Which is Better: Partial Paint or Full Paint?

[AdalineAnn]

When comparing partial paint and full paint, if the area is relatively large, it is recommended to opt for a full car paint treatment, as it may yield better results. Below is relevant information about automobiles: 1. Definition of an automobile: According to the latest national standard in China, "Terms and Definitions of Automobiles and Trailers" (GB/T3730.1—2001), an automobile is defined as a non-track vehicle powered by a motor with four or more wheels, mainly used for transporting people and/or goods; towing vehicles for transporting people and/or goods; or for special purposes. 2. Introduction to domestic automobile brands: Domestic automobile brands include Hongqi, Chang'an, Great Wall, Chery, Geely, Roewe, BYD, etc.

[DeSamantha]

Last time my car door got scratched and I had it fixed, I specifically researched this. Spot painting only repairs the damaged area, saving time and money, and you can pick up the car the same day. It's suitable for small scratches or stone chips. A full repaint involves repainting the entire component, like the whole hood or door, which takes much more labor and materials and can take three to four days. However, the biggest issue with spot painting is color mismatch, especially noticeable on white cars, where the reflection of new and old paint differs. If the damage is on plastic parts like the bumper, spot painting might be fine; but for metal parts or cars over three years old, a full repaint ensures more uniform color. Make sure to find a shop that uses computer color matching, otherwise, the color difference will be more obvious.

[SanHolden]

From an aesthetic perspective, it's quite a dilemma. My old car had partial repainting done - it looked fine right after the job, but the touched-up areas turned yellow within six months. A full respray costs twice as much, but ensures uniform color, especially for special finishes like pearl paint. However, full respray requires removing parts like door handles and emblems, which might cause rattling if not done properly. Nowadays, partial repair techniques have improved significantly - palm-sized scratches can be blended using feathering techniques with barely noticeable color difference. The key factor is location - partial treatment works perfectly for bumpers, but horizontal surfaces like hoods require full respray, otherwise the color mismatch becomes painfully obvious under sunlight.

[LaIris]

As someone who frequents repair shops, the rule of thumb is to assess the extent of damage. For scratches the size of a fingernail, a full respray isn't necessary—spot treatment can be done for around 500 RMB. Palm-sized scratches might show visible seams with partial repairs. If the damage involves panel deformation or the paint on an older car has oxidized, a full respray is more practical. Currently, there are two paint processes: spot repairs use blending techniques, while full resprays require three layers of clear coat primer. Preserve the original factory paint whenever possible; full resprays involve sanding off the original coating, which can compromise rust protection. Opt for spot repairs for minor damage and full resprays for extensive damage—this approach never fails.