June 8, 2023

The Steps to Painting a Car

There's nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into an older car. However, car painting requires several crucial factors that influence the results and cost of any paint job. That's why we're here—to explore these factors, outline the steps involved in painting a car, and provide valuable insights. By understanding these key elements, you can find the best solution that suits your needs. 


Preparing Your Car for a Paint Job 

Finding the right detailing center is crucial when preparing for your paint job. Entrusting your beloved vehicle to skilled professionals ensures that the process is carried out with precision and expertise. Reputable detailing centers also have the necessary knowledge and equipment to handle your car’s preparation and painting, guaranteeing a flawless result. 


Proper preparation is crucial to ensure the highest quality and appearance of your new paint job. The first step is to thoroughly prep the vehicle's bodywork and remove the old paint. If the paint happens to be lead-based, specialized equipment and expertise are required for safe elimination. Additionally, addressing any necessary bodywork or repairs, such as dents, scratches, or rust, is essential to achieve a smooth and seamless result. 


By addressing these repairs before painting, you can ensure a flawless finish free from any visible imperfections. This approach guarantees proper adhesion of the new paint, resulting in a consistent and uniform finish across the entire vehicle. Furthermore, addressing underlying issues beforehand prevents them from compromising the durability and longevity of the paint job in the future. 


Choosing the Right Paint 

When calculating car painting costs, several factors come into play. Your car’s size significantly affects the final price, as larger cars may require more paint, surface preparation, or additional bodywork. The make and model of your car can also impact the cost, as some vehicles may require specific types or brands of paint. 


The type of paint, solid, metallic, or pearl, and its quality will also influence the cost. Additional factors that impact the final price include any necessary bodywork, repairs, or customizations that require specialized tools or equipment. Choosing your paint finish is an opportunity to make a significant difference in costs, with solid colors being the most affordable, followed by metallic and pearl options.

 

The quality of the paint materials is another important consideration, as it affects the appearance, durability, and costs of the paint job. Higher-quality paint provides a better finish but comes at a higher cost. More layers of paint result in better coverage but require more time and materials to complete, increasing the overall cost. Custom paint options, such as airbrushing or special effects, can also significantly raise the final cost. 


Navigating the Additional Steps of Car Painting 

Clear coatings and polishing are essential components of the car painting process. They act as protective layers, shielding the paint from external elements while imparting a deep, glossy shine to the color, enhancing the overall appearance of the vehicle. These services contribute to both aesthetics and durability. 


Furthermore, paint protection treatments are vital for prolonging the lifespan of the newly painted surface. These treatments provide an additional layer of defense against environmental hazards that could potentially harm the paint job. Depending on individual preferences and budget, paint protection treatments range from ceramic coatings to vinyl wraps, each offering unique advantages and associated costs. 


Incorporating these services into the car painting process ensures the long-term protection and preservation of your cherished automobile. By doing so, you can maintain its original luster and withstand the test of time. 


Our Car Painting Process and Steps 

In conclusion, professional car painting is a crucial investment with multiple steps that enhance your car's appearance, preserve its exterior, and maintain its resale value. The cost of painting your car depends on various factors, including size, model, type of paint, materials, number of layers, repairs, additional services, and customization. By investing in a high-quality paint job, you can enjoy riding in style for many years to come. 


It's essential to consult with a trusted and experienced detailing center to obtain personalized quotes and expert advice. Contact us today to set up a consultation and discuss the next steps with our friendly staff. Our dedicated detail, paint, and auto body teams enjoy utilizing their experience to revitalize your car through a well-crafted paint job. 

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5 Signs Your Vehicle Was Damaged in a Minor Collision

