When your car is damaged in an accident, even small dents and scratches are annoying particularly when they damage your paint. Repairing your car to its original state isn't merely a matter of dent removal or replacing components; it's also a matter of matching paint perfectly. In a city where motorists want their cars to look as good as they drive, Waukesha auto body repair technicians such as those at Mander Collision and Glass do everything possible to get it right.
Why Paint Matching Matters
Every car has a unique factory-issued paint code. However, over time, exposure to sun, rain, salt, and debris causes slight fading or color shifts. Matching fresh paint to an older, weathered surface requires more than simply using the manufacturer’s code; it requires expert-level craftsmanship and high-tech equipment.
Even the slightest mis-match of color or finish can render a repair conspicuous. For this reason, paint matching is one of the most important phases of auto body repair. Here at Mander Collision and Glass, we refuse to accept "close enough" – we strive for seamless.
The Technology Behind Color Matching
High-end auto body repair shops now employ digital spectrometers, which are small, portable instruments that scan the exact color and shade of your vehicle's current paint. The instruments measure color values from three different directions and generate a range of digital information that assists technicians in mixing a solution that's almost indistinguishable.
After the formula is created, it's mixed using a computer-guided mixing process. Our experienced paint techs then dry-test the mixture by painting a small sample and viewing it beside your car in various light settings. This guarantees the color will match under sunlight, shade, and shop lighting.
Surface Preparation: The Foundation for a Perfect Finish
Ideal paint starts with an ideal surface. Unless the foundation bodywork is smooth and even, even an exact color match will look wrong. At Mander Collision and Glass, we aim for accuracy from the start filling, sanding, and priming to a silky-smooth panel.
Correct masking and the protection of surrounding areas are just as crucial. Our techs are very careful to only have the surfaces you want painted and leave the rest of your car free of dirt.
Expert Paint Application and Drying
At our Waukesha shop, we paint cars in climate-controlled spray booths to remove dust, moisture, and pollutants. Spray booths provide a clean, controlled environment where we can apply paint in layers.
Paint is typically applied in three layers: primer, base coat (color), and clear coat. After the paint is applied, the surface is baked in a curing booth to harden and protect the finish. This process not only gives your vehicle a factory-fresh appearance but also increases its durability and resistance to chipping.
Blending and Final Detailing
Once the painting is complete, our crew skillfully matches the new paint area with the surrounding panels. The point of this action is to create an area of repair nearly invisible. Then, after curing, buffing and polishing the area is the last step to reveal the shine and smooth finish.
We closely examine each car with a keen eye before it is dispatched out of our shop. Our aim is to make your car appear as though it never required a repair in the first place.
Why Drivers Drive to Mander Collision and Glass
Of the numerous auto body shops in Waukesha, Mander Collision and Glass stands out for extreme attention to detail and guaranteed outcomes. Paint perfection is only one of the numerous means by which we assist in restoring your vehicle following a collision or cosmetic injury.
Our shop unites state-of-the-art equipment, skilled technicians, and dedication to customer satisfaction. From repairing a minor scratch to extensive repairs, we guarantee your car exits our shop with its looks and worth completely revitalized.