Is Paint Blending Always Necessary?

Jason · 10-08-2009, 12:30 AM

I'm taking the Zed to a body shop tomorrow (collision repair) for an estimate and I thought of something. All of the panels that need to be replaced and painted can be painted off the car. On my last car, they had to blend the paint to the rest of the car, but in this case, since the car is basically new, is this necessary? I bought the car in June but production month is February (factory paint is almost 8 months old). I wax it regularly.

I don't know, I guess I'm worried about them blending the new fender with a perfectly good door if it's not needed. Just wanted to get your thoughts. Is paint blending ALWAYS necessary? or is it just for old cars?

Trips · 10-08-2009, 12:46 AM

Your Bodyshop painter will know the answer to this question why not call around and ask Bodyshop's for there professional opinion rather than some us unqualified people for opinions.

kannibul · 10-08-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

I'm taking the Zed to a body shop tomorrow (collision repair) for an estimate and I thought of something. All of the panels that need to be replaced and painted can be painted off the car. On my last car, they had to blend the paint to the rest of the car, but in this case, since the car is basically new, is this necessary? I bought the car in June but production month is February (factory paint is almost 8 months old). I wax it regularly.

I don't know, I guess I'm worried about them blending the new fender with a perfectly good door if it's not needed. Just wanted to get your thoughts. Is paint blending ALWAYS necessary? or is it just for old cars?

Yes, unless you want an obvious repair.

Blown32 · 10-08-2009, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

I'm taking the Zed to a body shop tomorrow (collision repair) for an estimate and I thought of something. All of the panels that need to be replaced and painted can be painted off the car. On my last car, they had to blend the paint to the rest of the car, but in this case, since the car is basically new, is this necessary? I bought the car in June but production month is February (factory paint is almost 8 months old). I wax it regularly.

I don't know, I guess I'm worried about them blending the new fender with a perfectly good door if it's not needed. Just wanted to get your thoughts. Is paint blending ALWAYS necessary? or is it just for old cars?

Paint blending is basically only needed when you repaired an area of a panel and the panel doesn't need replacing.Anotherwards if you are spotting in a repair that doesn't require the whole panel be painted.If a new panel is needed then the complete panel is painted to match the existing color of the car.

fillyv · 10-08-2009, 08:31 AM

I work in a bodyshop. It all depends where the damage is located, and what color it is. If the damage is really close to the next panel. Then yes the next panel should be blended. Color match is never 100%.

Modshack · 10-08-2009, 08:31 AM

Blending is nothing to worry about if done by a pro. It's purpose is to ease the visual transition between the new paint to the old. Often when just panels are painted you'll see a distinct color break even when the paint is very close. Blending into the next panel removes the visual distraction of very slight mismatches. With your color I'd think it a necessity as slight shadings on gray are very obvious. My car had the fenders blended to match the new hood and nose paint. Do you see a problem in this pic? Nope...The repair is invisible. In addition, once blended they will re-clear those panels which will probably result in a better overall paint finish than factory.. From the doors forward now is newly cleared polished and buffed and it's a beautiful job..

kenchan · 10-08-2009, 12:46 PM

that blue is a nice match, modshack.

blending is necessary if you're painting metallic finishes especially. the
metal speckles turn a certain way when they dry and when it's not
positioned in the same orientation as the next panel you can
definitely see that it's lighter/darker based on that position alone.

this is why touching up silvers is hard with those bottles. it
always turns out too dark or too light or a mix of shades.

Jason · 10-08-2009, 12:56 PM

modshack, im shipping my car to your body shop. lol. looks good man.

10-08-2009, 12:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 16	Is Paint Blending Always Necessary? I'm taking the Zed to a body shop tomorrow (collision repair) for an estimate and I thought of something. All of the panels that need to be replaced and painted can be painted off the car. On my last car, they had to blend the paint to the rest of the car, but in this case, since the car is basically new, is this necessary? I bought the car in June but production month is February (factory paint is almost 8 months old). I wax it regularly. I don't know, I guess I'm worried about them blending the new fender with a perfectly good door if it's not needed. Just wanted to get your thoughts. Is paint blending ALWAYS necessary? or is it just for old cars?

10-08-2009, 12:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
Trips Administrator Join Date: May 2009 Location: Disneyland, Ca Posts: 8,728 Drives: 🔰 Rep Power: 10	Your Bodyshop painter will know the answer to this question why not call around and ask Bodyshop's for there professional opinion rather than some us unqualified people for opinions. __________________

10-08-2009, 08:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
Modshack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greenville NC Posts: 2,883 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 976	Blending is nothing to worry about if done by a pro. It's purpose is to ease the visual transition between the new paint to the old. Often when just panels are painted you'll see a distinct color break even when the paint is very close. Blending into the next panel removes the visual distraction of very slight mismatches. With your color I'd think it a necessity as slight shadings on gray are very obvious. My car had the fenders blended to match the new hood and nose paint. Do you see a problem in this pic? Nope...The repair is invisible. In addition, once blended they will re-clear those panels which will probably result in a better overall paint finish than factory.. From the doors forward now is newly cleared polished and buffed and it's a beautiful job.. __________________ Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S Oil Cooler DIY: Here! Last edited by Modshack; 10-08-2009 at 08:39 AM.

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10-08-2009, 08:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
fillyv Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Glarus, Wi Posts: 53 Drives: 2004 350Z Track Rep Power: 16	I work in a bodyshop. It all depends where the damage is located, and what color it is. If the damage is really close to the next panel. Then yes the next panel should be blended. Color match is never 100%.

10-08-2009, 12:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	that blue is a nice match, modshack. blending is necessary if you're painting metallic finishes especially. the metal speckles turn a certain way when they dry and when it's not positioned in the same orientation as the next panel you can definitely see that it's lighter/darker based on that position alone. this is why touching up silvers is hard with those bottles. it always turns out too dark or too light or a mix of shades.

10-08-2009, 12:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 16	modshack, im shipping my car to your body shop. lol. looks good man.