How to Determine the Quality of Automotive Paint?
2 Answers
Methods to determine the quality of automotive paint: 1. Check the smoothness of the paint surface for any issues like pitting, bubbles, impurities, or paint runs, as these problems may exist; 2. Compare with the original factory paint to check for color differences, but remember to do this under sunlight, which is very important; 3. Inspect the gloss of the clear coat. The clear coat refers to the transparent layer on the surface of the paint, primarily used for enhancing brightness and protecting the paint. Therefore, the gloss of the clear coat must be checked, as it directly affects the visual appearance. This should also be examined under sunlight.
When checking used cars, I pay special attention to the paintwork, mainly following a three-step inspection process. First, I stand about three meters away and scan the entire car for obvious color mismatches or uneven reflections, especially on the front and rear bumpers where color differences are common. Then, I move closer to inspect the details: I run my fingers along the edges of the body lines—factory paint should be thin and sharp, while repainted edges tend to be thicker or even have paint drips. I also check for small dents and orange peel texture under backlighting. Key areas to focus on include the inside of door handles and the edges of the hood, where poor workmanship can lead to paint buildup or sanding marks. Finally, I use my phone’s flashlight to inspect the inner wheel arches and under the door sills for overspray or color inconsistencies, which reveal the level of care taken during painting.
