The Process of Auto Painting

What Goes Into Prepping a Car for Auto Painting?

Any automotive professional will tell you that preparation is everything when it comes to the process of auto painting. Prepping the auto paint is just as important as applying the paint, and it plays a significant role in the quality of the end result, whether you’re repairing a chip or re-spraying the entire car.

Below, we’ll walk you through the entire process of prepping and painting a car, from start to finish. If your car, truck, or SUV is showing signs of chipped paint or needs a touch-up, come see us at Flash’s Auto Body & Paint today for the best auto painting services in Spokane, WA.

The Process of Auto Painting

Here’s an inside look at how the process of auto painting works:

Cutting

Cutting is the process of removing thin layers of paint with an abrasive compound. Cutting can be done before applying paint as a prep step or afterward to blend the new color into the old. This process begins by taping off surrounding areas before starting the process of applying a cutting compound, primarily if a machine is being used. After everything has been taped off, the cutting compound is then applied to your vehicle.

Sanding

Sanding uses abrasive materials to remove the top layer of your car’s paint. This is one of the most critical aspects of paint prep, and it’s well worth the time and effort to get it right for professional results. Sanding is typically done with sandpaper or an electric orbital sander, depending on the job, and different grades of paper are also commonly used, depending on the task. While sanding may be a lengthy process, the end result is well worth the effort.

Priming

Priming is another critical step in the painting process, and it must be done before applying any top coat or color. Primer is what seals the surface and creates a protective barrier, allowing the color coat paint to adhere to it and also helps smooth out any imperfections on the bare metal. To ensure that the bare metal is completely covered, two or more coats of primer are commonly used. If plastic components are being primed, we use a special plastic primer. Once the primer is dry, the painting process can begin.

Paint

Once the correct color and shade of paint for your vehicle have been identified, the painting process can begin.

Come See Flash’s Auto Body & Paint for Professional Auto Painting Services

At Flash’s Auto Body & Paint, we want your car not only to run its best, but we also want your car to look its best. From the most minor paint job to extensive makeovers, we provide our customers with the very best auto painting services in Spokane, WA. Give us a call or come see us today to learn more about how we can give your car, truck, or SUV the makeover it deserves.

Written by Flash's Auto Body