Category: Auto Body Paint Repair

When looking after your car, most people prioritize the very essentials but this can actually mean that they neglect the car in certain ways which will eventually mean that the car will not last its full lifetime. On the surface, you may be wondering why a new paint job would be important for your car as surely it is just aesthetics. Surprisingly, a new car paint job on your car can actually prevent issues like rust and be a healthy splurge on your vehicle, and could even increase its value. In this article, we will explore the top reasons to consider a new paint job for your car.

1) Increase the value of the car

If you are looking at selling your car in the next year or two and the paintwork on your car has seen better days, we would highly recommend that you consider a paint job. With the market how it is currently, used cars are increasing in their value due to the production of new cars being largely delayed. If you want to increase the value of your car by a couple of thousands of pounds, then a paint job is the way to go. The job is quick and effective to apply and will make sure that your used car looks in pristine condition.

2) Protect from rust and corrosion

One of the health benefits for your car when applying new paint is that the new layer of paint can help protect your car from the dreaded rust and corrosion. Rust and corrosion can cause our vehicles a lot of damage and is very common due to our climate. Most cars are made from either steel or metal and the bodies of the cars will slowly start to corrode over years of use. Rust and corrosion can also damage the exterior of your vehicle and be seen by future buyers. When it is visible that a car is suffering from rust, this can make the car unappealing and often not sell as well if you are looking at placing it back on the market. The new paint job will protect your car from corrosion and rust for many years to come and it is worth the investment.

3) Pick Your Favorite Color

This may not be on the top of your list of priorities but it is a lovely added bonus. When you have a new paint job done on your car, you can select the color and shade that you have always wanted. If the overall aesthetic of your vehicle is important to you then applying a new paint job to your car is worth it. You can select any color from the standard shades that you see on the road to a more recognizable and distinct color.

4) Motivates better care and maintenance

If you have taken your car for a new paint job and seen what pristine condition it has come out in, this will naturally inspire you to take better care of the maintenance of your vehicle. It is surprising what a coat of paint can do! A vehicle can look a lot more expensive and new with just a little paint and this will inspire any future owner to keep on top of all maintenance the car may need.

5) Repair Damage following a Collision

If you have been in an accident, there are sure to be a few scratches, scarps, and often damage to your paintwork. If you have been in a collision it is more common that the full body will need repainting to ensure that any new panels installed will match the original car. If you need to repair the car due to a collision, the insurance company may help with the cost of the repair.

6) Repairs scratches and damages

By repairing your car, you will find that you can repair small minor scratches that have occurred. If the scratches have been caused by general wear and tear, these will be fixed quickly by a new paint job as the paint will fill in the dented areas.

7) Replace chipping or flaking paint

If your current paintwork has started to chip, flake or peel then it will be time to have your car put in the garage for a new paint job. The reason your current paintwork could be chipping or flaking could be for many reasons including the age of the vehicle or the weather conditions the vehicle has endured. If the paint job was of poor quality or used poor quality paint, this may be the reason the paint on your car has started to chip away and show signs of damage. It is important that you book a new paint job as soon as you see signs of your old paint chipping, flaking, or peeling as when this happens this will expose the metal on your car which can then lead to your vehicle rusting.

How Elmer’s Auto Body Can Help Today:

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we would recommend that when you are booking your car for a new paint job you choose to use high-quality paint as this will be the best for your vehicle in the long run. Quality paint will last longer and help protect your vehicle against rust and corrosion. Selecting the correct color for your vehicle can be a challenging point for some but at Elmer’s Auto Body, we have a team that is ready to help you.

One of the professionals amongst the team can help you decide which paint is best for your vehicle and if it is time for your vehicle to come in for a new paint job. If you need any repairs to your vehicle call in at Elmer’s Auto Body today. The team at our auto body repair shop in South Jersey is ready to repair your car back to its original form using quality parts and skilled labor.

Over the years, your vehicle’s paint may lose its luster and vibrancy, causing it to fade. Even though modern car paint is resilient, environmental factors will make it wear down, chip, and peel. Learn the reasons behind auto paint fading, find out how to restore it, and understand some methods to prevent damage in the future. Here is everything you need to know about fading paint on your vehicle.

