Your vehicle’s paint isn’t just a protective layer—it’s a statement of style and craftsmanship. A flawless finish not only enhances your car’s appearance but also reflects your attention to detail and pride of ownership. At Desoto Collision Center, we understand the importance of auto body paint and go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results that exceed your expectations. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art of auto body paint and how our commitment to using top-of-the-line products and advanced technology elevates your vehicle’s aesthetics to new heights.

Premium Products for Superior Results
Achieving a showroom-quality finish starts with using the right products. At Desoto Collision Center, we exclusively use top-of-the-line, high-end products to ensure impressive results that stand the test of time. Our partnership with industry-leading brands such as Sikkens guarantees that your vehicle receives the finest paint available, known for its durability, color accuracy, and long-lasting shine.

State-of-the-Art Technology
Precision is key when it comes to auto body paint, and that’s where our investment in cutting-edge technology makes a difference. Our Garmat paint booths provide a controlled environment free from contaminants and dust, ensuring a flawless application every time. Combined with Mirka dustless vac systems, we minimize even the slightest imperfections, leaving you with a mirror-like finish that’s second to none.

Custom Color Matching
Matching your vehicle’s paint color precisely is essential for a seamless repair or repaint. Our skilled technicians utilize advanced color matching techniques to ensure that the new paint seamlessly blends with the existing finish, achieving a uniform and flawless look. Whether you need a touch-up or a complete color change, we have the expertise to deliver stunning results.

Expert Application and Finishing
Applying paint isn’t just about spraying—it’s an art form that requires skill and attention to detail. Our experienced painters meticulously prepare the surface, apply multiple coats of paint with precision, and finish with clear coats for added protection and shine. The result is a smooth, glossy finish that enhances your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal and protects it from environmental elements.

Durability and Longevity
Investing in quality auto body paint not only enhances your car’s appearance but also ensures durability and longevity. Our premium paints and meticulous application techniques resist fading, chipping, and peeling, keeping your vehicle looking pristine for years to come. Whether you’re restoring a classic car or refreshing your daily driver, our paint services are designed to exceed your expectations.

At Desoto Collision Center, we believe that auto body paint is more than just a service—it’s an art that transforms your vehicle into a work of art. With our commitment to using top-of-the-line products, state-of-the-art technology, and expert craftsmanship, we elevate your car’s appearance to a whole new level. Experience the difference of precision paintwork and flawless finishes by scheduling your consultation with us today.

Car paint is one of the most important elements of a vehicle’s appearance. It not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the car, but also protects it from the elements. However, just like any other aspect of a car, paint can also experience problems. Below are five common car paint issues and how to fix them.

Oxidation: Oxidation occurs when the clear coat on a car’s paint begins to deteriorate. This can cause the paint to appear dull and faded. To fix this issue, you will need to use a polishing compound to remove the oxidation and restore the shine to the paint.

Scratches: Scratches are one of the most common paint issues and can be caused by a variety of things, such as keys, gravel, or even just everyday use. To fix scratches, you can use a touch-up paint or a scratch repair kit. If the scratch is deep, it may be best to take the car to a professional for repair.

Swirl marks: Swirl marks are caused by improper washing and drying techniques. They appear as small, circular marks on the paint surface. To fix swirl marks, you can use a clay bar to remove them or a polishing compound to reduce their appearance.

Bird droppings: Bird droppings can cause damage to car paint if left on for too long. They contain acid which can eat through the clear coat and discolor the paint. To remove bird droppings, use a solution of water and a mild detergent to gently wash them off. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly to prevent any damage.

Rust: Rust is caused by exposure to moisture and can be a serious problem if left untreated. To fix rust, you will need to remove it by sanding or using a rust remover. Once the rust is removed, you will need to apply a rust inhibitor to prevent it from returning.