October 16, 2025
Most drivers have been there, you’re pulling out of a parking lot, someone backs up too quickly, or you tap bumpers at a stoplight. The impact feels so small that you might not think much about it. But here’s the truth: even a “minor” accident can cause hidden damage to your vehicle. If left unaddressed, that damage can get worse over time, leading to costly repairs or even safety risks down the road. At Morrow Collision , we specialize in diagnosing and repairing collision damage of all kinds, from small dents to major structural repairs. And we’ve seen countless cases where what looked like “just a scratch” turned out to be more serious underneath. Most vehicles have plastic bumpers that can bounce back after a collision but could hide possible damage. Here are five warning signs that your vehicle might have damage after a minor collision, even if you didn’t feel it at the time. 1. Uneven Tire Wear or Alignment Issues One of the most common hidden problems after a fender-bender is a misaligned suspension or frame. Even a low-speed impact can throw your car’s alignment off balance. Signs to watch for include: Your steering wheel pulling to one side Vibrations while driving Tires wearing down unevenly Ignoring these issues can lead to premature tire replacement, poor handling, and reduced safety. A quick post-accident alignment check at a certified collision center like Morrow Collision can help you catch problems early. 2. Strange Noises After the Accident Does your car make new squeaks, rattles, or grinding sounds after a small bump? Don’t dismiss them. These noises can point to: Loosened suspension parts Damaged brakes Bent frame components Even if your vehicle looks fine, these sounds indicate that parts of your car may not be functioning correctly. Catching the issue quickly could prevent further damage and keep you safer on the road. 3. Difficulty Opening Doors, Hood, or Trunk If you’ve noticed your doors or trunk are harder to close or don’t line up properly anymore, that’s a clear sign of structural damage. In many cases, the impact causes subtle frame shifts that throw off your car’s alignment. Furthermore, if you notice a discrepancy in the size of gaps from one side to the other on your vehicle, such as a wider gap on one side of your hood compared to the other, that could also be an indicator that there may be structural damage. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also create safety risks especially if your doors or trunk don’t latch securely. At Morrow Collision, our technicians use advanced measuring systems to detect frame shifts and restore your vehicle back to manufacturer specifications. 4. Warning Lights on Your Dashboard Modern vehicles are full of sensitive sensors that can be affected by even the smallest accidents. After a collision, you may notice warning lights like: Check Engine ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Airbag system alerts These aren’t lights to ignore. They indicate that vital safety systems may not function properly if you’re in another accident. A professional collision repair shop can run diagnostics to pinpoint the issue and restore your vehicle’s safety features. 5. Small Dents or Paint Damage That Spread That little dent or scratch might not bother you now, but it can lead to bigger problems later. Unrepaired dents can expose your car’s frame to rust, especially during wet fall and winter months. Likewise, paint cracks may worsen with temperature changes, turning a minor cosmetic issue into a major body repair. At Morrow Collision, we offer expert paint and body services to fix damage early, saving you time, money, and stress. Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Minor Collision Damage It’s tempting to brush off a low-speed bump or a parking lot tap, but doing so can cost you more in the long run. Even if your car drives normally, unseen damage could affect: Safety (airbags, brakes, structural integrity) Longevity of your tires, alignment, and suspension Resale value of your vehicle By scheduling an inspection after any collision no matter how small, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your vehicle is safe and fully repaired. Trust Morrow Collision for Expert Auto Body Repair At Morrow Collision, we’ve been helping drivers in Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding areas for over 20 years with trusted, high-quality collision repair services. Our certified technicians use the latest technology to spot hidden damage and bring your vehicle back to pre-accident condition. We work with all major insurance companies, making the repair process smooth and stress-free. Whether it’s a tiny dent or a bigger repair, our goal is the same: keep you safe, protect your investment, and get you back on the road quickly. Contact us to schedule your post-collision inspection with Morrow Collision today and let us take care of the rest.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Fall: Maintenance Tips

September 4, 2025
As the vibrant colors of fall emerge and temperatures begin to dip, it's a reminder that winter isn't far behind. Changing seasons bring wet leaves, early morning frost, and shorter daylight hours, all of which can affect driving conditions. Preparing your vehicle now is key to staying safe and avoiding accidents. While routine maintenance is important, accidents can still happen. That’s where Morrow Collision Center comes in, offering expert collision repair to restore your vehicle if the unexpected occurs. 1. Check Your Tires and Brakes With cooler temperatures, tire pressure can drop, reducing traction on wet leaves or frost-covered roads. Inspect your tires for tread depth and wear, and make sure they’re inflated to the recommended PSI. Brakes are equally critical, autumn roads can be slippery, and functioning brakes reduce stopping distances. If your brakes show signs of wear or make unusual noises, schedule an inspection. Morrow Collision Center can repair any collision damage caused by brake-related incidents, keeping your vehicle safe and reliable. 2. Inspect Windshield Wipers and Lights Rain, fog, and early frost make visibility a priority. Replace worn wiper blades and refill washer fluid with a formula suitable for colder weather. Also, check all exterior lights like headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are fully functional. Poor visibility is a common factor in fall fender benders, and addressing these issues early helps prevent accidents. If a collision does occur due to visibility issues, Morrow Collision Center provides fast, professional auto body repair to get your car back in top condition. 3. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Exterior Fallen leaves and early frost can damage paint and trap moisture against your vehicle. Regular washing and waxing protect your car’s finish and prevents corrosion. Minor dings and scratches from autumn hazards can be repaired quickly with paintless dent repair at Morrow Collision Center, preserving your vehicle’s value and appearance. 4. Check Fluids and Battery Cooler weather can affect your car’s battery and essential fluids. Test your battery to ensure it holds a charge, and top off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. A weak battery or low fluids can contribute to accidents if your car stalls unexpectedly. In case an accident does happen, Morrow Collision Center offers comprehensive collision repair services, including frame straightening, bumper repair, and auto glass replacement. 5. Common Fall Accidents and How to Handle Them Even careful drivers may encounter minor collisions in the fall. Wet leaves, slippery roads, and poor visibility increase the risk of: Fender benders in parking lots or at intersections Sideswipes from tight lanes or crowded streets Rear-end collisions in traffic or during sudden stops Morrow Collision Center is equipped to handle all types of collision damage, restoring vehicles safely and efficiently. Our I-CAR Gold certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure repairs meet factory standards, and we work with all major insurance companies to simplify the claims process. 6. Plan for the Unexpected Even with preventive measures, accidents happen. Keep your vehicle documentation, insurance information, and emergency contacts handy. If an accident occurs this fall, having a reliable collision repair partner like Morrow Collision Center ensures your car is returned to you quickly and safely, often with rental car assistance through our Hertz Preferred Partner program. Conclusion Fall driving brings beautiful scenery but also extra hazards. By inspecting tires, brakes, lights, and fluids, you can reduce the risk of accidents. However, collisions can still occur, and when they do, Morrow Collision Center provides expert repair services, including paintless dent repair, auto glass replacement, bumper repair, and full-frame restoration. Trust our certified technicians to restore your vehicle and get you back on the road safely this fall. Contact us here!