The Importance Of Original Car Paint!
Why do we always like to emphasize the importance of the original car paint and the uniqueness of the original car paint? The answer is simple, “A CAR IS ONLY ORIGINAL ONCE” Original paint is stronger, more durable, and has a higher intensity of color impression than a re-spray or re-painted car.
The reason why a re-painted finish will never come close to an original factory-painted car is that factory paint has a state-of-the-art process inside multi-million dollar factory facilities.
Generally speaking, the original paint of the car is baked at a high temperature (135-200°C), and the production process is also more complicated. In addition, due to the need for high-temperature baking, it can only be used in bare constructed frames. And it needs to go through multiple treatments such as putty, epoxy primer, middle coat primer, color paint, varnish, etc. It is said that some luxury cars even have more complicated processes.
In an automobile manufacturing plant, there is usually a painting workshop, which is dedicated to spray painting cars. The body-in-white of the car often undergoes various treatments before baking, including electrophoresis, intermediate coating preparation, intermediate coating, and spraying surface.
Let’s look into the establishment of a factory paint process. The process might vary slightly between different manufacturers, but the overview concept is identical. Automaker’s factory paint process basically involves 7 stages. Cleansing, E-coat, primer coat, the basecoat, the clearcoat, baking/curing between stages, and finally QC/inspection at the very last stages through the light tunnel.
Factory Paint Process:
Stage 1: Body in White.
The car enters the paint factory as a bare shell, known as a “body in white”. Cleaning Stage, to remove any dirt and contamination to allow proper adhesion.
Stage 2: E-Coat/Rust and Corrosion Protection
Electrophoretic coating process. The car body has a reactive surface and dives into a bath of oppositely charged phosphate coating. This process provides corrosion protection and improves sliding friction.
Stage 3: Primer
Improve adhesion between the E-coat and top-coat. Provide chipping protection(rust), enhance paint appearance and smoothness.
Stage 4: Basecoat
Provide with the car primary color and effects.
Stage 5: Clearcoat
Provides a protective coating against the environmental elements, smooth even finish, and gloss.
Stage 6: Baking / Curing
30-45 min of the baking process at 135 °C for full drying and curing.
Stage 7: Paint Inspection
The paint Specialist will walk around the newly painted car for a full inspection.
Why is the original car paint so important?
Okay, now we return to the original point. Why is the original car paint so important? The original car paint is important because it is unique. The original factory can replace every part of the car, but you can never replace the original car paint. Factory painted, of course, if you have the money to burn it, you can send it back to the original factory, remove the frame and go through the process again, but with this time and money, wouldn’t it be easier to buy a new one?
Let’s put it this way: each car’s original paint value is about 5%-10% of the value of the vehicle. Many models on the market require a higher price point if they choose a designated color, bespoke, or even limited edition.
In the end, original car paint is priceless and you only get it once. Original car paint provides you with strength, uniformity, and durability that a repainted car will never be able to do so.
Paint Protection Option:
XPEL provides the car owner with a comprehensive car paint protection option. Ceramic Coating to enhance the daily appearance and Paint Protection Film for long-term protection. Regardless of which product you choose, you will instantly increase the value and protection of your vehicle. If you have any further questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact XPEL Malaysia and we look forward to hearing from you!