How to Recognize an Aftermarket Paint Job

Aftermarket paint jobs are any paint jobs done on a vehicle once it leaves the factory. Reasons for aftermarket paint jobs vary, but people get them if the car has been damaged, because they want a color change or for the chance of increasing the resale value of an old car. Aftermarket paint jobs don't appear as flawless as factory jobs. For this reason, many people don't want an aftermarket paint job when looking for a car.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Compare the outside color of the car to door jams and panels. If only parts of the car have new paint, the newer paint job appears brighter. Even with a total body paint job, the person who performed the aftermarket paint job probably left the door jams the original color. Most companies cannot match paint colors exactly and you may see a difference.
2. Check the door and hood jams for overspray. This looks like a dry haze on the paint. Some aftermarket paint jobs also leave runs or a collection of paint in the door and hood jams.
3. Look for runs or build-up in the paint on the body of the car. Look for these mistakes when the sun isn't too bright. Strong sunlight can disguise paint runs in an aftermarket job. If you notice any hazy spots, it's possible a run or paint build-up was poorly buffed out and repainted.
4. Lift a small part of the interior carpet if you suspect the car has an aftermarket paint job. Some sellers know that an aftermarket paint job depreciates the car's value and may deny a paint job. A painter who does an aftermarket paint job correctly paints the engine compartment, door jams and hood jams. Rarely do they lift the carpet and paint under the interior.
5. See if any part of the car appears deeper in color than other parts. This signifies an aftermarket paint job with an effort made to match the factory paint color. The method used for aftermarket paint jobs makes the paint more transparent.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't paint a car you don't plan on keeping long. Factory paint jobs are deeper in color and most likely flawless. A bad aftermarket paint job depreciates the value of your car.
• Find out the reason why a car has an aftermarket paint job. Some sellers repaint cars damaged in an accident.