Category: Auto Body Paint Repair

Have you been thinking about having your car painted? Or perhaps you have thought about doing it yourself? Either way, you have come to the right place. A full paint job is a big task, and it requires the right knowledge. Otherwise, it becomes a complete waste of time and money. A poorly-done paint job will make your entire car look cheap and ugly, so think carefully before you choose the DIY route. In any case, let’s talk about one of the most essential steps of the car painting process, and that is the sanding phase.

 

Do Repair Shops Sand A Vehicle Before Painting It?

The short answer is yes. A repair shop will always sand a vehicle before a new paint job is applied. Of course, there is a question of how much sanding they will do. There are different schools of thought on this matter, and not all shops will do it in the same way. There isn’t necessarily just one right way, either. A number of factors can influence this process.

Let’s start with the bare minimum. At the bare minimum, you will need to sand the old finish enough to roughen the surface. New paint will not easily stick to a smooth surface. Thus, if you don’t sand the paint job (at least a little bit), your paint will begin to flake and peel in no time at all. A little bit of surface roughness will provide the traction that is needed for the paint to stay in place.

If you really want to be thorough, you can sand the whole car down to the bare metal. If you are replacing a dark color with a lighter color, this really is the way to go. Otherwise, the old finish might darken the new one. Thus, you will not end up with the exact color that you wanted. However, if you are replacing a light color with a darker one, there is no need to sand the whole thing.

 

What Is The Best Way To Sand The Vehicle?

The best way is to use a small power sander. A mid-sized palm sander is a great option, as it will do the job with minimal effort. At the same time, you don’t want to use a full-size power sander unless you are a trained professional. Even then, it might not be the best idea. First of all, you might go too far and remove some of the underlying metal (that’s very bad because it reduces the structural strength of your car, which is a safety issue).

You could do the entire car by hand with sandpaper, but that is not usually the best option. Even if you are just roughening the surface (as opposed to removing all of the old paint down to the bare metal), it will take a long time to do the job using only sandpaper. Of course, if you don’t have any experience with this kind of thing, the best option is to simply take it to a reputable repair shop like ours.

Speaking of sandpaper, you need to be sure you get the right kind. If it is too rough, it will remove too much material. If it is too smooth, you’re going to be sanding all day long. Most people find that 2000-2500 grit sandpaper is ideal. You should also use some kind of cutting compound. This is just an abrasive chemical paste that is used to aid the removal of an old finish. Thus, you won’t have to do the whole thing with elbow grease alone.

 

What About Auto Primer?

As you may know, an automotive paint job requires that you put down a layer of primer. Like the sanding, this part of the process is meant to ensure that the final finish will adhere properly. Also, a primer layer will often be slightly uneven, so a little sanding can do a lot to level it out. However, the primer layer will still require sanding. You won’t have to go very deep when sanding a primer layer, of course, since it isn’t that thick in the first place.

It should be noted that drying and curing time is very important to the overall results. The general recommendation is to wait no more than 24 hours before applying the final coat. Some people choose to wait a lot longer, but it is not recommended. Of course, some types of primer will give you a lot more time. Environmental factors like humidity and temperature can also come into play.

 

The Importance Of Taping

As a final note, we should mention the importance of good taping. You should use painter’s tape (sometimes called “masking tape”) to cover all the surfaces that aren’t supposed to be painted or sanded. This includes the windows, windshield, any trim that you might have, headlights, taillights, etc. Don’t skimp on this step, as both sandpaper and paint can permanently damage those surfaces.

 

Conclusion

Many people find that the task of repainting their entire vehicle is a little bit too much. If you are one of those people, you should go ahead and call a reputable auto body shop. But, you might ask: “What is the best auto body shop near me?” Elmer’s Auto Body has been servicing the New Jersey area for over 75 years. If you need top-notch automotive painting or other bodywork, your best bet is to call our team at (856) 218-0202.

Bird droppings can spoil the look of your vehicle. Those bird splatters are more than an annoyance. While they might seem like a harmless mess, the droppings can cause damage to your vehicle’s paint. Before it gets to that point, you can do a few things to protect your paint from bird droppings.

 

Why Are Bird Droppings Bad?

You might think that bird droppings are no big deal, but they can damage your car’s paint. There is uric acid in bird droppings. When birds excrete that, it will eat away at your vehicle’s clear coat. Eventually, the paint will become damaged, exposing the metal chassis. Remember that metal will expand in the heat, making the bird droppings seep deeper into the paint layer.

