We all want a stress-free fix for most everything, including cracking and fading vehicle paint. Not every vehicle owner, however, is willing to file an insurance claim for something that isn’t critical or connected to an actual collision. Because of this, they might opt for touch-up kits from hardware or online stores. Keep in mind that some of these kits can be as inexpensive as 20 bucks or as pricey as three grand!
Yes, these solutions can work for small scratches for a short period of time. But where there are more conspicuous marks, it may not be the best option. True, the damage can be unseen at a distance, but once you get up close, you’ll plainly observe the appalling patches and inconsistencies with the paint. Why does happen? It’s because the repair kit doesn’t match the paint manufacturer’s product that was applied to finish your vehicle.
What is a touch up paint job?
A touch up paint job is where you’re tweaking the appearance of your vehicle where it has stone chips, dings, dents and scratches. It’s dissimilar to panel paintwork where you’re having bigger sections of the vehicle painted.
Touch-up paint will help keep your vehicle in good condition. They danger with chips, dings, dents or scratches that are left unpainted is that they can very easily deteriorate if you don’t buff, polish or paint them. That small stone chip soon becomes a bigger concern every time someone brushes past it with a bag or jacket.
Okay, when should I consider a professional touch-up?
As much as you might save using a DIY kit in the short run, paying for professional touch-ups can save you even more. So, when is it smarter to drop by the local vehicle body shop? Here are some points to consider:
- Several small chips: Whether from hail or other debris, scattered paint chipping is a job best left to the pros. Repairing one or two of these tiny chips may be doable for a skilled DIYer, but repairing several chips so they are clearly fused back into the paint job is daunting minus the suitable equipment and training.
- The need for an extensive paint job: On the other hand, sometimes there is a lot of damage to your vehicle’s paint job, and while it’s important not to ignore even the smallest paint chips, it’s even more critical not to ignore major paint damage.
Remember that commercially obtainable touch-up kits are solely for small chips. For larger issues, there’s a need to use special equipment only offered in vehicle repair shops. Technicians can also look at the possible damage beneath your chassis, components and so forth.
- Fading or discoloring: If a vehicle’s paint color is fading in spots or beginning to discolor, the problem may be found in the paint’s outer clear coating. Professional vehicle paint touch-ups can help bring these problem areas back to life.
- Your skill level: If you have experience with vehicle repairs and are at ease using the tools and materials in DIY kits, you might pull it off. If not, the risk of a botched job is quite high.
- The technician’s expertise and experience: Professional painters have wide-ranging knowledge and proficiency in vehicle painting. They are trained in proper techniques, are aware of the nuances of various paint products and know how to complete the job. Their expertise and attention to detail help dodge common mistakes, including paint runs, orange peel texture or disproportionate color application. They can also deal with any number of challenges that may pop up during the painting process and ensure a high-quality finish.
- When you want the best results: There’s no denying that only a pro can deliver the best results for your vehicle. For newer vehicles, a touch-up kit just won’t provide the results you anticipate. In the case of an older model, it’s also best to let the pros handle the task. Vehicle body shops will apply the paint so that the finish matches your vehicle perfectly and restores that “new car” look. That’s simply something that DIY kits can’t produce.
Moreover, a professional paint job can considerably enhance the overall appearance of your vehicle and help maintain its resale value. A well-executed paint job is visually attractive, free of imperfections and can make a vehicle look newer and more eye-catching to potential buyers.
- When the solution needs to be cost-effective: Interestingly, brush touching may not be the least costly option. Depending on the equipment and quantity of paint necessary to complete the job, you may end up spending more attempting to fix the paint damage yourself. It’s also highly improbable that you will ever use the material that you’ve purchased again in the future. Plus, if your DIY effort fails, it may cost all the more to have the paint job repaired by a professional.
- When the work needs to be guaranteed: Only a reliable vehicle body professional can offer vehicle owners a guarantee for the paint job. A guarantee (or warranty) provides peace of mind to the owner, understanding that if any concerns surface after the paint job, they will be dealt with. Moreover, professionals are typically insured, so if any accidents or damage take place during the paint job, they are covered.
- Preserving the quality of a vehicle: This is very true for vintage vehicles. If you’re a vehicle collector, it’s simply not smart to stand by DIY kits. Professional touch-ups make sure your vehicle will keep its value and, to repeat, particularly if you intend to sell it.
Consider this. At first, a DIY approach may seem to be cost-effective, but an improper paint repair could bring about more damage and demand subsequent professional paint repairs. In such instances, one ends up spending more than if they had decided on professional assistance up front.
Becker Body’s professional paint touch-up service can restore your vehicle to look as though it was brand new. With our color-matching technology, we are able to color-match your paint flawlessly so that you don’t have to be concerned about discolored paint where the repair was completed.
If you want your vehicle to look like new again, or if you are selling or returning a leased vehicle, give us a call when you’re in need of a professional paint touch-up.
