. Normally, high-quality clear coats from major manufacturers won't lose gloss under proper application. Loss of gloss is usually related to high temperature, high humidity, improper hardener ratio, or drying agent issues. During summer heat or winter rain/snow, it's best to ventilate for about 15 minutes after painting.
Oh, I had an experience with door scratches that needed repainting, and I discussed this issue with the technician. He mentioned that it's generally best not to repaint a car door more than three times because each repainting requires sanding off a layer of the old paint. Repeated sanding makes the paint layer on the door thinner and thinner, damaging the original protection. After multiple repaints, the new paint is prone to peeling or cracking, especially during seasons with large temperature fluctuations, causing bubbles at the edges of the door. I saw a friend's car that had been repainted four times—now the door surface is uneven, and it creaks when closing, which feels unsafe. In short, fewer repaints make the door more durable. Before repainting, get a professional shop to assess the thickness; usually, three times is the limit. Maintaining the original paint is best—avoiding scratches saves both money and hassle.
