All you need to know about bodywork paint

How do I choose the right body paint?

Choosing the right type of paint depends on a number of technical and aesthetic criteria. It depends on the type of repair you want to carry out. To easily find the right colour for your car, use the manufacturer's colour code for your vehicle. Carross paints are professional quality products for your bodywork renovation projects. They are available in litre or Spray, depending on your Touch up.

Restore the shine to your bodywork with our professional products

Whether you're a bodybuilder, a car specialist or a private enthusiast, bodywork paintwork requires quality products, the right tools and high-performance consumables to guarantee long-lasting, attractive results. With us, you'll find everything you need to repair, maintain or transform your vehicle's appearance.

We offer a wide range of bodywork products: colour-matched paints, professional thinners, varnishes, primers, as well as all the essential consumables (abrasives, cloths, Masking tape, etc.). Thanks to our rigorous selection, you have the power to restore your car to its original shine, in accordance with the rules of the trade.

Our solutions are available to measure: paint in spray cans, pots or complete kits, with the right gun for even application. Our regular special offers give professionals access to the best bodywork quality at the best price.

Entrust your project to a car paint specialist. Whether you're looking for a simple shine, a local touch-up or a complete paint job, we've got products that have been tested and approved by professionals in the sector.

What types of paint are available?

There are several types of paint, each with its own specific advantages. There are spray paints, pot paints and industrial paints such as epoxy and alkyd:

1- Solvent-based paint:

This type of paint is particularly well known for offering excellent weather resistance, but emits more VOCs than water-based paints. This high-coverage paint is also used for opaque or effect colours.

2- Waterborne paint:

This type of product is more environmentally friendly and emits fewer volatile organic compounds. It is often used in modern automotive paints.

3- Single-coat paint :

It's quicker to apply and provides good hold and a satin or gloss appearance on your surface.

4- Two-coat paint :

This type of paint is recommended for achieving gloss, metallic or pearlescent finishes. The Clearcoat layer will provide good protection for the paint and offer greater durability.

What types of paint finish are there?

1- Opaque finish :

Solid colours with no visual effects

2- Metallic finish :

Bright reflections with aluminium particles

3- Pearlescent finish :

Changing appearance depending on the viewing angle

4- Xirallic, chrome or chameleon finish :

complex special effects, for top-of-the-range finishes

What are the steps involved in repainting a vehicle?

• Stage 1: Preparation of the work area
• Step 2: Dismantling
• Step 3: Cleaning and degreasing the surface
• Step 4: Sanding the bodywork
• Step 5: Applying the primer
• Step 6: Sanding the primer (to even out the surface)
• Step 7: Masking unpainted areas
• Step 8: Applying the Basecoat (Paint)
• Step 9: Applying Clearcoat to protect and add shine
• Step 10: Drying in the booth
• Stage 11: Disassembly of components
• Step 12: Reassembling the parts on your bodywork
• Step 13: Polishing and finishing to remove dust and imperfections
• Step 14: Final quality control

Where can I buy body paint?

You can find body paint online at the best price and with fast delivery on the Carross website or directly in shop. If you are a customer from Lyon, you can go to the DépôtbyCarross which is our local service.

How do I apply paint to a car?

Applying paint to a car requires experience and quality professional products. For a detailed explanation of all the steps involved, simply follow the "Car paint touch-up guide" tutorial on our website.

How long does paint take to dry?

The drying time for car paint depends on a number of factors:

1- Type of paint used :

> Solvent-based paint (one-component and two-component)

• Powder dry: 10 to 20 minutes
• Touch dry: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Fully dry: 24 to 48 hours (depending on thickness, type of Hardener and temperature).

> Water-based Paint :

Fast drying is preferred for this type of car paint.

• Powder dry: 10 to 15 minutes
• Touch dry: approx. 30 minutes
• Completely dry: 24 hours on average

For best results, it is important to pay attention to the drying conditions, and in particular the ambient temperature, humidity and air circulation in the paint booth.

What products are needed for Paint?

To repaint a car (or part of a car body), several products are needed, depending on the condition of the substrate, the type of repair (light sanding or full repair) and the paint system used.

To prepare the substrate, you'll need a degreaser or bodywork cleaner, abrasive paper, putty, hardener, a filling primer, paint and a bodywork clearcoat to finish your surface.

How do I touch up paintwork?

To touch up paint on a car, you can use touch up pens or very fine brushes. We do not recommend this technique if you want professional, high-quality results. If you want to remove a quick scratch from your car or motorbike, use a standard product and carry out the appropriate repair steps.

For more information, or if you would like some advice, our sales team is available Monday to Friday by telephone or email to provide you with all the service you deserve.