What Makes Paint Fade?

Many vehicles stay outside throughout the day and night. Even if you have a garage, many factors can cause it to lose its color, gloss, and vibrancy. Fading is natural in many cars, but you can take a few steps to reduce its impact and appearance on your vehicle. Here are some of the common causes of auto paint fading.

UV Light

Sunlight is a factor that can cause paint to fade. When your car is frequently exposed to direct sunlight, the UV rays can gradually break down the color. In turn, that leads to oxidation and discoloration. Eventually, the sunlight can cause the car’s paint to lose its shine and vibrancy over time.

UV rays can penetrate the vehicle’s surface and break down the chemical bonds that hold the paint’s pigments together. When that happens, the pigments lose color, leading to a faded appearance. Additionally, UV rays can cause the clear coat on the paint to become brittle and crack, causing more damage.

Unfortunately, different paint colors have varying levels of resistance to UV rays. Generally, darker colors, such as black and dark blue, are more susceptible to fading than lighter colors. If you have a dark-colored car, you will want to take extra steps to protect it.

Rock Salt

During colder months, rock salt is often used to melt snow and ice on roads. While it can help prevent accidents, this salt can be highly corrosive and damaging to a vehicle’s paint. As cars drive over treated roads, the salt pellets can become lodged in the undercarriage, wheel wells, and other spots. When the salt is combined with moisture, it creates a corrosive mixture that can eat away at the paint, causing it to chip and peel.

As more road salt accumulates on the car’s surface, it will create a rough texture. In turn, that increases the likelihood of scratches and abrasions. This rough surface can also trap dirt and other particles, contributing to paint damage.

Animal Droppings

Bird droppings and urine are unsightly and can also be detrimental to your paint. These substances are highly acidic. They are known to cause severe damage to your vehicle’s paint if left untreated. The acidity can eat away at the protective layer of the car’s paint, causing discoloration, fading, and even corrosion. The longer these droppings stay on the surface, the more damage they can cause. You will want to clean them off as soon as possible.

Improper Washing and Care

Properly maintaining your car’s paint is vital to keeping it looking new and vibrant. However, improper care and washing techniques can cause debris to build up on the car’s surface. As a result, that can scratch the paint and fade it over time.

Always use the proper techniques and materials to avoid scratching the paint when washing your car. Using harsh and abrasive chemicals can strip the protective wax layer, leaving the paint exposed and vulnerable to damage. Additionally, using the wrong sponge or towel can cause scratches on the car’s surface.

Neglecting to wash your car regularly can also lead to damage. As dirt, dust, and other debris accumulate, they can scratch the paint when you drive.

How to Protect Your Paint

Maintaining the pristine appearance of your vehicle’s paint job enhances its aesthetic appeal and preserves its value. One of the easiest ways to prevent paint from fading is to park your car in covered areas. With that, you can reduce direct sunlight exposure, a common cause of paint fading. If you don’t have access to covered parking, consider investing in a car cover to provide additional protection.

Regularly washing your car with a gentle cleanser is another important step in maintaining the paint’s quality. Harsh chemicals and rough scrubbers can damage the paint, leading to fading and scratches. Using gentle car-safe towels will prevent swirl marks and maintain the paint’s shine.

Waxing your car is an effective method of revitalizing the paint’s appearance and vibrancy. Applying a wax coating every three to six months can protect the paint from damage caused by UV rays, dirt, and other environmental factors. The wax works like a shield and preserves the color and shine of the paint.

You also want to take precautions in cleaning the car’s exterior. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, like dish soap, since they can strip the protective wax layer and cause fading. Instead, use a specialized car shampoo and microfiber towels to clean the car gently.

Maintaining the paint job of your car requires regular care and attention. By following these tips, you can protect the paint from fading and extend the life of your car’s exterior.

Looking for an Auto Body Shop Near Me?

Elmer’s Auto Body has been a leading collision repair provider in South Jersey for over 75 years. As a family-owned and -operated business, we take pride in doing things differently from the other companies. With our exceptional knowledge, experience, and care, we ensure that your vehicle is repaired correctly. If you need a reputable auto body shop, call us at (856) 218-0202.

