Why Won’t Auto Body Do Touch Up Paint on Car?

Introduction

Touch-up paint is a small bottle of paint that is used to repair minor scratches and chips in a car’s finish. It is typically used by car owners who want to save money on professional repairs. However, many auto body shops will not perform touch-up paint jobs, and there are several reasons for this.

Reasons Why Auto Body Shops Won’t Do Touch Up Paint

1. Difficulty in Matching Paint Color

One of the main reasons why auto body shops won’t do touch-up paint is the difficulty in matching the paint color of the car. Even if the touch-up paint is the same color as the car, it may not match perfectly due to factors such as fading, oxidation, or sun damage. This can result in a noticeable difference between the touched-up area and the rest of the car’s finish.

2. Lack of Durability

Touch-up paint is not as durable as the original paint on the car. It is more susceptible to chipping, peeling, and fading. This means that the touched-up area may need to be repaired again in the future, which can be an inconvenience and an additional expense.

3. Potential for Damage

If touch-up paint is not applied properly, it can damage the car’s finish. Applying too much paint can lead to runs and sags. Using the wrong type of paint or primer can also cause problems. In some cases, touch-up paint can even damage the car’s clear coat.

4. Liability Concerns

Auto body shops have a responsibility to ensure that their repairs are done correctly. If a touch-up paint job fails, the auto body shop could be held liable for the costs of repairing the damage. This is a risk that many auto body shops are not willing to take.

Alternatives to Touch Up Paint

If you are looking for a way to repair minor scratches and chips in your car’s finish, there are several alternatives to touch-up paint that you can consider.

1. Scratch Repair Kit

Scratch repair kits are available at most auto parts stores. These kits typically include a polishing compound, a rubbing compound, and a touch-up pen. The polishing compound and rubbing compound can be used to remove the scratch from the car’s finish. The touch-up pen can then be used to fill in the scratch and match the paint color.

2. Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless dent repair is a process that can be used to remove small dents and dings from a car’s body. This process does not involve painting, so there is no risk of color mismatch or damage to the car’s finish.

3. Professional Repair

If you are not comfortable repairing the scratch or chip on your car’s finish yourself, you can always take your car to an auto body shop for a professional repair. Professional repairs are typically more expensive than DIY repairs, but they will ensure that the repair is done correctly and that the car’s finish is not damaged.

Conclusion

There are several reasons why auto body shops won’t do touch-up paint on cars. The difficulty in matching the paint color, the lack of durability, the potential for damage, and the liability concerns are all factors that contribute to this decision. If you are looking for a way to repair minor scratches and chips in your car’s finish, there are several alternatives to touch-up paint that you can consider, such as scratch repair kits, paintless dent repair, and professional repair.