Tell us the finish you want to preserve before the repair is specified. The appearance of a repaired area depends on more than selecting a color: preparation, the surrounding finish and the extent of the work all matter. We discuss these details with you before refinishing begins.
Solid gloss paint
For a localized repair, we assess the existing surface and the surrounding panel before deciding how much preparation and refinishing is needed. A small mark does not automatically require a whole-car respray, but a quick touch-up may not produce the finish you expect.
Ask whether the quoted result is a cosmetic improvement or a refinished panel. Those are different jobs. We identify the repair area so you can compare the proposed work and understand what will remain outside it.
Metallic and pearl finishes
The repaired panel needs to be considered alongside the adjacent surfaces. Color appearance can change with light and viewing angle, so the quotation should explain any blending proposed around the repair. Matching a paint code alone does not describe the whole job.
If a panel has been repainted before, mention it during the assessment. We can discuss the existing finish and explain whether the work is limited to the damaged area or includes adjacent panels. This is especially useful when comparing two apparently similar repainting prices.
Matte and satin finishes
A matte or satin finish needs a repair plan suited to that surface. Do not assume the polishing used for a gloss finish is appropriate. Tell us if the finish is factory paint, a later repaint or a wrap so the assessment starts with the right information.
For a coated or protected surface, ask how the repaired area will be finished and whether any coating or film needs reinstatement. The bodywork quotation and any additional protection work should identify their separate inclusions.
For a full respray, agree the extent of the finish as well as the color. Exterior panels, door openings, shut faces and other less visible areas are not automatically the same scope. A color change also raises different questions from refinishing the existing color. Confirm the included areas, preparation and any strip-down work in the written proposal.