The Steps to Painting a Car

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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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!

The Role of OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts in Collision Repair

August 14, 2025

After a collision, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is what kind of replacement parts should be used to repair your vehicle. This often comes down to a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts. While both options serve a similar purpose, they differ in quality, compatibility, and cost and the decision can have a lasting impact on your vehicle’s performance, safety, and value. At Morrow Collision Center, we’ve been restoring vehicles with precision and care for over 25 years. Based in Lincoln, NE, we help customers make informed decisions about their repairs and explain how the parts used can affect the outcome. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts and why it matters in the collision repair process. What Are OEM Parts? OEM parts are manufactured by the same company that built your vehicle. These parts are made to match the exact specifications of the original parts installed at the factory. OEM parts are designed for perfect fit, function, and compatibility with your vehicle’s make and model. What Are Aftermarket Parts? Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies and are not produced by the vehicle’s original manufacturer. These parts are typically designed to be compatible with multiple makes and models, and they vary in quality depending on the brand. Key Differences Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts Let’s take a closer look at how these two options compare in the context of collision repair: 1. Fit and Compatibility OEM Parts: Guaranteed to fit your vehicle precisely, minimizing the risk of misalignment or installation issues. Aftermarket Parts: May not always fit as precisely, especially if they’re designed for multiple vehicle types. This can lead to additional labor time or the need for modifications. 2. Quality and Performance OEM Parts: Match the quality and materials of the original components, offering consistent performance and safety. Aftermarket Parts: Quality can vary by manufacturer, and some may perform just as well, while others may wear out faster or not meet the same safety standards. 3. Warranty and Insurance Coverage OEM Parts: Often come with a warranty from the manufacturer and are more likely to be covered by your vehicle’s original warranty. Aftermarket Parts: May have limited or no warranty and could potentially void certain aspects of your factory warranty. At Morrow Collision Center, we work closely with your insurance company to determine what type of parts are covered under your policy. 4. Cost Considerations OEM Parts: Typically, more expensive due to the manufacturer branding and guaranteed fit. (If OEM Parts are preferred for better fitment and performance, the customer may be responsible for the additional out-of-pocket cost.) Aftermarket Parts: Usually more affordable, which can help lower out-of-pocket costs, especially if insurance doesn’t cover OEM. So, Which Is Better? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your vehicle’s age, your budget, insurance coverage, and personal preference. For newer or high-end vehicles, OEM parts may be worth the investment to maintain factory-level performance and value. For older cars or minor repairs, aftermarket parts may offer a cost-effective solution. At Morrow Collision Center, we walk you through your options and help you choose the parts that meet your needs, without sacrificing safety or quality. Why Trust Morrow Collision Center? Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Morrow Collision Center is a family-owned and operated shop known for quality workmanship, transparency, and customer care. Whether we’re using OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts, our I-CAR certified technicians ensure your vehicle is repaired to pre-accident condition with precision and integrity. We offer: Expert collision repair for all makes and models Limited Lifetime Warranty Paintless dent repair and full body work Frame straightening and unibody repair Help navigating insurance claims Free estimates and status updates throughout the repair Get Back on the Road with Confidence Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts can feel overwhelming, but with the right collision repair team on your side, it doesn’t have to be. At Morrow Collision Center, we explain your options clearly and stand behind every repair we perform. Contact us today!