Repairing paintwork damage can be quite a skill. Fortunately, using our unique custom-mixed paint means it’s one you can quickly master. But the real art is knowing how to blend paint on your car so the damage disappears.
Let’s dive in and find out what you need to know for seamless repairs.
The importance of blending car paint for pro-level repairs
Badly executed paintwork repairs are a real eyesore. You can spot the difference between old and new paint a mile off, and it’s one of the reasons people pay big money for seamless professional repairs.
The aim of blending car paint is to make the old and new paint a cohesive whole. We do this by tricking the eye into believing that the sprayed panel is the same colour as the rest of the car. Master this skill, and you can save a fortune on repairs.
How to blend paint on a car panel
An unwanted scratch, scrape or chip can be incredibly annoying. However, flawless repairs are within reach once you know how to blend paint on a car and make the damage disappear. Before getting started with paint application, always check the colour match by applying a small amount of paint to an area of your vehicle that is hidden.
Seamless repairs start with good preparation
Begin by thoroughly prepping out the scratch and prime if necessary.
Always mask off the full panel.
This avoids creating a visible edge between the old and new paint, which can happen if only a small section is taped off.
Aerosol and spray paints often produce uneven coverage at the edges, resulting in a blurry transition. By masking the whole panel, the edge of the spray overlaps only onto the masked-off area, ensuring a clean break between the new colour and the existing finish.
Next, sand the area with some 2000-grit sandpaper or fine scotchbrite, just enough to help the paint adhere properly.
Finally, clean the area thoroughly to get rid of any grit and dry with a microfibre towel.
Build colour gradually
Now you’re ready to apply the first coat — this is where the magic happens. You’ll start spraying at the edge of the taped-off area and then move towards the centre, spraying less and less as you go.
By the time you reach the centre, you should only be applying a fine mist coat. This technique tricks the eye so you can’t easily see where the old paint stops and the new begins. It takes practice, but makes for a pro-standard repair.
You’ll need to build the colour by adding several more layers in the same way, letting each one dry for at least 25 minutes. When you’re satisfied with the result, leave to flash off ready for lacquer application.
Apply the lacquer
When the basecoat colour is dry to touch, (check by touching the edge of the masking paper) you are ready to apply the clear coat. If the basecoat colour has covered more than half the panel then it’s best to clear lacquer the full panel.
Work from the top spraying horizontally and work down to the bottom of the panel. Start the spraying on the masking and move at a constant speed over to the other masking then drop down and repeat to the bottom of the panel.
Two full coats of clear is usually enough although a third can be applied but make sure it does not run.
Leave overnight to fully cure.
Buff and polish
Inspecting your car in daylight is essential to check that everything has blended nicely. If it’s all good, you can move on to the clear coat and polish. If not, try buffing out any dirt nibs or blobs.
Wet the repaired area, then dunk a piece of 1,500 grit sandpaper in water. Gently work across the area in smooth, even strokes, re-wetting the sandpaper as necessary. Use wet 2,000-grit sandpaper for the final pass until everything is perfectly smooth.
Use a little compound on a rotary polisher head and buff the area until all the scratches have gone and the shine develops.
Finishing touches
Great repairs are all about the finishing touches. Apply a high-quality wax or ceramic coating for a long-lasting repair.
Get great results with Auto Aerosol car paint
Now you know the art of perfect blending, you’re ready to order your ideal colour match from Auto Aerosol. Use our quick and easy paint code finder to get your exact colour code match and order your custom-mixed aerosol or spray gun paint tins with Auto Aerosol.