In conclusion, car paint issues can range from minor to severe, but with proper care and maintenance, most can be fixed relatively easily. Regular washing and waxing, as well as regular inspections, can help prevent paint issues from occurring in the first place. If you are unsure how to fix a paint issue or it is too severe for you to handle, it’s best to take your car to a professional auto body repair shop like Desoto Collision Center for repair!  Contact us today to learn how we can help save your paint job on your car!

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If you need an auto frame shop on the double, working with an experienced and trustworthy partner like Desoto Collision Center can streamline the process considerably. Our team prides itself on offering high-grade car frame repair services to all clients in the area. Here are a few more tips for finding the right auto frame repair shop for your needs.

Check That The Auto Frame Repair Shop Specializes in Frame Damage

High-quality frame damage repair needs a company like ours with ample experience in the niche. Repairing frames after an accident can be complex, and many auto shops lack the capabilities to handle this type of work. Before you take your car in, call ahead to ensure the team can handle frame repair projects with precision.

Ask About The Team’s Technology Capabilities

Frame straightening and other repair tasks are more effective with a firm grasp of the latest technology. Be sure to choose an auto frame repair company like Desoto Collision Center that values high-grade processes and invests in the best technology. A car frame repair company should have a cutting-edge laser measurement system, hydraulic equipment, and other essential machinery at a minimum.

For example, Desoto Collision Center makes quality technology a top commitment. We take full advantage of the benefits that technology brings to the workshop, and this flexibility adds tremendous value for both our staff and customers.

Consider Your Car’s Brand and Model

Not all frame repair shops work with all brands of vehicles. Some frame repair shops might specialize in selected car brands or designs, so be sure to ask before you arrive. A premier service like Desoto Collision Center includes plenty of experience in every type of vehicle, so we can provide what you need.

Read The Collision Center’s Reviews Online

It is always a good idea to read online reviews before committing to a particular auto frame repair shop. Read reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and other platforms for a better idea of the company’s reputation. You should also look for common themes in complaints, like an auto shop that never returns customers’ cars on time.

Desoto Collision Center has worked hard to build a reputation for high-quality work, timeous service, and flawless results, and our online reviews speak for the standard of our auto frame repair shop and other services.

Request an Upfront Quote

The final tip is to ask for a quote in advance. Expensive bills tend to emerge when there is no upfront estimate before the work begins, and collision repair services can be more expensive than you imagine if the damage is not obvious from a visual perspective. It’s critical to choose an affordable auto frame repair shop like ours that provides honest pricing and accurate estimates.

Asking for an estimate is also an excellent way for you to compare the service to other collision centers in your area and find yourself the best deal. With Desoto Collision Center, we provide value for money, including proper estimates before any work begins.

Do you need frame damage services from the experts? Contact the team at Desoto Collision Center by filling in our online contact form and find out what our auto frame repair shop can do for you today.

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If you need to repaint a vehicle, it’s essential to choose a car paint shop like Desoto Collision Center. You need to be able to trust the team to complete the job successfully because it requires skill, and a small mistake can easily ruin the car’s aesthetic appeal. Don’t worry; Desoto Collision Center has the very skills and years of experience you were hoping to find.

Five Questions to Ask A Car Paint Shop Before You Arrive

How can clients know that they will be receiving high-grade auto paint services? Our experts recommend asking the list of questions below before you commit to the car paint shop service for your next auto paint job:

How does the car paint shop prepare your vehicle for painting?

Preparation is critical within the auto painting process. The paint job will quickly deteriorate without proper preparation of the vehicle, and quality work is important to keep your car looking its best. For example, ask whether the auto paint company is going to remove trims, door handles, and other auto elements before they begin any work; that is the attention to detail your car needs.

Do other local customers value the service?

Verifying the quality of the shop’s work is another important step, and the only way to do that is through the word of past clients. You can do this by looking up auto paint companies like Desoto Collision Center online and reading about their reputation in the field. Google reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and many other online organizations make this decision a little easier.

If you cannot find reviews, accreditations, or evidence of solid work, it might be better to turn to a more reliable auto body shop, like Desoto Collision Center.