Bird droppings have a pH level of 4, making them acidic. These acidic substances will try to reach a neutral state. During that process, these substances eat away at alkali objects, such as your paint. Uric acid can partially dissolve in a neutral substance like water. If you want to remove the bird mess, you will need to use more than water for the job.

 

Types of Bird Dropping Damage

There are several levels of bird-dropping damage. Most of the damage depends on the dropping’s size, how long it remains on the vehicle’s surface, and whether it has wrinkled.

Fresh Bird Droppings

If you are lucky, you can remove the bird droppings immediately after they have landed on your paint. In most cases, you can prevent damage to the vehicle’s surface. Paint damage often occurs within 48 hours of exposure to bird droppings.

Wrinkled Droppings

Allowing the bird droppings to remain on the vehicle’s paint can fracture or wrinkle the paint. That makes it harder to clean, and the feces can bond to the car’s paint.

Topical Stain Etching

This type of bird dropping will have a faded appearance. If the bird droppings have not soaked into the paint, you may be able to wipe these droppings off with a cloth. If they set into the paint, you might need to use harsh chemicals from a professional cleaning company.

 

How To Clean Bird Droppings Off Your Car

If you notice bird droppings on your vehicle, you need to take action. When you wait to clean the surface, it will start to eat into the layer of paint. Once the droppings begin to fracture or wrinkle, you will need a professional cleaning product to remove them.

When the droppings are wet, take a microfiber cloth or damp paper towel to the car’s surface. You should be able to wipe it off the surface easily. If the droppings are dried, take a damp paper towel and leave it on the stain for about 10 minutes. After that time, use the cloth to wipe off the mess. You might also want to use dishwashing soap for those stuck-on stains.

Old stains might need help from a professional cleaning solution. You could put some club soda on a cloth. It will neutralize the acid in the droppings and dissolve that solid matter. If you cannot remove all of it, apply a paint protection formula to slow down the erosion process. For those wrinkled or fractured droppings, take your car into a professional auto body shop for repainting.

If the droppings have been scrubbed without the desired result, you might want to talk to a professional auto body shop. By continuing to scrub, you can cause more damage to the paint.

 

Protecting Against Bird Dropping Damage

If you don’t want damage to your vehicle’s paint, think about parking your car inside a garage. Make sure to stay away from trees. These trees provide food, shelter, and nesting material for birds. Parking in those spots will leave your car vulnerable to damage.

Wherever there are trees, you will find birds, leading to droppings. Look for those telltale signs of bird droppings. As you can guess, you want to stay away from any areas with a large population of birds. Parking near these spaces will put a bullseye on your car’s paint.

You should try to park in a garage or carport. Any space that gives you a little cover will help to prevent bird damage to your paint. Not only are covered areas a great way to avoid bird droppings, but they can stop other elements from damaging the vehicle’s painted surface.

Consider using a car cover for your vehicle. These covers can protect your vehicle from damaging elements, including bird droppings. You should not use them as a long-term solution, but they can help prevent some damage, especially in the spring. Car covers are not very convenient since you will have to remove them and replace them throughout the day.

Finally, keep your vehicle clean. Yes, it seems like birds will soil freshly clean cars. However, you can easily wipe off those fresh bird droppings by keeping the surface cleaned and waxed. With a clean cloth, you will be able to wash any stains from the vehicle’s surface.

Birds can be destructive, but you can take steps to protect your paint. If you see any droppings on your vehicle, take a cloth and wipe it away. The longer you wait, the more damage these droppings can cause.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we can help repair any damage from those bird droppings. Our team will work hard to return the paint back to its pre-damage conditions. When you need an auto body shop near me, call us at (856) 218-0202.

No matter how much you love your shiny new paint job, you should remember this: It will not last forever. All paint jobs will eventually deteriorate with time, and there are numerous reasons for this fact. You probably know that already, but you may not know why it happens. Let’s go over the most common causes of the problem so that you can fully understand why auto body paint will eventually fade.

 

Sunlight

This is probably the main cause of fading auto paint. Unless it happens to be a show car, your car is going to spend most of its time in the sunlight. Whether that might be on the road, in the parking lot, or in your driveway. This is harmful to the finish because sunlight does not just consist of light alone. It also contains UV radiation, which isn’t too good for your paint job. While this kind of radiation is not particularly harmful, it will cause degradation of a vehicle’s finish over time.

