How to Determine the Quality of Automotive Paint?

[Graham]

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.

[DiCarmen]

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.

[OVera]

After my car got scratched and repainted, I came up with a simple method. On sunny days, move the car outdoors under natural light and inspect the paint from various angles with both front and back lighting—factory paint looks like a mirror, while repainted areas may show rainbow patterns or harsh reflections. Gently tap the body with your knuckles: repainted plastic parts sound dull, while metal parts produce a crisp yet hollow sound. Also, open the door to check the inner seals and hinges—factory paint has clean, sharp edges like a knife cut, whereas repainted areas often bleed into gaps. Pay special attention to transition zones between old and new paint, such as where the A-pillar meets the roof. If the color difference is noticeable from over a meter away, it's likely a technical issue.

[LunaLynn]

We female car owners pay more attention to practicality. Shine your phone flashlight sideways on the hood—if you see wavy patterns and dust spots, it indicates a poor painting environment. Gently scratch a non-critical area (like below the door sill) with your fingernail; good paint won’t leave white marks. Watch the water flow speed during car washes—factory paint lets water glide off like ice, while repainted areas will have water droplets lingering. Repainted surfaces tend to show aging within two years, with sun marks being especially noticeable. Secretly sniff the newly painted area—low-quality paint will still smell like banana oil after three months. The ultimate trick? Bring a marker pen, draw on a hidden spot, wait ten seconds, then wipe it off. If a mark remains, it means the clear coat is too thin.