How to Detect Whether Body Panels Have Been Repainted?
2 Answers
Using a paint thickness gauge to measure the thickness of the paint can determine whether body panels have been repainted. Here are the relevant details: 1. Paint Thickness Values: If the paint thickness exceeds the original factory paint values, it indicates that the vehicle has been repainted. 2. Professional Repair: If the vehicle's body paint is damaged, it is advisable to have it repaired at a 4S shop or a professional paint repair facility. Unprofessional paint repair shops often lack complete equipment and skilled technicians, which can affect the quality of the repair. This may impact the vehicle's resale value and aesthetic appearance when selling the car.
When I inspect whether the car body has been repainted, I usually start by checking for overall color differences. Standing under sunlight or strong light, I walk around the car. The original factory paint transitions smoothly from different angles, while repainted areas often show color discrepancies or uneven surfaces. Next, I gently tap the body panels with my knuckles. The original steel panels produce a crisp and clear sound, whereas repainted areas sound duller. Then, I carefully feel the edges and seams of the panels. Original paint edges are smooth and even, while later repainting often leaves overspray residue or orange peel texture. Finally, I move a strong flashlight parallel to the paint surface to check if the reflection is continuous and consistent. Once, while helping a friend inspect a used car, I found paint buildup at the fender seam, and upon further inspection, it turned out to be an accident-repaired vehicle. During regular maintenance, you can also ask the service station to measure the paint thickness with a paint meter. Any reading above 200 microns usually indicates an issue.
