Common Causes of Paint Damage
Paint damage happens for many reasons. Weather - such as strong sunlight or road salt in winter - can cause fading and wear, scratches often come from accidental bumps, flying stones to accidental damage such as scraping your bumper and alloys - which may also require alloy wheel refurbishment as well as panel paint repair - or even from just washing your car with the wrong tools, which can also allow stones to get caught in the cleaning cloths during washing.
How Do We Assess the Damage?
Not all paint damage is the same, as you can see above from the different types of paint options available. For instance, a small scratch on the surface is much easier to fix than a deep scratch that reaches the primer, which is both easier to repair than full-on structural damage to the bodywork itself.
Paint chips, often caused by stones hitting the car, also leave small marks that expose the metal underneath; if this is left untreated, rust can then develop, causing even more complexity to the repair required as well.
This can also lead to a further clear coat that starts to peel off, which is another issue that needs attention to keep the car looking good.
Consequently, one of the first things we need to do is actually assess the damage and the paintwork we are working with, and what we are up against. Once we have a clear view of the issues, we will then know what tools to use to fix them.
Medium Area Repair Technology, Paintless Dent & Other Tools Used to Repair Your Paintwork
Here, we have a large array of tools and equipment available to help our expert technicians get the perfect match to the affected area, from using your registration number to look up your paint code to professional-level polishers and sanders.
For instance, some of these can consist of:
- Car Registration / Vehicle Registration Information Look-up
- High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) Spray Guns
- Air Compressors for Consistent Airflow
- Infrared or UV Curing Lamps
- Paint Mixing Stations for Accurate Colour Matching
- Dual-Action (DA) Sanders and Polishers
- Body Fillers and Spot Putty
- Masking Paper, Film, and Tapes
- Microfibre Cloths for Safe Polishing and Wiping
- Fine-Grade Sanding Discs and Abrasives
- Computerised Colour-Matching Software
- Protective Gear, like Respirators and Gloves
- PDR Rods and Picks
- Glue Puller Tools
- Tap Down Kit
- Reflection or LED Lights
- Cleaning and Finishing Aids
DIY Paint Repair Vs Professional Automotive Paint Repair Services for Minor Damage
Minor paint damage on a car can be upsetting, but many drivers wonder if they should fix it themselves or hire a professional service.
While Do-it-yourself (DIY) paint repair kits may seem like an easy way to save money, the results are often mixed and don't tend to contain Audi Approved Paint - which, if you are a business user who is leasing the car - or you have other warranties in place - can be a breach of contract due to not using genuine Audi parts.
On top of that, there are other drawbacks, such as not having all the equipment on hand you need, nor the experience to make the finished blend in well with the rest of the bodywork, leaving a patch where an obvious repair has been attempted - this repair will then need removing by a professional repair company before being repainted using the correct and using Audi Approved Bodyshop techniques for instance.
In this section, we will explore the main differences between DIY and professional automotive paint repair, with a focus on why professional services might be the smarter choice for you to consider and can actually save you money if the above happens and needs to be redone.
The Drawbacks of DIY Paint Repair
Some DIY paint repair kits usually include small bottles of paint, brushes, or spray cans.
Although these products may hide tiny scratches, the colour is not always a perfect match to your car’s original paint nor to the highest quality, meaning that it can need redoing every few months to a year as the paint quality breakdowns.
Many DIYer's also don't understand the need for preparation either. For instance, if you do not properly clean and sand the area, the new paint can peel or fade quickly or, worse, cause dirt to show under the paint correction.
As a result, here mistakes are common, and it often takes a lot of time and patience to achieve good results — especially for people who have never painted a car before.
Consequently, in the long run, repeated DIY fixes can cost you more time and money than expected over taking it to an Audi Approved Accident Repair Centre or approved repairers from your insurance company.
So, Why Choose Professional Automotive Paint Repair Services?
Professional automotive paint repair services have many advantages, and we are not just saying that.
For instance, Audi-trained technicians, and generally skilled paint technicians in the space, understand how to use advanced tools and paint-matching systems to ensure that the Audi touch-up paint used actually matches your factory paint and is also applied to the highest standard - whilst also able to guarantee the work done as well.
This is because they understand the process and what they need to do, and not just jump in to remove the scratch by painting it. But, instead, to get the original condition, they first need to get the Audi colour code, get the exact paint, and then prepare the area by carefully sanding and priming the surface - so the new coat bonds well and lasts longer for instance.
They also understand that by using high-quality paints - and also some of the state-of-the-art dent removal equipment, they can give you a more long-lasting result.
Consequently, this not only improves the overall look of your car but also helps you maintain its resale value or maintain the contract you may be under with your car and how it can be repaired.
How to Protect Your Audi’s Paintwork?
That said we always find that prevention is always better than repair. So, to help you keep your Audi’s paint looking new, we have put together some handy expert tips for protective measures you can consider and carry out to help you keep your long-term running costs down here.
For instance, some things to consider here can consist of:
Ceramic Coatings
A ceramic coating creates a strong layer over the paint, protecting it from scratches, dirt, and UV damage and can be applied to help prevent scratches and dents from occurring later on.
Paint Protection Films
These transparent films then shield your car from chips and scratches, especially on high-impact areas like the bonnet and bumpers.
Regular Waxing
You should also consider applying a wax every 3-6 months as well, as this will help you maintain the shine while adding a protective layer against environmental damage from then occurring as well.
Best Practices for Cleaning Your Audi
One common way paint gets damaged is actually through cleaning, and consequently, proper cleaning here can prevent damage to the paint from occurring
As a result, when cleaning your car to help prevent this from causing you issues down the line, you should consider,r for instance:
- Use a mild car shampoo and avoid household cleaners that may strip the paint.
- Wash your car with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to prevent scratches.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap and dirt, and dry the car with a clean towel.
- Avoid automatic car washes with stiff brushes, as they can cause micro-scratches.
So is Audi Paint Repair Right For You?
As you can see, maintaining your Audi’s paintwork takes a lot of effort and is really key for you to keep your car looking great and protecting it from further damage occurring.
So, whether you choose to repair scratches and chips yourself or hire a professional such as us, we really hope that following the steps in this guide will help you achieve excellent results.
Just remember, that regular maintenance and preventative measures will always allow you to make sure that your Audi stays in top condition for years to come especially.
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Who is M&A Coachworks?
Here at M&A Coachworks, we are a high-end, prestigious, manufacturer-approved repair specialist established in 1971 by Michael Dionisiou and Adonis Kyriacou.
Consequently, we have a large number of body repair shops across the UK that specialise in luxury and supercars and are recognised for our expertise in repairing high-end brands such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, or McLaren.
As a result, over the years, we have expanded from a single London location to multiple sites in Hertfordshire, Berkshire, and Snetterton, offering you services that range from accident repairs to detailing and paint protection.
Consequently, our technicians use the latest equipment and techniques, ensuring every vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition according to manufacturer specifications. So contact us today if you want a professional car valet service and or a detailed finish to your car.