To help our customers we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs)
We hope we have made this section easy to understand, but if you feel we haven’t answered clearly, or you have another question which isn't addressed here, we would be happy to help. Just click here to send us your query.
- 1. Why do you have to spray adjacent panels when they don't need it?
- 2. Can a scratch be removed without repainting?
- 3. What is cosmetic damage?
Q: Why do you have to spray adjacent panels when they don't need it?
A: When repairing a dent or scratch, it is essential that the panels next to the damaged area also need to be resprayed. This is so that we can achieve the best colour match possible - something that we take very seriously here at Kraftwork. This process is called blending and without it the repair would be sub-standard.
Blending is a term used within the paint refinishing industry and the best way to describe the technique is to imagine the door on a car and divide it into quarters (see diagram - the red colour represents the paint.)
When spraying the colour, the first quarter will receive 100% colour, the second will receive 75%, the third 50% and the remaining quarter 25%. Once the colour has been applied, a clear lacquer is sprayed over all four sections or the door, so that the colour is gradually faded out.
There are so many variations in colours and so many factors that can change a colour (see Colour Matching) that even when using some of the best paint brands in the world, if this technique isn’t used a freshly painted panel can look completely different and not match the rest of the vehicle.
Blending is very important with both new and old colours, especially metallics and pearlescents.
Q: Can a scratch be removed without repainting?
A: Many scratches can be removed by carefully wet sanding and machine polishing the area. If you run your finger down a panel your nail must not fall deep into the scratch - if it does, then the panel will need repainting.
The cheaper option is to fill the scratch with paint then carefully polish, but although this technique will save you money and reduce the chance of rust, the result will only be a slight improvement as the scratch will still be visible from a distance.
Q: What is cosmetic damage?
A: Cosmetic damage is a term we use to describe non structural damage on a vehicle. For example, if a car was in an accident with another car at twenty miles an hour the damage to both vehicles would probably be more structural, like chassis damage, panel mis-alingment, etc. Whereas if a vehicle was to scrape a wall then these scratches would only be cosmetic and not affect the vehicle's drive ability.
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