Does modern technology underpin the car paint shop’s work?

If you need to paint your car, choose a company that values modern technology and has the latest equipment. Painting a vehicle is steeped in technology, much more so than painting a house or commercial building. The paint job needs to be seamless, which is why an auto paint shop like ours invests in the right equipment, training, and technology.

Are there transparent prices and affordable services?

Desoto Collision Center is constantly upgrading its processes and technology for the best results, but it remains a priority to keep our car paint shop affordable. The auto paint shop you choose should provide you with an upfront quote that you can compare with other car paint services in your area. There is no need to overpay—ask for an estimate for painting your vehicle before you decide.

Does the business offer additional services?

The final question is whether the car paint shop offers other services. For example, auto accident damage might require a new coat of paint alongside some extensive body work. Reliable auto body shops like ours offer paint jobs, collision repair work, and a host of other services at affordable rates.

Desoto Collision Center values the quality of our work and provides a range of helpful collision repair solutions to our clients in the area. Contact us online for a high-quality car paint shop that wants to have your car looking and running like new again.

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Imagine you have just purchased a new car and are excited to take it for a drive. You make a pit stop for gas and liquid splashes onto your shiny vehicle’s paintwork calling for extensive auto paint damage repair. Don’t worry; Desoto Collision Center is here for you at seven locations countrywide.

Four Everyday Things That Need Auto Paint Damage Repair Services

Plenty of spills lead to stains, peeling layers, and deep scratches on your car, but car paint repair does not always require a full paint job solution. If you want to avoid auto paint damage repair, knowledge is essential. Most car owners can avoid a trip to the body shop by keeping these four substances well away from the vehicle’s exterior:

#1 Gasoline

Since the vehicle uses gasoline to operate, it seems almost counterintuitive that this liquid can cause untold damage to the car’s paintwork. It is an easy spill to overlook with gasoline as such a necessity for travel, but the corrosive substance will quickly result in auto paint damage repair needs.

The next time you are at the pump, be careful to avoid the slightest bit of gas dropping onto your car. The gas will evaporate, but it leaves a stain and corrodes the clear coat that protects the car’s shiny exterior. An easy way to safeguard against this problem is to wax your car after every car wash for extra protection.

#2 Soda & Coffee

Stains happen for many reasons, but soda and coffee are more harmful than they might appear. These common substances have severe effects on your car’s paint, even though your body can ingest it. Like gasoline, soda and coffee hold corrosive properties that erode the material beneath them. Coffee and soda are acidic, and the sugar combination can be even more corrosive.

These substances also leave behind a residue, potentially damaging the car’s exterior long-term. If you want to safeguard your car’s layers of paint, be sure to clean up any spills as soon as possible.

#3 Birds and Animals

Another acidic substance is bird excrement. Bird droppings are common on vehicles that park under trees or out in the open but do untold damage if left to erode the paintwork. Long-lasting issues or regular feathered visitors messing on your vehicle will quickly require auto paint damage repair, especially if the vehicle is sitting outside in the sun all day.

Clean up bird excretions immediately with mild detergent and a wet rag, but be careful to avoid scratching your car with the rough particles often found in the droppings.

#4 Ash

Ash from house fires or wildfires is unhealthy to breathe in, but it is also detrimental to a car’s exterior. Both soot or ashes pose a risk when reacting with moisture, like dew. The potassium and calcium particles can also scratch your car and turn it a grayish color. 

Contact Desoto Collision Center today for more information on local auto paint damage repair and our professional auto body specialists. Our excellent customer service and quality repairs are sure to leave a lasting impression. Call one of our seven locations nearest to you or contact us online for a free estimate.

