What to Do If There's Color Difference in Car Paint?
3 Answers
In the 4S shop, you need to ask the employees to mix the paint properly before applying it to the car. Color difference may also occur if the paint hasn't dried yet; it can be left to dry in the sun, which usually takes about a month. If the paint is too thick, it may peel off, leading to color differences in the car paint.
After my car was repainted, I encountered a color mismatch issue—one side was darker and the other lighter, which looked particularly awkward. The main problem was that the paint color wasn’t accurately mixed during the repainting process, causing the new paint to not match the old, or the old paint had faded and yellowed due to exposure to sun and weather. I recommend first visiting a professional auto body shop for an inspection. They have color-matching devices that can precisely match the paint, avoiding unnecessary hassle. I tried a small repair shop myself—it was cheaper, but the results were poor. Later, I spent more money to have it repainted at a 4S dealership, and the issue was resolved. Additionally, it’s best to park in shaded areas and use a car cover to protect the paint from UV damage. Regular waxing can also extend the paint’s lifespan—don’t wait until the color mismatch worsens and affects your car’s resale value. Remember, a consistent color looks best, and fixing it early is the way to go.
Color mismatch in car paint is quite common, especially with older vehicles. Possible reasons include: incorrect paint mixing ratio, long-term aging and discoloration of the old paint, or unskilled painting work. It's recommended to visit a professional shop as soon as possible to address the issue. Preferably choose a reputable paint shop that uses original color codes for remixing. During the painting process, pay attention to interlayer drying and even spraying, and avoid operating on rainy days to prevent poor adhesion. From my experience, minor color differences can be slightly improved with polishing, but large discrepancies require repainting the entire area. For regular maintenance, frequent washing, avoiding direct sunlight, and using high-quality wax to prevent oxidation are advised. Doing it right the first time saves both hassle and money.
