Can Polishing Make Repaint Panel Match Better?

[Treeuser]

2013 Jeep. Light blue metallic/clear coat (winter chill pearl PBA). Front door was repaired and repainted at local reputable dealer. Was not blended into adjacent panels. They said they could blend within the door itself, but to me it appears they didn't, or did it poorly.

To my critical eye, in most angles/sun conditions the door "appears" slightly darker to me. It passes my wife's inspection.

When brought to the body shop's attention, they said to bring it back after 30 day cure and they could lightly polish it, implying that my satisfaction might increase. I understand the difficulty of light metallic paint matching and the "deception" of blending.

QUESTION: Can polishing affect the appearance, resulting in the perception of better match?

Maybe it will fade faster than OEM paint in a few years and match better??

All comments and opinions accepted. Thank you.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Can Polishing Make Repaint Panel Match Better?

First off, welcome to MOL!

Secondly......

I understand the difficulty of light metallic paint matching and the "deception" of blending.

Therein lies the rub. These lighter metallic colors are visually subject to how the reflective particles are laid down as the paint is applied. If the orientation of these particles is "off" relative to the rest of the vehicle the color will appear to be a mismatch even though, technically, it's spot on. Is there a possibility that the color is, in fact, slightly mismatched? Sure. Is there a possibility that the color was mixed as a perfect match but the existing color has faded slightly, creating an apparent mismatch? Sure. But no polishing will rearrange the metallic particles or shift the color. Polishing can, however, alter the surface texture slightly which may or may not improve things for you.

[The Guz]

Re: Can Polishing Make Repaint Panel Match Better?

When I had an aftermarket hood painted, at first the paint looked like it didn't match. I could really tell the difference on an overcast day. After a few months that went away and the paint looks spot on. Hopefully your lucky enough to have that happen.

Also welcome to MOL.

[Treeuser]

Re: Can Polishing Make Repaint Panel Match Better?

Thank you gentlemen. I DO have a very discerning eye. My wife thinks it looks o.k.. It's one of those things that if you don't mention it, most others would never catch it.

I guess I have nothing to lose polishing it lightly. I am deliberating whether to have the body shop do it or if I should tackle it. I've been studying this site for weeks - DAP's, pads, Meguire's products (for sure).

The body shop does have a satisfaction guarantee, but sometimes a decision can end up making things worse.....you all know what I mean. The paint job is good, otherwise.

Studying about paint "blending" on You Tube was really an eye opener. It's all about perception of paint match. Very interesting.

Thanks for any other input.

[davey g-force]

Re: Can Polishing Make Repaint Panel Match Better?

I would tackle any future polishing myself (yourself).

It's unlikely the body shop "detailers" would do a decent job, especially for people with discerning eyes, like all of us here..