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Cars are essential assets for many people yet quickly depreciate in resale value if you don’t keep your car in like-new condition. Here is why you should keep your vehicle clean and let our mechanic inspect it regularly:

#1 A Clean Car Looks and Feels Great

The best way to keep your car looking fresh is to clean it regularly. Take it past a drive-through car wash or let our shop detail it for amazing results. If you clean it yourself, following these steps will ensure top-class results on any vehicle:

Wash and Wax For Protection That Shines

When people think about cleaning their cars, they usually think of soap and water. It is an excellent beginning for keeping your car free of dirt and bugs, but it is not enough. A wax session after the car is clean will bring out longer-lasting results and protect the paintwork.

Waxing your car not only makes it shinier and looking great but also protects the exterior. The car will stay cleaner for longer if you regularly wash and wax it a few times each year.

Remember to Spray the Undercarriage

The undercarriage of the car is the most neglected part of the car during a wash at home. It is especially a problem for people that wash their cars themselves as it is difficult to reach. However, clearing the car’s undercarriage of dirt and debris is essential to keeping it running smoothly.

Complete the Look with Beautifully Clean Tires

Another neglected part of the car missed during a wash at home is the tires. As the only part of the car in contact with dirty surfaces, tires are usually filthy. It is the dirtiest part of a car but also easy to miss without the right equipment handy. The problem with dirty tires is that these features stick out against a freshly washed vehicle, compromising the aesthetic effects of the wash you have just completed.

Spruce up the Interior of the Car

The final tip for cleaning is to clean the inside of the car each time you wash the outside. It is best to clean any major spills quickly to prevent staining and keep it in top condition.

#2 Regular Maintenance Works Wonders

Even if your car looks new, malfunctioning mechanical components will render it useless. The most important advice for keeping your vehicle in like-new condition is to let us inspect it regularly and address any minor breaks quickly. Our mechanic will quickly handle engine problems and other mechanical strains before these become expensive to fix and devalue the car.

Taking a car to our reputable mechanic comes with myriad benefits. A typical service would include checks of the brakes, battery, and other components to make sure you stay ahead of the repairs. You can aid this process with regular old changes and tire rotations between services, as well.

Cleaning and maintaining your vehicle is the best way to keep it looking and driving like it is right off the shop floor. Would you like to ensure professional maintenance and keep your car repair costs down? Contact any of our seven Desoto Collision Center locations near you today or schedule an appointment with us online.

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Whether you are trying to repair scratches from an accident or just want a change, there are many factors to consider when getting a new paint job for your car. Our team at Desoto Collision Center is here to help you with any questions you have when repainting your car.

Consider the Overall Condition of Your Car

The first thing you should consider is: Is it worth it? Do I see myself driving this car for the next five or more years? The overall condition of your car will determine whether a new paint job will be worth the hassle. Dents, scratches, rust spots, and other external damage will need to be repaired by the body shop before applying a new coat of paint. This can add up fast. On the other hand, fixing these issues and repainting can also add value to your car.

Repainting Your Car Can Be Pricy

As mentioned above, external damage will need to be repaired before repainting your car. In addition, the color that you are choosing will determine the cost. If you are just looking to have a fresh coat of paint in your car’s original color, this will be significantly cheaper than changing the color of your car. Again, it is important to consider whether this will add value to your car or not.

Not All Paints Are Created Equal

If you are looking to repaint your car, you will have to consider more than just the color. There is a vast difference in the quality of different types of paints. When choosing auto paint, there are four common choices: acrylic lacquer, acrylic enamel, urethane, and water-based paints. Though you will want to consult with a trusted expert at Desoto Collision Center to find the best choice for your car, here is a brief overview:

• Acrylic Lacquer: This is the most tried and true of the painting methods and one of the least expensive. However, this paint tends not to last as long as some of the others.
• Acrylic Enamel: A type of spray paint that is applied in a thick layer. This paint is considered a “hard” paint, meaning it is more durable than other methods and can stand up to the elements. However, the application process takes more time than lacquer paints and can be pricier.
• Urethane: This type of paint is not only affordable but also has a fast drying time. It is also very durable and involves a spray application. If you are trying to DIY, you must be cautious as this paint is highly toxic.
• Water-Based: A more eco-friendly option, water-based paints are also easily applied using a spray method. These paints also have more of a natural gloss, which means they may not require a topcoat. Unfortunately, these paints come in a limited number of colors and are more sensitive to the elements.