Perhaps you’ve thought about how your car’s paint job has begun to show its age and wondered if you should repaint it. Doing a repainting can bring a lot of satisfaction, but you should consider a few things before you tell someone to repaint it. First, repainting a car takes careful thought because of the cost. You can expect it to cost $1,000, but it depends on the complexity and the paint you want. The average range is anywhere from $300 to $10,000.

Worth It? Depends on the Vehicle

Some repaints will cost as much as 25 percent of the car’s value, which makes it a bad deal. Request an appraisal through a dealership, professional appraiser or lender before you repaint it. If it costs 25 percent or more of the car’s value, you may want to skip the paint job and just drive it.

Changing the Color: Should You Do It?

Changing the car’s color will cost more than repainting it with the same color. You should also understand how this can impact its resale value, and in most cases, the value won’t take a turn for the positive. Sometimes it will drop in value by as much as 20 percent.

Are You Holding the Car for the Long Term?

If you plan to hold onto the car over the long term and a new paint job would give you pleasure, then it might be worth the extra cost to repaint your car. Especially if you don’t care about the resale value, it would freshen up its look. Now, everyone should understand how no new paint job will ever have as much value as the original factory paint job. Unless you’re willing to pay $7,000 or more, the original factory paint job will always look better, so you want to protect it as much as possible.

Many Choice for Paint Jobs

You can choose from a variety of paints that will impact the price and quality of the paint job. Everything considers the color, quality and level of preparation. Let’s say you encounter one shop willing to do it for $700 and another that requests $1,400. In 99 percent of all circumstances, you can expect that the $700 paint job will give you half the value. You can get lucky deals on this, but on the whole, you will get a subpar job if you go too cheap.

Don’t Expect a Repainting to Fix All Your Problems

We highlight this because you need realistic expectations. The second paint job will almost never beat the original factory paint job, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. You need realistic expectations.

The other thing is that painting over severe damage won’t fix the issue. Think of it like putting a bandaid over a bullet wound. In some cases, a shiny new paint job can even highlight the problem areas on the car even more. To get the best results, the auto body shop should be able to remove the old paint on the car and fix the problematic areas.

This would include things like:

• Gouges
• Scratches
• Rust spots
• Holes
• Pits
• Dents

Fixing these things beforehand will ensure that you receive the best results. You can’t just paint over the problem, and you don’t want to hire an auto body shop that uses that approach.

Repainting a Car Adds Value Usually

Most of the time when you repaint a car, it will add value if you use the right auto body shop. You might think of repainting as an investment because it makes your car more attractive and will bring in more buyers. In some cases, a new paint job can add a couple of thousand dollars in value.

When you Google “auto body shop near me,” however, check to see that you use a reputable shop. You want someone who understands paint jobs and will do the best work possible with quality paints. A lousy paint job can have the opposite effect on value.

The Unknown Risk

Some risk does exist and many people don’t even realize the danger because you’d never think you’d need to remove the interior to do a paint job. This removal includes the dash, console and seats. In some cases, the technician accidentally damages the interior. Reputable technicians remove this extra so that it doesn’t interfere with painting.

Most auto body shops recommend that you remove all your valuables from the car before you have a paint job done. This removes the risk that you would find anything missing, but it saves time as well with what they need to remove from the car.

Call on the Best Body Shop in NJ

If you’re interested in a business that can do paint jobs well, Elmer’s Auto Body has served the South Jersey community for over 75 years. We have the know-how and the experience to ensure that you receive a paint job that will add value. Sometimes people choose to get a paint job done just as a way to pump up the value of the car right before they sell it. Provided you hired a reputable auto body shop that knows what they’re doing, that can be a viable path to get some extra cash. Call Elmer’s Auto Body today at (856) 218-0202.

In the past, if you wanted to give your car a bold new look or make it look ready for the used card lot, you got it a paint job. That was really the only option you had. Now, there is another alternative out there that has become increasingly popular: car wraps. Many commercial vehicles with detailed images have been using vinyl car wraps for years to advertise. You, too, can enjoy wild colors, unique effects, and more with wrap. But that brings about the ultimate question: Is it cheaper to wrap or paint a car? Which option is right for you?

