Erin Panel Works Explains
Paint finishes on vehicles, from shimmering pearl colours to sleek matte blacks, turn heads and make your vehicle truly unique. But what happens if your pride and joy is damaged in an accident and one of those panels needs repair or repainting?
At Erin Panel Works, we see this challenge often. Matching and repairing specialty paint finishes requires the right skill, equipment, and attention to detail, and it’s one of our areas of expertise.
Here’s what really goes into repairing and colour-matching a custom paint finish.
Step 1: Expert Panel Beating and Surface Preparation
Before we even touch the paint, our technicians repair the damaged area with precision. We restore the panel’s shape, remove imperfections, and prepare the surface for painting using factory-level processes and materials. A flawless base is essential, especially for colour-shifting or matte finishes, where even small surface defects will show up easily.
Step 2: Colour Matching Specialty Paints
Every paint behaves differently, and each requires a unique approach.
Pearl or Colour-Shift Paints
Pearl paints contain special mica or interference pigments that change colour depending on the angle and lighting. Matching them is one of the most complex jobs in automotive painting.
We use advanced spectrophotometers, test spray-outs, and manufacturer formulas to replicate the exact shade, ensuring the colour transitions smoothly under all lighting conditions. Even the spraying angle and number of coats are critical to the final look.
Matte and Satin Finishes
Matte finishes are achieved through clear coats with Matting agents that give a soft, non-reflective look. Matching the level of gloss or “flatness” is just as important as matching the colour itself.
Pearl and Candy Finishes
Pearl and candy paints involve multiple layers — a solid base, a translucent tinted mid-coat, and a clear coat. The depth and richness depend on how those layers are applied. Our team recreates that exact depth and tone, again blending where necessary to ensure the repaired section is indistinguishable from the rest of your car.
Step 3: Blending for a Seamless Finish
Even with perfect colour matching, lighting and angle can make tiny differences visible. That’s why professional painters use blending techniques — gradually extending the new paint and clear coat into neighbouring panels. This technique ensures the eye can’t detect where the repair begins or ends.
In some cases, such as with Pearl or multi-layer candy finishes, a full side respray may be the only way to achieve a visual match — and we’ll always discuss your options before proceeding.
Step 4: Insurance and Cost Considerations
Specialty paints can be more expensive to repair due to the cost of materials and the time required for precise colour matching.
At Erin Panel Works, we liaise directly with insurance companies to ensure your paint finish is properly valued and restored to pre-accident condition. If your car features a non-standard or custom finish, we recommend checking that your policy covers “agreed value” or “custom paintwork” to avoid surprises.
Get Your Finish Back to Showroom Standard
A paint finish deserves care. Whether it’s a small scratch or a full respray, Erin Panel Works can restore your vehicle’s finish with precision and pride.
📞 Call now for a free quote or to discuss your repair.
Erin Panel Works is where craftsmanship meets colour perfection..