What is the difference between original paint and repaint?
4 Answers
The differences between original paint and repaint are as follows: 1. From the perspective of paint layers, original factory paint has four layers, while repaint only has three layers, lacking the electrophoretic layer. Therefore, repaint may develop color differences after some time of use. 2. From the construction process perspective, original factory paint is applied by machines, ensuring even spraying, excellent adhesion, and good high-temperature resistance. Repaint, being manually applied, is more prone to issues like peeling and fading. Advantages of original paint: 1. Original factory paint has a firm finish. It is applied in sealed, sterile workshops, using high-quality paint materials and matching process technologies, resulting in excellent adhesion and complete integration with the product. 2. Original factory paint has a very thin finish, generally not exceeding 0.1 mm in thickness, which is about the diameter of a strand of hair. Despite its thinness, it offers good adhesion, high hardness, and excellent wear and corrosion resistance. It forms a protective film on the product surface, providing good protection and extending the product's lifespan.
The original paint is the factory-applied coating. I've seen many cars where this paint is baked at high temperatures in the factory, resulting in strong adhesion, even color distribution, and excellent durability that resists fading or bubbling even after several years. Repainted surfaces, mostly done at repair shops with low-temperature processes, often show color discrepancies that become obvious under sunlight. I recommend checking the paint condition when buying a car - well-preserved original paint enhances resale value and saves future repair headaches. For minor body scratches, try polishing first instead of immediately repainting, as even a several-hundred-dollar paint job might not match the original color, especially with white or metallic finishes which are hardest to match. Long-term, original paint protects against rust, whereas poor-quality repaints may crack within months, creating unnecessary trouble. Ultimately, preserving original paint is wise - it reflects the vehicle's initial quality, and minor scratches shouldn't compromise this overall integrity.
I feel there's a significant difference between factory paint and aftermarket spray paint. The factory paint is uniformly applied to the entire vehicle, making it smooth and durable. For example, the factory paint on my old car still looks shiny after ten years. As for aftermarket spray paint, the color often ends up noticeably darker or lighter after touch-ups, especially after rain or car washes, when spots of peeling quickly become visible. The cost difference is also substantial. Factory paint is included in the vehicle's price and doesn't seem expensive, while a single aftermarket spray paint job can cost hundreds or even thousands, yet the quality is unsatisfactory and often requires frequent rework. I once had my car's rear door sprayed, and the gloss faded within six months. A friend mentioned that when buying a used car, visible repainting significantly reduces its value. One more tip: using wax or ceramic coating can help slow down paint aging, but factory paint is truly the best—it avoids the hassle of repeated repairs and directly affects your driving experience.
In my experience, factory paint and repaint are fundamentally different. Factory paint is baked at high temperature as a single layer, making it scratch-resistant and sunproof. Repainting is done at lower temperatures with weaker adhesion and is prone to oxidation and discoloration. Don't underestimate the appearance—under sunlight, factory paint is uniform and flawless, while repainted surfaces often show orange peel effects or tiny bubbles. When buying a used car, inspecting the paint traces can help identify genuine factory paint, which remains intact and less prone to rust spots. Simple maintenance with a cleaner is sufficient, but repainted surfaces require extra effort.
