Every car owner wants to protect their investment, and having your car in pristine condition is a big part of that.
This means taking the steps to make sure scratches, dents and other imperfections in your paint are fixed or covered up. However, this can be easier said than done. Mistakes when respraying your car can damage the paintwork causing it to look worse instead of better.
So what are some common mistakes made when respraying?
- Not using enough primer
- Coatings that are too thick
- Using the wrong type of paint
- Respraying over stickers
- Not removing all contaminants
- Leaving dirt on the surface
- Mixing incompatible chemicals
- Using poor quality tools
Not Using Enough Primer
It's important to use the right type of primer when you are repainting your car. You need to make sure there is enough of it on the surface, but not too much. If you apply too much primer it can seep down underneath where new paint is applied leading to discolouration and other problems.
Most expert painters recommend using two coats of primer instead of one. So how do you know if you have used enough? When creating smooth surfaces it should be possible to see that the old paintwork underneath has been covered up with two coats. For more information visit Brisbane Car Body Repairs
Coatings That Are Too Thick
While it is important to use the right amount of primer, you also don't want to put on too much paint. A thick coating will lead to poor adhesion and a bad finish.
Using a spray gun that can be adjusted can help create a more even coat with less coats needed. If you have a small scratch or dent you may need just one layer but for larger imperfections, two layers is recommended.
Using The Wrong Type Of Paint
Not all respray paints are compatible with each other so if you mix them together they could react in an unpredictable manner.
For example, some paints recommend against mixing two types of paint containing different solvents while others say it's okay as long as it's done under certain conditions. If unsure it's best to ask the company you purchased the paint from for more information.
Respraying Over Stickers
This is an important one that many people forget about. One of the most common objects that are found on cars is stickers, and while some car owners like to leave these on even if they're peeling off others want them gone.
Leaving a sticker on the surface when respraying can lead to discolouration around it due to air bubbles which can ruin the look of your paint job. Removing stickers before repainting will make sure everything looks smooth and even without any bumpiness caused by air bubbles.
Not Removing All Contaminants
There are various reasons that your paint may be poorer quality than you'd like. One of the main ones that can cause this is dirt or grime on the surface, which also needs to be removed before repainting.
If not removed, these contaminants can lead to problems with adhesion between different coats of paint. The best way to clean your car for painting is with a mixture of water and detergent along with a soft brush or sponge.
Leaving Dirt On The Surface
As mentioned earlier, contamination such as dirt and dust can make it difficult for paint to properly adhere to the surface. It's important to not only remove all the dirt from your vehicle but also ensure there isn't any left on surrounding areas such as sidewalks and roads where cars drive by.
This can be a whole job in itself so if you live in a particularly dusty area it might be best to take your car somewhere else for repainting, otherwise you'll have problems with flaking and other issues.
Mixing Incompatible Chemicals
While mixing different respray paints together may sound like a good idea it can lead to chemical reactions that change their characteristics and affect how they work.
This means that instead of the paint drying smoothly, there will be blotches or cracks as well as other problems such as colour changes. While there are some types of paint that say they're okay to mix together, it's still recommended to use one brand for everything.
Using Poor Quality Tools
Another good reason to use good quality paint is that it can help you to avoid having problems with your tools.
Many people try and save money by buying cheap paint which result in a low adhesion, poor coverage and much more. The pack will have information about what type of tools are best for applying the paint so be sure to use those if possible.