Let’s find out.

Car Wrap vs Paint Job: How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of things plays a major role in the decisions of most car owners these days. You may be considering a car wrap over a paint job before selling your car to recoup some of the car’s value, for example. However, is that the best idea? Or would your money be better spent on a fresh coat of paint?

For starters, the cost of a car wrap is determined by the shop doing the job, as well as the kind of wrap you are using, how much is used, and on the level of complexity for the installation. For most standard model cars out there, like a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, a car wrap using a matte or satin finish is going to cost you around $2,000-$3,000 at auto body shops in South Jersey. A Tesla Model 3 will cost around $3,700. Have a Ford Mustang? The cost is closer to $4,000.

A chrome or metallic finish is going to cost you slightly more, because the materials are more intricate to install. Plus, the wrap itself costs more to make. As such, if you wanted to wrap that same Ford Mustang in chrome, you may end up shelling out between $6,500 and $8,000.

Furthermore, the more expensive the make and model, the more expensive the wrap job. A high-end car, like a Lamborghini or Rolls-Royce will cost upwards of $12,000 to wrap.

The Cost of a Paint Job

Like a car wrap, the cost of a paint job varies greatly depending on the person or shop where the job is taking place, as well as the make, model, and materials being used. If you want to repaint your car the same color it currently is with cheap paint, you may only be set back $300. The current average cost of a paint job is around $500-$600, though if you want a professional quality paint job, you may end up spending $1,000 to $3,500 for paint that shines like it’s fresh from the showroom.

For paint, the more you pay, the better the results. Therefore, you also have to consider any repairs that need to be made prior to the paint getting sprayed on. You may have to remove spots of rust, fix dents, and more. Since this adds both time and resources and labor to the painting process, the bill may be close to $5,000 when all is said and done.

Car Wrap or Paint: Which is More Durable?

The main thing to remember is that, while neither car wraps or paint are fully permanent, one lasts longer than the other. The average lifespan of a car wrap is around 5 years, while a fresh paint job lasts between 10-15 years. Both car wraps and paint can be given protective coatings that increase durability, but that needs to be added into the cost of the wrap or paint job. For example, if you choose a “nano ceramic” coating for your vehicle’s wrap, you are adding $1,500 to $1,800 to the bill. Yes, you get more resistance to UV rays, scratching, and water damage, but that is a hefty addition to consider.

That is not to say that paint won’t chip, crack, and fade. Maintenance can extend the lifespan, however, potentially giving your paint job a far greater return of investment than a car wrap.

Other Considerations When Choosing to Paint or Wrap a Car

There are few other things to keep in mind when deciding on whether a wrap or paint job for your car is cheaper.

Upkeep

Car wraps and paint require the same amount of maintenance. You should hand-wash your vehicle with a pH neutral car wash that does not have any harsh chemicals. If possible, avoid car washes, as the shampoos used are full of chemicals that could damage your car’s wrap or paint.

Appearance

There is no denying that a professional showroom paint job is unparalleled in appearance. Car wraps have yet to get close enough to the sparkling quality of fresh, unmarred paint. Undamaged paint also increases the market value.

Yet, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You may prefer the carbon fiber look of a specialty car wrap to a fresh coat of paint.

Removal

Sometimes, removing the wrap for your vehicle can damage the paint underneath. Both re-wrapping and repainting cars are a similar process. However, if you want to get that damaged paint repaired before the wrap, you cannot ignore that additional cost.

Choosing What’s Best For You

Both car wraps and paint jobs average around $2,000-$5,000, depending on the quality of the paint or wrap, your vehicle, and the complexity of installation. Both car wraps and paint jobs can be cheap or extremely expensive—it depends on what you want. That said, while the overall cost is more or less a tie, you should consider your budget and the look you want. Either way, you will be making an investment.

Looking to get your vehicle’s paint repaired after a collision? Head to the best body shop in NJ: Elmer’s Auto Body. The experienced auto technicians at Elmer’s Auto Body can help restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Let’s get your vehicle scheduled today. Give us a call or send us a message online.