This happens because the paint absorbs that UV radiation and is changed. Its molecules become “excited”, meaning that their particles become more active. This eventually causes those molecules to break apart. When enough of them become damaged, the whole finish will start peeling and fading.

 

Road Salt

If you live in an area where road salt is frequently used to clear the roads, it can also be a hazard to your vehicle’s finish. Much like UV radiation, salt is corrosive over time. It may not cause damage in the short term, but it can cause a lot of damage over the long haul. Salt is corrosive because of its ionic properties. The presence of salt, water, and iron in the same place results in several chemical reactions, and this is why salt can be corrosive.

Salt will eventually result in rusting, but that won’t be the first stage. Long before any rust begins to form, the color of the paint will begin to fade. This is, of course, a warning sign that should not be ignored. When the salt has caused your paint job to fade, rusting issues will not be far behind. If you live in a colder-weather area where salt is a frequent problem, you might want to consider giving your car a quick daily rinse with the water hose.

 

Atmospheric Pollution

Pollution can also play a role in the fading of vehicle paint. the effects of pollution are magnified by wind speed, so highway driving can aggravate this issue. If you live in an area with an acid rain problem, you really need to worry about pollution issues.

 

Paint Color

It sounds a little weird, but the color of your finish can impact its longevity. There are just certain colors that lose their luster more quickly. Silver paint is one of the biggest culprits, as it has been proven to have a shorter lifespan. Water-based acrylic paints are also quicker to fade, and they are often used on cheaper cars for budget reasons.

In many cases, this happens because of differences in the hardness of the finish. Some paints are formulated to have a harder or softer finish when they dry. Needless to say, the softer options will fade much more quickly.

 

Cleaning Agents

If you are the kind of person who likes to keep your car squeaky clean, you should choose your cleaning products carefully. Some cleaners are abrasive, meaning that they are rough on the surface of the paint. An abrasive cleaner works kind of like a piece of steel wool…it cleans by removing the top layer of material. These abrasive cleaners will make your paint job thinner and thinner until it finally starts to fade and vanish.

Examples of abrasive cleaners include:

• Baking Soda
• Bleach
• Acid-based cleaners
• Lye-based cleaners
• Strong alcohol-based cleaners
• Most detergents
• Any cleaner that contains small solid particles

Examples of non-abrasive cleaners include:

• Pine-based cleaning products
• Ammonia-based cleaners
• Low-powered alcohol-based cleaners
• Oxidation-based cleaners

 

Excessive Washing

Automatic car washes can also be very harmful to your car’s finish. We should clarify that an occasional run through the auto wash is nothing to worry about. However, the abrasive action of those big brushes can be bad for your paint. The high-pressure water spray is also pretty hard on the finish, and the strong soap that they use doesn’t help, either. Thankfully, this problem isn’t too hard to handle. Just limit your visits to the automatic car wash and/or do most of your washing by hand with soft brushes and non-abrasive cleaners.

 

Conclusion

No matter how careful you are, your car’s paint will eventually fade. However, it is possible to extend the life of that finish to a great degree. By limiting exposure to anything harsh and rough (like direct sunlight and noxious chemicals), you can keep that paint job looking bright and new for as long as possible. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we specialize in creating attractive and durable finishes that will last for years to come. If you find yourself asking: “Where is the best auto body shop near me?”, then you should know that we offer the best service in the entire New Jersey area. If you would like to know more about our expert services, please call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

 

Unfortunately, paint damage to your car is unavoidable. Yes, you can try to prevent it, but damage can occur to any vehicle. Those dents and scratches are unsightly, and they can lower the vehicle’s resale value. If you don’t get the damage repaired, you have a higher risk of developing rust on the exterior. There are several ways that the paint can become damaged, but you can avoid these problems with a bit of precaution.

 

Common Causes of Paint Damage on Cars

While you do your best to keep the paint looking great, many factors can damage it. Here are some of those common causes of paint damage.

Temperature Fluctuations

Most cars spend time outside. The paint can contract and expand with temperature changes. As a result, the paint develops small cracks where salt, moisture, and other chemicals can enter, causing rust. No matter the season, your paint is at risk for paint damage.

