Auto Painting
Lakewood Auto Body & Collision Centre
Lakewood Auto Body & Collision Centre offers auto painting in Edmonton. Whether you require panels painted, the whole vehicle painted or it’s part of a collision repair, we have experienced painters ready to make your vehicle shine. Having your vehicle professionally painted ensures your vehicle looks its best and ensures it remains rust free for years to come. If your vehicle’s paint is looking a little worse for wear, bring it to Lakewood Auto Body & Collision Centre and give it a whole new look today!
Our Auto Painting Process
1. Remove and fix any rust spots, dents and trim
Smaller rust spots can be sanded. Large rust spots will need to be treated and sealed to prevent spreading. Dents can be pulled out and trim pieces can be removed if not requiring paint or to paint separately.
2. Choose the type of paint to use
There are typically two types of paint that are used. Solvent borne is the traditional paint used and contains a base like urethane, lacquer or enamel. Waterborne is used more and more due to it being more environmentally friendly. Both of these paints however are made specifically for automobiles and no other types of paint should be used. Paint colour is matched using the paint code found on the vehicle compliance plate.
3. Sand the vehicle
Sanding is done to ensure we give the paint a surface which it can adhere to. We take the time to properly sand the vehicle thoroughly. Some areas are harder to reach so they are done by hand.
4. Clean the vehicle and tape surfaces
Vehicle is wiped down with thinners to remove dust particles and get it ready for painting. Panels, trim, glass and door handles and any other surfaces not being painted are taped off.
5. Prime the vehicle and sand again
Priming the vehicle is the first layer required and is applied using a top down technique. Usually 2-3 coats of primer are applied to cover the surface evenly. Each coat is thoroughly dried before the next coat is applied. Then the vehicle needs to be sanded again after primer to reduce the powdery effects and to regain the smooth, even surface from before.
6. The topcoat
Paint is applied in about 3 coats, sometimes more and is thoroughly dried between each coat. Painting and curing times can vary depending on the size of the surface and the type of paint used.
7. The lacquer coat
Also called a clear coat, we apply a lacquer using the same technique we did when we painted it. Typically we cover it with 1-2 coats depending on the size of the area painted and paint used. While the clear coat is still wet we remove any tape from panels previously covered making sure not to blemish the paint. We allow the lacquer to cure for a set amount of time.
8. Buff and smooth the finish
Vehicle is buffed to even out and smooth the finish of the vehicle. We check for any imperfections to ensure your vehicle’s paint looks just like it did when it was new.