If you have recently purchased a new vehicle or a very very old one, then you may be wondering how long does car paint last and how do I take care of it? There are a lot of external factors that can damage the paintwork on your car, including some environmental factors. That said, it is more important to know the durability of the paint currently on your vehicle.

 

How Long Does Car Paint Last?

On average, the paint that is used on your vehicle can last up to 15 years before it starts to show signs of extreme wear. Eventually, the paint will need to be replaced. It is not uncommon to see a car that needs to be repainted after the 10-year mark. The amount of years that the paint on your car will last is really dependent on if the vehicle has been properly cared for. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions or acidic substances can all reduce the number of years your car’s paint will last.

 

How Long Does Paint Last On A Modern Car?

In the past, cars used to be painted in something called acrylic paint. It’s still an option, but much less common. A lot of modern vehicles now use urethane paint which is designed to reflect UV rays, making the paint more durable. This durability adds to its life expectancy making the estimated time 15 years for a modern car’s paint to last.

What Is Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paint is commonly used on vehicles as it is the easiest paint to apply but unfortunately does not last as long as other paints. Acrylic paint begins to chip and fade when exposed to long amounts of sunlight. Any people who do up classic cars at home tend to use this kind of paint.

 

What Is Urethane Paint?

Urethane paint is mainly used in the auto paint world and is a newer form of paint compared to acrylic paint. Urethane paint is harder to apply than acrylic as it is toxic and needs to be applied with special safety equipment. The urethane paint also requires skill to apply. Urethane paint will reflect UV rays and will be better for your car in the long run. If you are wondering what type of paint is commonly used on cars, we would say that any car that is 15 years old and the paint is still intact will have used Urethane paint.

 

How Long Does Paint Last On A Classic Car?

Any vehicles that were created before the 1960s most likely use acrylic lacquer or acrylic enamel paint. The shades of this paint are extremely lovely but they only last a certain period of time before they need redoing. This is because this type of paint is not resistant to UV rays. The estimated time a classic car using acrylic lacquer or acrylic enamel paint can be exposed to the sun is roughly 5-10 years before the paint starts to fade.

 

Does It Matter What Type Of Paint I Choose?

When you are choosing what kind of paint you want on your car, it is best to try and pick a better quality paint as this will last you a lot longer in the future. The price of a paint job is reflective of the type of quality paint that will be used on your car. On average, the cost of a paint job on your vehicle can cost anywhere between $500 – $15,000. We would recommend that you choose a paint based on your budget and based on how long you would like it to last.

How Can I Take Care Of My Car’s Paint?

If you have just had your car repainted then you will want to make sure that the paint is cared for properly, extending the life of the new paint job so you can enjoy the color for much longer than usual.

There are many things that you can do to protect the paint on your car. Here is a list of ways you can protect your new paintwork:

Aim to protect your car from the weather by parking it in a garage or area that is covered by rain. Purchase a car cover that is made from felt on the inside, this will protect your car from scratches. Purchasing a car cover that is slightly better than a basic version will help protect the temperature of your car, especially in extreme heat. Aim to clean your car as often as possible, especially when you see bird poo or tree sap marks on the paintwork.

 

How Elmer’s Auto Body Can Help Today

If you need your paint redone or you see that you have a lot of scratches on your car then Elmer’s Auto Body can help. One of the professionals on the team can help you decide which paint is best for your vehicle. If you need any repairs to your vehicle call in at Elmer’s Auto Body today. The team at our auto body repair shop in South Jersey is ready to repair your car back to its original form using quality parts and skilled labor.

Every vehicle needs a new paint job from time to time. Even if you are careful about taking care of your car’s finish, every coat of paint will eventually go bad. This might involve fading, cracking, peeling, or any number of other unsightly side effects. And so, if your vehicle is suffering from these issues, or if it’s just become entirely too scratched up and ugly, you will need to get a new paint job. You will have to make the choice between water-based car paint and solvent-based paint, and that choice will be our focus today.

