Juanito’s Auto Body does a part of automotive repair that deals with the exterior of your car. This can be anything from fixing collision damage to changing the color or adding a spoiler.

This type of work can be very expensive. However, a few things can be done to help save money on auto body installation.

An auto body paint shop is where you go if your car needs to be repainted after repairs or to refresh the vehicle’s look. During the painting process, your Seattle car body shop will clean and scrub surfaces to remove dirt and other contaminants that may interfere with proper adhesion. Once this is done, they will prepare the surface for sanding and priming. They will then apply a base coat and clear coat that match the original color of your vehicle.

Automobile paint is a mixture of four ingredients: pigments, resins, solvents, and additives. The pigments give the paint its color, the resins make it adhere to surfaces, the solvents carry it through the painting and drying process, and the additives provide specific characteristics like stain-blocking or mold-killing properties. The type of automotive paint used depends on the type of vehicle, the climate, and other factors. The auto body paint technician will consider the options and choose the best one.

After repairing the vehicle’s frame, an auto body repair technician will paint your car’s body parts and panels. First, they will lay cardboard or newspapers in the work area to protect them from getting painted. They will then use waterproof fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the part. This will remove scuff marks and prepare the surface for primer, essential to a good finish.

Once the sanding is complete, they will wipe down the area with a solvent that will remove any wax or grease, which can prevent fresh paint from adhering properly. They will then sand again, using a lower-grit sandpaper, and then wipe down the part with another clean solvent. Once this is done, they will tape the edges of the parts to protect them from getting any paint and then sand again.

Before beginning a paint job, an auto body repair technician will consult the paint manufacturer’s material safety data sheet, which lists all harmful chemicals in the paint they are about to use. They will then put on a respirator that is tested and fitted to them for proper protection. This is important, as the chemicals leech out of auto body paint harm the lungs and skin.

Body filler is a modern alternative to sanding and scraping metal panels. When used properly, it creates a smooth and structurally sound surface that is easy to grind and shape. If used incorrectly, body filler will produce a rough patch that will require additional work to sand smooth. This can become time-consuming and costly.

Body repair fillers are made of plastic resin and hardeners. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and formulas. Standard fillers are relatively inexpensive and have a generic name on the can. However, selecting a quality product that will provide good results is important.

It is also important to choose a product that is stain-free. Otherwise, color from the filler may bleed through the paint and stain the panel. Staining can be minimized by using a quality primer when painting, sanding the body filler before applying another coat, and keeping humidity to a minimum during filler application.

The surface will feel oily and sticky when body filler is applied and allowed to set. It is essential to sand the filler with a block and coarse grit sandpaper such as P80 before the filler sets. This first sanding will help remove any high spots and reduce the fine sanding required. It is also a good idea to wear a dust mask for this step, as the filler contains toxic materials.

Once the body filler is dry, it is ready to sand again. Using a DA sander with 220- to 240-grit sandpaper is recommended. This will smooth the surface, creating a featheredge around the repair area. The featheredge should extend one inch past the repaired area.

If a high spot remains after this sanding, apply more body filler and repeat the process. Once the filler is completely sanded and smooth, it will prime and paint.

If you are still determining the type of body filler you should use, consult a body shop expert. They can recommend a suitable product and provide tips on working with it. Several online resources are also available to help you make the right decision. These websites include a Body Filler Comparison Chart and videos illustrating proper techniques for working with body fillers.

A good body hammer is the key to working out dents and waves in metal panels. This requires a lot of practice, but it’s worth the effort when you can use less body filler and get a better paint job.

Various body hammers, with different shapes and features for specific tasks, are available. There are dinging hammers with one flat head, and one pointed one for working small dents; picking hammers have a curved head for getting into tight spots; shallow-domed hammers have a rounded head to work curved metal panels; and more. You can find these and other hammers at your local auto parts store or online.

Body side molding isn’t just a way to keep nicks off your car doors; it also adds a sleek look that sets your vehicle apart from similar models. It’s an affordable change that can make a big difference in the appearance of your ride.

The body moldings that stick to your door frames are designed to protect the paint from dings, scratches, and other damage that can happen in crowded parking lots. They also offer protection from runaway shopping carts that hurtle toward parked cars. Having body-side moldings installed is one of the best ways to ensure that your paint stays intact and maintains its sleek, pristine appearance.

These strips of plastic or metal come in a wide variety of colors and styles, including universal style that can be fitted to just about any vehicle, European style with a rounded profile that gives a more sophisticated appearance, and chrome options that give your car a clean, finished look. They can be installed in just minutes at home without the need to go to a professional auto shop.

It’s important to periodically inspect body side moldings for signs of wear and tear. Check for loose or misaligned pieces and replace them if they show signs of deterioration. It’s also a good idea to use gentle cleaners when washing the moldings, as harsh chemicals may cause them to lose adhesion over time.

Once the adhesive on the back of the moldings has been removed, place them in the desired position and press firmly to create a strong bond. It’s a good idea to use masking tape to mark the desired location to help align the pieces and ensure they are straight. After the moldings are in place, they can be wiped clean with a cloth.

While body side moldings can offer many practical benefits, they should always be considered with the potential disruption they may cause to your vehicle’s sleek aesthetic. Ultimately, the decision to install them is up to you and should be based on your personal preference and the value of your vehicle.