First Step: Checking the Vehicle and Damage
The first step of a vehicle paint job is to check the vehicle for damage. A technician will inspect the vehicle closely to find any hidden problems, as well as any obvious dents or scrapes. This inspection is crucial because if any hidden issues are missed, the new paint might not adhere well, or the damage could get worse. This check also helps confirm what repairs are needed, what parts need to be removed, and how long the work will take.
After the inspection, the technician will plan the repair. Your vehicle may be washed to remove dirt, salt, and oil, and any issues may be sanded, filled in, repaired, or replaced. Any rust on your vehicle will also be treated or removed, since painting over rust is only a short-term fix and not a permanent one.
Cleaning and Stripping Old Paint
During the cleaning and stripping stage, the technician will prepare the vehicle so that the new paint will adhere well and last a long time. First, the vehicle is washed from top to bottom to remove any dirt, salt, road film, oil and grease since they can stop the paint from bonding to the surface. After the vehicle has been washed, it's dried fully so that water isn't left sitting in the seams or around the trims.
After this, the technician will wipe down the panels with a special cleaner to remove wax, polish, and silicone since they can also cause paint problems, such as small holes, ripples, or dull patches.
Once the surface is clean, the old paint is stripped or sanded back. If the paint is cracked, peeling, blistered, or has rust underneath, it must be removed to create a solid base.
Stripping can be done with sanding tools, hand sanding, or safe stripping products, depending on the panel and the type of paint. The goal of this stage is to remove any weak layers and create a smooth, firm base for the next steps.
Repairing Dents, Rust and Scratches
The repairing process often starts with dents. A technician will check how deep the dents are and whether the metal has been stretched. Small dents can be pulled out using special tools from behind the panel, or with a puller on the outside; however, deeper dents need to be shaped with body tools. Once the panel is as close to its original shape as possible, a thin layer of filler is used to level the surface. The filler is then left to harden, before it's sanded and blended into the surrounding area.
Light scratches can also be sanded until the surface is even, but deeper scratches may need to be filled in and sanded down. The aim of this stage is to remove sharp edges and create a clean, even surface, so that the paint won't highlight any lines or dips that are left behind.
Spraying the Paint in the Booth
After the panels have been repaired, cleaned, and primed, the vehicle is taken to a special booth that's designed to keep out dust and control the air flow, temperature and lighting. These controls help the paint bond smoothly and dry correctly.
Before the spraying begins, the technician will check the masking on your vehicle's windows, lights, tyres, and any other parts that shouldn't be painted. The edges will then be sealed carefully so that paint mist can't stain under the tape.
Next, the correct paint colour is chosen, mixed and adjusted to match your vehicle. The paint is then filtered to remove tiny lumps before it's poured into the spray gun.
The paint is sprayed in thin, even layers to avoid issues like runs, dry patches, and rough textures. The first coats of paint are sprayed to create a base layer, and the later coats are sprayed to create the correct shade and finish.
After the paint has been applied, a clear coat is sprayed on the vehicle to create a glossy finish and protect the paint against weather damage, road salt, and regular washing.
Judd Paint Solutions provides commercial vehicle paint spraying services for fleets and individual vehicles. We can prepare surfaces, repair damage, and apply high-quality paint in a controlled booth to create a smooth, long-lasting finish. We aim to protect vehicles from rust, enhance their appearance, and maintain a professional look.