For informative consultations and high-quality paint jobs, contact Desoto Collision Center today!

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The longer you own your car, the more likely it is that it’ll get a scratch or two. While most scratches look like any other to an untrained eye, depending on their severity, they can have a significant impact on the long-term health of your vehicle.

When you start to notice scratches on your car, it’s best to take it to a professional mechanic for a thorough inspection. You might want to repair the damage yourself with car scratch remover products or touch up paint to save on expenses. While those are options, using them correctly is more complicated than you might think. Your mechanic will have the expertise and all the right tools to make sure that your car comes out looking good as new.

However, self-repair on surface scratches isn’t impossible and can be a relatively simple process if done correctly. If going to a mechanic isn’t an option, we’ve provided a few tips to help you get the job done yourself.

Recognize the Different Types of Scratches

There’s a world of difference between a light scratch and a deep scratch. For proper car scratch repair, you should determine the extent of the damage and whether fixing it yourself is an option. There are three types of scratches, each with varying levels of severity:

• Minor Scratches or Marks – These are the most superficial scratches and the most easily fixed. A scratch is minor when something scrapes against your car but doesn’t penetrate the clear coat. If you don’t see metal beneath the scratch, then the damage is likely shallow.

• Paint Scratches – These are scratches that penetrate down to the enamel layer of your vehicle. They require more effort to remove than minor scratches but are still removable if you have the proper tools. 

• Deep or Primer Scratches – These are the deepest and most serious types of scratches, penetrating past your car’s paint and clear coat and to the bare metal. Deeper scratches require the most work to fix and are best handled by a professional mechanic.

Acquire Proper Tools

There are several tools that you can use for a proper DIY scratch repair. For more minor scratches, you can use rubbing compounds, such as Turtle Wax, available over the counter. Simply clean the affected area with soap, water, and a microfiber towel, apply a bit of the polishing compound, and lightly press it into the surface with circular motions to remove scratches.

For milder scratches beneath the clear coat, you can purchase scratch removal kits. They’ll contain several essentials to get the job done, such as buff pads and scratch removal solutions. Make sure to wash your car and dry it before gently working the remover into the scratch. Then, buff the area and polish it to return your vehicle to a mirror shine.

Fixing the deepest scratches requires car paint repair and polishing. It’s an extensive process best left to professionals.

If you want to ensure your car stays in tip-top shape inside and out, schedule a car repair appointment at Desoto Collision Center today!

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Did you spoil yourself with a shiny, new paint job on your beloved automobile? Perhaps, you bought a new car and want it to glisten enough to turn heads down the strip. Painting a car can be a considerable investment, but it is worth the effort to keep your auto paint looking brand new.

Here are a few tips on how you can use automotive paint to keep your car in showroom quality:

Wash and Dry It Yourself

Car paint quickly deteriorates, especially if you live in a place with extreme weather or high humidity. If you never drive your newly painted ride, you won’t have to worry about this problem. However, if it faces dirt and inclement weather, washing your car is essential in protecting your auto paint.

A professional car wash isn’t always the safest method, though. Brushes are abrasive, and the water often contains salt (which will rust paint). If you want to effectively protect your car’s exterior, buy high-quality cleaning products at auto shops instead.

Apply the soap with a foam sponge and rinse with clean water. Always dry your car by hand with a microfiber towel—leaving auto paint to air dry will result in water stains and residue that will corrode the paint.

Paper drying products easily scratch paintwork, which might force you into paying for touch-up paint jobs.

Wax On, Wax Off

The Karate Kid mantra wasn’t such a crazy concept after all. After washing your car, you should apply a wax that is safe for a high-quality paint product. Wax maintains the shine but also protects against sunlight, dust, grime, and bird droppings.

