Does body shops paint into old paint that's already there?

Hey folks! This is Mike and Tom from Pacific One Collision and Restoration.

Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from you all on the internet.

Today's question is:

"Does body shops paint into old paint that's already there?"

Answer:
Blending is essential for proper color matching. When a panel is replaced or repainted, we blend into adjacent panels such as doors, hoods, or bumpers to ensure a smooth color transition. This is especially important for difficult colors like tri-coat pearls.

In many cases, aluminum panels with multiple dents end up being replaced rather than repaired due to labor cost. Shallow dents can sometimes be repaired, but it really depends on how stretched the aluminum is.

While insurance companies sometimes resist paying for blending, it is necessary to ensure the repair is invisible and the vehicle looks like it did before the accident.

Summary:
Paint blending into adjacent panels is necessary to achieve seamless color transitions, especially with complex finishes.