Polishes and Creams

People write messages in shoe polish or shaving cream on a vehicle’s window. While the sentiment is nice, that can severely damage the paint on the car. When those elements get on the paint, they can be difficult to remove, leaving permanent stains and marks. Shaving cream and shoe polish remove the vehicle’s wax, making your paint more vulnerable to damage.

Construction Materials

You never want to leave your vehicle in a construction area. These spots have a high concentration of dust. Plus, there is always the possibility of concrete, wood, or other materials hitting your car. After an accident, you could have dents, scratches, and damaged paint. You will need to have the section repaired by a professional in those cases.

Bugs, Bird Droppings, and Eggs

Bird eggs, splattered bugs, and animal droppings have the potential to damage your vehicle’s paint. These elements have natural chemicals that erode paint, exposing the underlying layers. Clean it up as soon as possible when you see a mess on your car. While you cannot prevent bug splatter, you never want to leave it on the vehicle. After a while, it can be challenging to remove those splats from the paint without causing damage.

Gasoline, Brake Fluid, and Diesel

Some liquids are needed to operate the car, but they can damage the paint’s surface. Diesel, gasoline, and brake fluid can cause the vehicle’s paint to peel. You want to be cautious when fueling up your car. If anything drips on the surface, wipe it away. You also want to be careful when refilling other fluids, such as brake fluid. Once again, if that fluid gets on the surface, it will slowly eat at the paint.

Vandalism

Scissors, knives, razor blades, and keys can all cause damage to the paint. Unfortunately, some people want to cause damage to your vehicle. You need to repair any scratches or dents before problems develop with the paint.

Rocks and Stones

Driving on the highway can be hazardous to your paint. Vehicles can kick up rocks, stones, and other small objects from the road. A small chip might seem insignificant, but it can lead to paint disintegration.

Abrasive Cleaners and Dirty Cleaning Cloths

Yes, you want to clean your vehicle. However, you should avoid dish soap and dirty clothes. Stick to those high-quality vehicle cleaning products. You also never want to use abrasive materials on the car, like dirty rags. These materials can destroy the paint, leaving your vehicle vulnerable to rust. A dry cloth can cause friction, causing scratches and other damage to the paint.

 

Steps To Maintain Your Car’s Paint Job

Now that you know what causes damage, here are ways to prevent it.

Watch Where You Park
Keeping your car outside will only lead to paint damage. While you might get lucky, accidents are waiting to happen outdoors. If you have a garage, park the vehicle inside. Use a cover that can protect against UV rays and snow if you don’t have a covered spot. Shady areas will help to protect your paint from the sun. Consider having your vehicle waxed, washed, and detailed by a professional auto body shop. Wax can be the first line of defense to protect the paint’s integrity.

Wash Your Vehicle
A dirty vehicle is more prone to paint damage than a well-maintained one. For example, bug splatters and bird droppings can be hard to remove after setting into the paint. These elements can be acidic and eat away at the vehicle’s wax, clear coat, and base color. While you might want to scrape away the debris, always use a soft, clean microfiber cloth to remove the mess.

Washing your vehicle also gives you time to inspect the paint. Make sure you are using high-quality products and the correct type of cleaning cloth. Bring it to a certified auto paint specialist if you see any damage.

Keep the Vehicle in Well-Lit Areas
Vandalism is a big problem. You can deter these criminal acts by parking in a well-lit space. Choose a spot that can be clearly visible to others. If you cannot find the ideal location, do not keep your car left unattended for too long.

Stay Away from Trucks and Other Vehicles
Keep your distance from dump trucks and other construction vehicles when driving down the road. In some cases, they are hauling rocks, stones, and debris that can fly off and scratch the surface of your paint.

In addition to that, stay away from other cars in the parking lot. Drivers who are not careful can hit your vehicle. That can leave behind scratches and dents. Even a high wind can blow a cart into your vehicle’s paint. If you want to be safe, park the car away from others.

 

Get Paint Damage Repaired By a Trusted Auto Body Shop

These tips can help you maintain the appearance and integrity of your vehicle’s paint. If you need a repair, reach out to Elmer’s Auto Body. Our certified and trained paint specialists have the expertise to repair and color match your paint. We will work hard to get it back to the pre-accident condition. Need an auto body shop near you? Schedule a consultation by calling 856-218-0202.