Washing your car is also an easier process if you wax it between cleanings. You should apply this wax coating every six weeks for your automotive paint to reap the benefits. The movie technique was accurate—you should “wax on” in a circular motion and “wax off” when it appears dry and chalky.

Use a soft towel to remove the excess wax from your auto paint for the best results. A bottle of polish is a cheaper alternative to a body shop, but it is well worth the time.

Apply Paint Sealant

If you want your auto paint to sparkle and shine, you need a paint sealant. You apply the synthetic product like a wax, but it lasts longer and offers more protection (up to six months if it’s a high-quality product).

Cover Your Car

If you can’t park your car in a garage, you should invest in a water-resistant cover. Excessive moisture deteriorates your auto paint quickly. A durable cover will protect your vehicle from dirt, rain, snow, and UV rays.

Our final tip is to buy a cover that fits tightly so that it doesn’t lift or scratch the paint on windy days or nights. Your car protects you and your family—you should return the favor (and save time and money in the process).

Desoto Collision Repair: Professional Auto Painting

If you need help preserving your auto paint, contact the professionals at Desoto Collision Center. Our body shops offer new paint jobs, touch-up paint, and high-quality paint products to keep your car looking brand new.

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Many vehicle owners agree that a full car paint job is a reasonable step for automobile maintenance and protection. There are also myriad reasons to change the vehicle color, including patching it after an accident, restoring a new, shiny exterior, or fixing rust damage.

Are you thinking of repainting your car? Consider our Desoto Collision expert tips for the procedure, paintwork, time, and expense involved.

Repainting: First Steps

Whether you are driving a 10-year-old car or a newer model, the technique and paint should be of premium quality so that it won’t damage your vehicle. When you take your vehicle for a full car paint job, ask about the process. What kind of technique does the company use, are there additional products, and what is the expected outcome?

Before the repainting begins, you will need to remove everything from inside the car, including the seats, console, dashboard, and all personal items. Depending on the type of vehicle and the procedure’s complexity, you might even have to remove your vehicle’s entire engine.

Paint Types

Another important consideration is the type of paint on offer. The most common paint types are metallic, urethane, matte, and acrylic.

Metallic

If you want your car to shine, a metallic finish is the brightest option. These metallic finishes come in a range of color variations and reflect the light to boost your car’s aesthetic value.

The downside of a metallic look is that it shows the dirt. Stains are more obvious than with other finishes, so you may have to clean your vehicle more often.

Urethane

Urethane is the most durable paint and highly resistant to fading, rust, and cracks. Due to its premium quality, urethane is usually more expensive than the metallic finish.

Matte

If you are not a fan of shiny exteriors, a matte finish is an obvious choice for your car. While it requires more maintenance, the hassle is worth it. Matte aesthetics are trendy, boost the car’s value, and make it stand out from the traffic.

Acrylic

The acrylic car paint creates a robust shell over the vehicle, making it far more resistant to scratches and blemishes. The paintwork does not require much maintenance, and it dries faster than other options.

How Long Does It Take To Paint A Car?

A full car paint job isn’t going to be a one-day process. If you want flawless results that last, the painting may take days, if not one or two weeks. The layers need time to crystallize before you take your vehicle home, and the details matter.

Before you bring your car in to start the process, be sure to confirm the time frame. Our experts take care to paint your chosen color and restore the old shine for a full makeover that lasts years.

Is The Cost Worth The Paint Job?

The details will depend entirely on your needs and budget, but car paint jobs have a wide range of options. Be sure to check out the full procedure cost and ask us about the paint options, color differences, finishes, and timeline before committing to a car paint job.

Trust The Experts At Desoto Collision Center

Choose Desoto Collision Center as a service provider you can trust for flawless paintwork and the utmost care regarding your vehicle. Our professionals use high-end products and technology for impressive finishes and long-lasting results.

Contact us today for a free estimate on your Desoto Collision Center car paint job.

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