Modern methods of body repair – straightening and painting

Body repair is an important stage in car maintenance, as it not only affects the appearance, but also the safety and durability of the vehicle. Body damage can be different: from minor scratches to serious deformations after an accident. Therefore, it is important to know what repair methods exist and how to choose the right one for your car.

Types of body repair: from minor defects to complete restoration

There are different types of body repair, which depend on the degree of damage:

Minimal damage : These can be minor scratches or small dents that do not require a lot of time or money. These repairs are often quick and easy to perform.
Moderate damage : This includes more serious dents that require straightening or even partial replacement of body parts. Repairs may take longer and require specific materials.
Serious damage . If the car body is severely deformed after an accident, more extensive work may be required, including replacing large parts of the body or its complete restoration.

The exact repair method you choose depends on how damaged the bodywork surface is. However, any repair requires a professional approach to restore the bodywork properly.

Car alignment: correction of dents and body deformations

Body straightening is the process of correcting the geometry of a vehicle, including straightening dents, correcting irregularities in shape, and other mechanical work. It is one of the main stages of body repair, especially when the damage is not too serious.

The main straightening methods include:

Mechanical straightening . Usually used for minor damage. Special tools are used to help straighten the metal without significant time and effort.
Hydraulic straightening . This is a technique used for more complex dents or body deformations where hydraulic presses are required to correct the shape.
Heat straightening . If the body is severely bent, you can use heating the metal to a high temperature to make it more elastic and easier to straighten.

This helps to restore the car to its proper shape, which is important before the next step – painting.

Car painting technologies

Once the bodywork is leveled, the next step is to paint it. Proper painting not only makes your car look good, but it also protects it from corrosion and other damage.

Surface preparation and paint selection

The painting process begins with careful preparation of the body surface. Here are some basic steps:

Cleaning . It is necessary to remove old paint, dirt and other residues on the body.
Priming . This is a necessary step so that the paint adheres better to the surface and lasts longer.
Paint selection . It is important to choose the shade of paint that most closely matches the original color of the car, which will ensure even application.

Dyeing methods

There are several staining methods, among which we can highlight:

Powder coating . This is a technology in which the paint is applied in powder form and then fixed at high temperatures. This method provides excellent resistance to mechanical damage and external influences.
Acrylic painting . One of the most popular methods. The paint is applied in several layers, which gives the body a great look, although it can be sensitive to scratches.
Multi-layer painting . This method is used to achieve maximum color stability and saturation. It involves applying several layers of paint and coating with special protective varnishes.

How to avoid corrosion after repair?

Corrosion is one of the main enemies of a car body. After repair, it is important to take measures to prevent its occurrence. This will help keep the car in perfect condition for a long time.

Basic tips for preventing corrosion:

Anti-corrosion coatings . After repair, the body can be treated with special protective agents that create an additional layer of protection on it.
Regular car washing . Especially in winter, when there is salt on the roads, regular washing will help reduce the risk of corrosion.

When to contact specialists?

If you are not confident in your abilities or cannot accurately assess the extent of the body damage, it is better to contact professionals. This will allow you to get a result that meets the highest quality standards and ensures a long service life for your car.