QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I need to repair/replace my Mazda3 bumper cover and also may repair a 5" dent in the fender (especially if I can do it paintless). My concern is about matching the black onyx color/tint on the bumper cover w/the fender and w/the rest of the car. What should I look for in an autobody shop? I see ads like 'downdraft spray paint baking booth' but don't know if that is better than any other option. I didn't find any local shops with before/after pics of this type of work, though I saw pics of paintless dent repair online.
ANSWER: Spray booth ads don't guarantee a better job. A poor musician blames his instrument, you see. A careless painter will do cruddy work in the very best of paint facilities, a careful painter can do excellent work in a marginal spray area. Do your homework, ask around about a good body shop in your area. I highly doubt that the 5 in. dent can be successfully repaired with paintless dent repair. The best way to guarantee a paint match is to pay he extra cash, and color blend panels adjacent to the bumper. If the fender dent is close to the door, or hood, the only way to make it look good is to blend the door, and possibly the hood. You won't really notice a minor paint hue difference at the hood and fender line, but you totally will at the fender/bumper line, or the fender/door line. Bill
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QUESTION: Think I should just go to the dealer to get the paint to match?
AnswerSure, if you ask around, and find they have a good reputation. Just because it's a dealership, that doesn't mean they have a good paint staff. body shops, independent or dealership, don't get paint from the individual car manufacturers, we get it form independent paint dealers. like DuPont, PPG or Sikkens. If you trust the dealership, take it ther, and voice your concerns about paint match to them before having it repaired. Bill