 

Waterborne Vs Solvent Based Paint

Paint consists of a pigment that has been suspended in a liquid. Of course, the liquid used will make a big difference in the properties of the paint. Waterborne paint is obviously water-based, meaning that it consists mostly of pigment and water. A solvent-based paint will generally use toluene, xylene, or some other chemical solvent. For those who don’t know, a “solvent” is any substance that is used to dissolve another substance. In this case, chemicals like toluene and xylene are used to dissolve the pigment. There are a number of reasons why people choose one or the other. Let’s talk a little bit about their pros and cons.

 

Pros Of Waterborne Auto Paint

First of all, waterborne paints are a lot less toxic. While you certainly wouldn’t want to drink the stuff, it presents far fewer hazards to both humans and the environment. This makes waterborne paints a better choice when painting in confined spaces, as you won’t have to worry about the fumes. Paint fumes are normally not that dangerous, but if they build up in a small garage they could make you lightheaded or even make you pass out.

Waterborne paint also tends to produce a brighter, more vibrant kind of color. Because water is a color-neutral substance, there will be nothing to interfere with the tone of the paint, preventing you from getting the color you want. Thus, if you are looking for a very specific kind of color, waterborne paints are also a better choice. Waterborne paint also tends to have better opacity, meaning that you can cover the same area with less paint. This also means fewer coats, saving both time and money. Speaking of saving money, waterborne paints can be made with less pigment, and that is why they tend to be cheaper.

 

Pros Of Solvent-Based Paint

Naturally, water-based paint tends to be a bit thinner. Thus, despite its opacity advantages, waterborne paint isn’t the best for cover-up jobs. If you are trying to hide flaws and imperfections (or a previous paint job), then you will have a harder time here. The thickness of solvent-based paint does make it better for certain things. Despite its thickness, solvent-based paint will usually dry faster. Many of those chemical solvents will evaporate more quickly than water.

Waterborne paint also doesn’t tend to produce as durable of a finish when compared to solvent-based versions. A waterborne paint job isn’t exactly fragile, but solvent-based paint will usually hold up longer, especially in harsh weather. Humidity is another factor to consider when repainting your car. The humidity in the air will affect drying times, and high levels of humidity can sometimes keep the paint from adhering properly. Solvent-based paint has the advantage of being less susceptible to humidity.

Regulations Might Play A Role As Well

Because solvent-based paints contain toxic chemicals, certain states have chosen to regulate their contents. Thus, depending on where you live, you might not be able to use the best solvent-based products. California, in particular, has taken steps to limit the toxicity of solvent-based paint by prohibiting certain ingredients. Of course, no one is going to throw you in jail for using the wrong car paint, but you can end up with a hefty fine.

 

Which Is Better?

When choosing a tool for any job, you have to think about the specifics of that job. Thus, there are some situations in which solvent-based paint is better. However, we find that waterborne paint is a better choice all around. For one thing, you don’t have to worry so much about environmental regulations when you use this type of paint. For another, the lack of toxicity makes it much safer for all involved. Thirdly, waterborne paints tend to be cheaper while still offering the same level of effectiveness.

In the end, solvent-based paints have a slight durability advantage, and their greater thickness can be a slight advantage as well. However, water-based paints are the superior choice for most jobs. You see, the durability advantage enjoyed by solvent-based paints isn’t as nice as it sounds. All vehicle paint jobs will be covered with a layer of clear coat, and that layer is meant to protect your paint from damage. So, since you will always be adding a little extra “armor” to the finish anyway, the waterborne paint jobs will probably hold up just as long as any other.

 

Conclusion

When it comes to the question of waterborne vs. solvent-based paint, the advantages of waterborne paints outweigh those of solvent-based paints, mostly because they are much more universal. Most people are moving away from the use of toxic chemicals, so it makes sense that solvent-based car paints are now mostly reserved for special purposes.

If your vehicle needs a new paint job, you might be asking yourself: “where is the best auto body shop near me?” If that’s the case, we would recommend calling our experts here at Elmer’s Auto Body. Our shops use only the highest-quality PPG paint and have been proudly serving the community for over 70 years. To find out more, fill out our contact form or give us a call at (856) 218-0202.