When your vehicle suffers from collision damage, getting the paint job right is crucial for restoring its look and value. A common question that arises is whether you can order factory auto paint for these repair jobs. The answer is yes, you absolutely can, and here’s what you need to know to navigate this process effectively.
Understanding Factory Auto Paint
Factory auto paint, also known as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) paint, is the same type of paint used when your car was initially manufactured. It’s formulated to match the exact color code and finish of your vehicle, ensuring a seamless repair. This is in contrast to aftermarket paints, which may vary slightly in color and quality.
Why Choose Factory Auto Paint?
Opting for factory auto paint offers several advantages for collision repair:
- Perfect Color Match: Factory paint is designed to be an exact match to your car’s original color. This is vital for collision repairs, where blending new paint with the existing finish is essential for an invisible repair.
- Quality and Durability: OEM paints are typically high-quality and formulated to meet the manufacturer’s standards for durability and longevity, providing resistance to weather, UV rays, and chipping.
- Maintaining Vehicle Value: Using factory paint can help maintain your vehicle’s resale value, as it ensures the repair is as close to the original factory finish as possible.
How to Order Factory Auto Paint
Ordering factory auto paint for collision repair involves a few key steps:
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Locate Your Paint Code: The first step is to find your car’s paint code. This code is usually located on a sticker or plate inside your driver’s side doorjamb, glove compartment, or under the hood. The sticker may also contain other vehicle information. The paint code is often a combination of letters and numbers.
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Identify the Paint Type: Knowing the type of paint your car uses is also helpful. Common types include single-stage, base coat/clear coat, and tri-coat. This information can sometimes be found with the paint code or in your vehicle’s documentation.
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Find a Supplier: There are several avenues for ordering factory auto paint:
- Dealerships: Your local car dealership is a reliable source for OEM paint. They can order the exact factory paint for your vehicle based on your VIN or paint code.
- Online OEM Paint Suppliers: Numerous online retailers specialize in selling factory auto paint. These suppliers often have databases to look up your paint code and offer various sizes and types of paint.
- Automotive Paint Stores: Local automotive paint supply stores can also mix factory-matched paint. While not strictly “factory paint,” they use formulas to match OEM colors closely and can be a convenient option.
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Provide Vehicle Information: When ordering, be ready to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) or paint code. This ensures you get the correct color and variant for your specific car.
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Consider Paint Quantity: Estimate the amount of paint you’ll need for the repair. For small touch-ups, a paint pen or small bottle might suffice. For larger collision repairs, you’ll need to calculate the area to be painted and order accordingly, possibly needing quarts or gallons.
Factors Affecting Availability and Cost
While factory auto paint is generally available, several factors can influence its availability and cost:
- Vehicle Age and Rarity: Paint for older or rarer vehicles might be harder to source and potentially more expensive due to limited production or discontinued colors.
- Paint Type and Finish: Specialty finishes like metallic, pearlescent, or tri-coat paints often cost more than standard solid colors.
- Supplier and Location: Prices can vary between dealerships, online suppliers, and local paint stores. Shipping costs may also add to the overall expense when ordering online.
Professional vs. DIY Repair
While ordering factory auto paint is possible for DIY enthusiasts, achieving a flawless collision repair often requires professional expertise. Bodywork, precise color matching, blending, and application techniques are critical for a factory-quality finish. For significant collision damage, it’s generally recommended to entrust the paint job to a qualified collision repair shop. They have the tools, experience, and facilities to ensure a proper and durable repair.
Conclusion
Yes, you can confidently order factory auto paint for collision repair jobs. Whether you’re tackling a minor scratch or a larger repair, using OEM paint is a key step in restoring your vehicle to its original condition. By understanding where to find your paint code, exploring your supplier options, and considering the complexity of the repair, you can make informed decisions to achieve the best possible outcome for your auto body work.
