Should Domestic or Imported Paint Be Used for Touch-ups?
3 Answers
For domestic cars, there's no need to use imported paint for touch-ups, unless it's a luxury car. Even if luxury cars are domestically produced, they still use imported paint. For imported cars, imported paint should be used for touch-ups. Here are some related expansions on touch-up painting: 1. A dust-free environment is required for touch-up painting: Only in a dust-free environment can the paint be applied without visible impurities. The construction cost of a dust-free workshop is very high, and most roadside repair shops do not have such conditions. 2. Touch-up painting at a 4S shop: Generally, the original car paint matching the car model is used, and the price varies depending on labor costs. In ordinary repair shops, ordinary paint is used, and the price for sheet metal work and repainting is relatively cheaper. After getting a touch-up at an ordinary repair shop, if you look closely, you'll notice a color difference in the paint. This is the so-called 'you get what you pay for.'
The choice between domestic and imported paint depends on your specific situation. If you're on a tight budget, I recommend prioritizing domestic paint as it's significantly cheaper, especially from well-known brands like DuPont or Huayi's domestic series, which offer great value for money. It's convenient and cost-effective for minor scratch repairs. However, keep in mind that quality varies—low-quality paint may fade or peel easily, so choosing a reputable brand is crucial. Additionally, environmental factors play a big role—domestic paint is less adaptable to high temperatures and humidity, requiring more frequent maintenance in rainy southern regions. Of course, if you're just fixing up an old car, domestic paint is more than sufficient. But if your car frequently travels long distances, it's worth spending a bit more to ensure durability. Overall, considering both affordability and practicality, most household car owners won't face major issues with domestic paint—just remember to consult a professional shop to test for color differences.
From my experience, both domestic and imported automotive paints have their own advantages. Imported paints, such as PPG or Sherwin-Williams' imported series, offer higher color matching accuracy, better weather resistance, and less noticeable repair marks, extending the lifespan by one or two years. This is crucial for luxury car owners or those who demand perfection. However, the price is a major drawback, sometimes several times more expensive, which not everyone can afford. In comparison, domestic paints have improved rapidly, with products from major domestic manufacturers now approaching the quality of imports, though color stability is slightly inferior—especially prone to fading after prolonged exposure to sunlight. My suggestion is to decide based on the car's value: domestic paints are cost-effective for budget cars, while luxury cars should prioritize imported paints. In practice, applying imported paints requires higher technical skill and is more prone to mistakes, so beginners are better off practicing with domestic paints first. Overall, don’t just look at the price; evaluate the car's actual value and your expectations.
