Paint is what makes a repair invisible. After body work, refinishing restores the color, gloss and protection of your vehicle’s finish.
Refinishing is part of most collision and body repairs at our Berry Hill shop, and we also refinish scratches and paint damage on their own.
The refinishing process
- Preparation. The repaired area is cleaned, sanded and masked off.
- Primer. Primer protects bare metal or plastic and creates a smooth base.
- Color match. Paint is mixed from your vehicle’s paint code and adjusted to match its current color.
- Base coat and blending. Color is applied and blended into adjacent panels where needed.
- Clear coat. A clear coat adds gloss and protects the color.
- Finish check. The surface is inspected for texture and color in good light.
When you may need refinishing
- After a panel has been repaired or replaced
- Scratches that go through the clear coat
- Scuffs and paint transfer from another vehicle
- Chipped or peeling paint around damage
- Bumper covers that have been repaired
Related collision services
Collision RepairRepairing accident damage, from minor bumps to major collisions.
Auto Body RepairDoors, fenders, quarter panels, hoods and more, repaired or replaced.
Dent RemovalDoor dings, creases and panel dents removed.
Bumper Repair & ReplacementCracked, scuffed or loose bumpers repaired or replaced.
Frequently asked questions
How is my paint color matched?
Every vehicle has a factory paint code, but actual color can vary with age and sun exposure. Matching uses the paint code as a starting point and adjusts the mix to your vehicle, often blending into neighboring panels.
What does blending mean?
Blending gradually fades new color into the panels next to the repair, so the eye does not see a hard line where new paint meets old paint.
Can a deep scratch be buffed out?
A scratch that stays in the clear coat can often be polished. If it reaches the color coat, primer or bare metal, the area usually needs to be refinished.
How should I care for new paint?
Ask us for care instructions when you pick up your vehicle. As a general rule, fresh paint should be washed gently by hand at first and kept away from harsh chemicals.