How to Inspect Car Paint and Spot Repainted Areas Before You Buy
Buying a used car can save you a lot of money, but it also comes with a few risks — especially if the car has been repainted to hide previous accidents or damage. Knowing how to inspect the paint properly can help you make a smart purchase and avoid costly surprises later. Here’s a complete guide on how to check if a car’s paint is original or repainted.
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1. Check for Color Mismatch
Walk around the car during daylight. Look closely at each panel — doors, fenders, hood, and bumpers. The factory paint should be consistent across the entire body.
If you notice a slight difference in color or shade between panels, that’s often a sign of repainting. Even professional paint jobs rarely match the factory tone exactly.
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2. Inspect Reflections and Gloss
The reflection on a car’s surface should be uniform. If one area looks duller or glossier than others, it could indicate a repaint. Repainted areas sometimes have uneven texture, known as “orange peel,” or may show swirl marks and fine scratches from polishing.
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3. Look at Paint Edges and Rubber Seals
Factory paint jobs are smooth and continuous — there shouldn’t be any paint on rubber seals, door edges, or trim. Open the doors, trunk, and hood to inspect closely. If you find paint overspray on weather seals or uneven edges near the joints, the car was likely repainted.
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4. Use a Paint Thickness Gauge
If you want a professional check, a paint thickness gauge can reveal if the car’s paint is factory-applied or not. Factory paint usually measures between 100–180 microns. Repainted or repaired areas often show higher or inconsistent readings.
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5. Examine Hidden Areas
Inspect the inner edges of the hood, trunk, and door frames. These spots are often overlooked during repainting. If you notice color overspray or rough texture inside these hidden parts, it’s a clear indication that the vehicle has been repainted.
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6. Check for Overspray and Masking Lines
Overspray happens when paint unintentionally spreads to areas that shouldn’t be painted. Look carefully around headlights, emblems, and mirrors. Masking lines — thin edges where tape was used during repainting — can often be spotted around door handles or window frames.
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7. Review the Car History
If possible, ask for a car history report. It might reveal if the vehicle was ever involved in an accident or had bodywork done. This confirms your visual inspection and helps you negotiate a fair price.
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8. Get a Professional Opinion
If you’re unsure, it’s worth taking the car to a trusted body shop or inspection center. Experts can quickly identify repainting and even tell you whether it was done for cosmetic reasons or accident repair.
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Final Thoughts
Checking the paint carefully before buying a car can save you from future problems. A car that has been repainted isn’t necessarily bad — but it’s crucial to know why it was repainted. Use these simple inspection techniques to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible and avoid paying more for a car that hides damage beneath the surface.
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#usedcars #carinspection #carpaintcheck #carsforsaleDubai #usedcarsSharjah #cheapcarsforsaleSharjah #buyusedcarDubai #carbuyingtips #carbodyinspection #arabnabook
⸻
1. Check for Color Mismatch
Walk around the car during daylight. Look closely at each panel — doors, fenders, hood, and bumpers. The factory paint should be consistent across the entire body.
If you notice a slight difference in color or shade between panels, that’s often a sign of repainting. Even professional paint jobs rarely match the factory tone exactly.
⸻
2. Inspect Reflections and Gloss
The reflection on a car’s surface should be uniform. If one area looks duller or glossier than others, it could indicate a repaint. Repainted areas sometimes have uneven texture, known as “orange peel,” or may show swirl marks and fine scratches from polishing.
⸻
3. Look at Paint Edges and Rubber Seals
Factory paint jobs are smooth and continuous — there shouldn’t be any paint on rubber seals, door edges, or trim. Open the doors, trunk, and hood to inspect closely. If you find paint overspray on weather seals or uneven edges near the joints, the car was likely repainted.
⸻
4. Use a Paint Thickness Gauge
If you want a professional check, a paint thickness gauge can reveal if the car’s paint is factory-applied or not. Factory paint usually measures between 100–180 microns. Repainted or repaired areas often show higher or inconsistent readings.
⸻
5. Examine Hidden Areas
Inspect the inner edges of the hood, trunk, and door frames. These spots are often overlooked during repainting. If you notice color overspray or rough texture inside these hidden parts, it’s a clear indication that the vehicle has been repainted.
⸻
6. Check for Overspray and Masking Lines
Overspray happens when paint unintentionally spreads to areas that shouldn’t be painted. Look carefully around headlights, emblems, and mirrors. Masking lines — thin edges where tape was used during repainting — can often be spotted around door handles or window frames.
⸻
7. Review the Car History
If possible, ask for a car history report. It might reveal if the vehicle was ever involved in an accident or had bodywork done. This confirms your visual inspection and helps you negotiate a fair price.
⸻
8. Get a Professional Opinion
If you’re unsure, it’s worth taking the car to a trusted body shop or inspection center. Experts can quickly identify repainting and even tell you whether it was done for cosmetic reasons or accident repair.
⸻
Final Thoughts
Checking the paint carefully before buying a car can save you from future problems. A car that has been repainted isn’t necessarily bad — but it’s crucial to know why it was repainted. Use these simple inspection techniques to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible and avoid paying more for a car that hides damage beneath the surface.
⸻
#usedcars #carinspection #carpaintcheck #carsforsaleDubai #usedcarsSharjah #cheapcarsforsaleSharjah #buyusedcarDubai #carbuyingtips #carbodyinspection #arabnabook
