If you hit a post or another stationery object that damages your vehicle without harming anything else, is it worthwhile to report the incident? After all, claims lead to increased insurance rates. And even if you decide not to call your insurance adjuster, should you touch up the paint and fix the bump? Don’t underestimate the damage done to your car, even in relatively minor crashes. One of the easiest repairs to undervalue is paint.
A Brief History of Auto Body Paint
“A customer can have a car painted any color he wants as long as it’s black.” ~Henry Ford
- From 1908 until 1927, Henry Ford contained costs of manufacturing early cars by minimizing customer options. Eventually, he started making colorful vehicles – starting with the 15thmillion Model-T, which rolled off the assembly line in 1927 in a daring shade of green.
- Workers hand-painted early cars were using the same type of paint that was available at dime stores. The product faded and flaked so quickly, most car owners repainted their vehicles every year. At the time, even professional paint jobs took over a month to dry.
- Eventually, Ford Motor Company adopted paints made from nitrocellulose lacquers on automotive assembly lines. The chemical was not only faster drying but could be used in spray guns, which appeared circa 1924.
- By 1930, automakers used paints called “stoving” enamels, which provided glossier shines and significantly faster drying times.
- By the 1950’s, acrylic was added to the mix. The addition provided a tough, high-gloss finish.
- By the 1980s, manufacturers started using urethane and polyurethane to paint vehicles.
- Today, car makers use water-based acrylic polyurethane enamel paint because it offers maximum protection from elements, improves appearance and has minimal environmental impact.
Paint Matching
A minor accident could damage your car’s finish. But is it worthwhile to file a claim just for minor repairs? What about claiming for something that appears to be a “minor scrape” or scratched paint? One of the reasons professional auto body repair is advisable, no matter the extent of damage, is because we can order every paint color available to car manufacturers. In contrast, if you try to buy auto body paint online or in a discount store, you will be lucky if your eyeball-selection even comes close to the actual finish 
of your car. What’s more, when we repaint a car, we evaluate relevant issues such as sun damage. Our technicians perfectly blend paint, spraying a small amount in one area and blending into another. The result is a near perfect match, no matter how much your color has faded on the rest of your car.
Paint “Touch Up” Pens
Although advertisers claim paint pens work with any color paint, chemical pens contain a permanent clear coat much like the protective outer layer used on new vehicles right out of the factory. Strictly for surface scratches in the clear coat, the pens don’t contain actual paint. That’s why manufacturers claim their product can color match. Made of clear lacquer, these pens don’t reach the actual scratch. They only the clear topcoat. Obviously, this type of “skin-deep” repair won’t restore your vehicle’s integrity or appearance.
About C&L Auto Body
To be safe following an accident, your best bet is to take your car to a reputable auto body shop, such as C&L Auto Body. The “go-to” location for auto body repair and classic restoration in the San Gabriel Valley, since 1970, our company is known for attention to detail, courteous service, and fair and affordable prices. If you select C&L to repair your car, our concierge service will help make your entire auto body repair process easy on you. We will even help you arrange for a rental car and deal directly with your insurance company. C&L Auto Body is owned and operated by the Buonsanti family, who strives to treat clients like family. Come by the shop 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, call (626) 445-6630 or visit CandLAutoBody.com.