If you are thinking about having your vehicle repainted, there are several big decisions that must be made. You’ve probably got a color in mind, but a lot of people don’t stop to consider the type of finish that they want. Different types of paint create different visual effects, which are commonly called “finishes.” Let’s go over the different types of auto paint finishes and help you to choose the best one for you.

 

Solid Paint Finish

Your vehicle probably has this type of finish, as it is the standard for most new cars. Solid paint is just that: A solid color from a palette of the most common colors. After a single thick coat is applied, the paint is then covered with a clear varnish that provides extra protection against chipping, scratching, and the weather. In some cases, the paint is mixed with the varnish for more uniform performance.

The main plus for this kind of paint is its low cost. If you are on a tight budget, a solid paint finish is probably the right choice. However, these colors can be a little boring. If you want your vehicle to stand out from the crowd, solid paint is not the way to go.

 

Matte Finish

A matte finish can best be described as “flat.” These types of paint will dry with a slightly roughened surface. As a result, they reflect almost no light. Many people like this type of finish, although it is more common for high-end vehicles. A matte look definitely presents a high-class and distinguished appearance.

On the other hand, matte finishes are expensive, and they are a little harder to maintain. Without that light reflection, small flaws in the finish will be more visible, and it will be harder to repair those flaws without creating a smooth and reflective patch. It might actually be more cost-efficient to get a matte vehicle wrap, as this is cheaper and easier to replace.

 

Metallic Paint Finish

Metallic paint might be said to be the opposite of matte paint. It provides the maximum level of shine. By adding powdered metals (usually aluminum) to the paint, a sparkling effect is achieved. These finishes are meant to catch both the light and the eye.

This type of finish also tends to be more durable, allowing it to last longer. This is, of course, due to the presence of the powdered metal, making the paint much harder than it would normally be. Even when small flaws do develop, the shiny nature of this paint will make those flaws less noticeable. However, if the finish should become damaged, it can be very hard to match the old color. When you re-apply metallic paint, you have to do the entire vehicle to obtain the best results.

 

Pearlescent Paint Finish

Pearlescent paints are a little bit like metallic paints, as they are intended to provide a unique kind of shine that stands out from afar. Rather than using a powdered metal to achieve this effect, pearlescent paints use small crystals of a mineral called mica. Like a pearl, this mineral reflects and refracts the light, and this is what gives a pearl its unique and beautiful appearance. Obviously, real pearls would be far too expensive to grind up and use for paint, but mica provides a near-identical effect.

Pearlescent paints are among the more expensive options, and that is why they have become something of a prestige symbol. If you really want something that will draw a lot of attention, this is a great option. This isn’t something you would put on an old work truck…it’s meant for high-end vehicles, show cars, and things like that. Unfortunately, like metallic finishes, pearl finishes can be very hard to match and repair.

 

Choosing The Paint Finish That Is Right For You

When choosing a new auto paint finish, you need to think about the vehicle itself and how it will be used. Solid paint is the most common choice for many good reasons. It is cheap, easy to repair, and suited for any type of vehicle. If you expect your vehicle to be used roughly, solid paint is going to be the best choice by far. Every other type of finish is much more difficult to repair, mostly because those specialized finishes are more difficult to match.

Matte paint jobs are often used for certain parts of a vehicle rather than the entire vehicle. As we said, it can be pretty difficult to repair a matte paint job, so it’s easier to have small patches that can be repainted when needed. For instance, you might want to have a matte hood and spoiler while using a different kind of finish for the rest of the vehicle.

Metallic and pearl finishes are both made to do the same thing: Provide a lot of shine and sparkle. Obviously, these are the best options for a show car or something that is primarily intended for display. As for which one is better, that is a matter of personal preference. Both of them are a little more expensive and both of them are difficult to repair.

You should also consider your budget. Matte finishes are usually the most expensive options, so bear that in mind. Pearlescent finishes tend to be slightly more expensive than metallic options. Once again, solid paint is the only realistic option for those who are on a tight budget.

 

Conclusion

No matter what type of finish you want, you can count on the folks at Elmer’s Auto Body to get the job done. If you find yourself asking: “Where can I find a good auto body shop near me?”, the answer is right in front of your nose. Elmer’s Auto Body has been proudly serving South Jersey for over 70 years, and we provide the convenient and timely service that only true professionals can provide. If you would like more information about our services, feel free to call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.