Does repainting a car in the same colour make it loose value?

[Bedfried]

I was offered a car some time ago, and the owner had it repainted in the same colour, with the only difference being that the original colour was alcohol based, whereas the new one was water based. The colour looks a bit different now, but maybe that's just because it's actually new (I don't mean it looks brighter or fresher, but it has a different tone somehow). Is it possible that the colour is actually slightly different?

Well anyway, I still don't understand that, I would just have polished the car. Does that not make the same result? And what do you guys think, is the colour still "original" now or not?

Greets

 

[DerFuror]

Is it possible that the colour is actually slightly different

The colour will always be slightly different from older/original paint because of the effects of time & exposure, and now because of the currently popular medium used to carry the paint (water-based vs. solvent based).

If the proper modern mixture for the matching paint is used, hopefully some buffing/blending can better visually mate the areas...otherwise just keep the questionable area dirty, no worries.

 

[gerryvz]

Obviously, original paint in excellent condition is most desirable, but as cars get used/stored/etc the paint tends to fade, get dings, and so forth, necessitating a repaint or paint repairs. Original color is always preferable, though I've seen color changes on ultra-collectible cars (such as Gullwings, etc.) that haven't significantly negatively affected value.

I would say the following apply, in general, in terms of retaining value:

1) Most preferable: original paint in excellent condition
2) original paint in VG condition
3) high quality repaint (Glasurit, Sikkens, etc.) in original color
4) high quality repaint in second, factory, era-appropriate color (door jambs, all body hardware removed, etc.)
5) high quality repaint in second, factory or near-factory color

Personally I would take nearly any high quality repaint (original color or not) in favor of a crappy, budget respray, even if the original color or near-original color match were used. Again by high quality I mean that all body hardware is removed, engine bay and door jambs repainted, inside of trunk, etc.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[Bedfried]

Thanks for the answers guys!

Again by high quality I mean that all body hardware is removed, engine bay and door jambs repainted, inside of trunk, etc.

Yes I think that was not the case here... I suppose parts were just covered.

But again, isn't polishing the car a solution? I thought when doing so, it removes a layer of the old, faded colour and the fresh colour that was underneath come to the surface. And of course, if you polish it too much, the car will completely loose its colour (and you can make a high quality paint eventually ). Or maybe 'polishing' is just the wrong word, and I mean something else... my bad english yup... need to check that.

 

[gerryvz]

Well, if the paint isn't too far gone, then you could polish the paint to bring it up to a "VG condition" hopefully.....

 

[Bedfried]

Yes it would be interesting to polish the new repaint to reobtain the old one again!

 

[Stevester 500E]

I would prefer a complete detrim and paint of the entire car in a modern mercedes color.
If you watch Mecum auto auctions or the show chasing classic cars, you can get an idea of what Jerry is talking about. Not all cars loose value because of a repaint (if done correctly). I think Jerry has the paint pecking order pretty spot on, but use your judgement.

In my case I own a black 300ce with a fairly good factory paint. It has a few small dings. The car was well taken care of so I would not respray this car any time soon. However, I have a spruce green 500e with a repray in the original color and it was a poor quality paint and clear coat. The clear coat is peeling.

So in this case, I may have the car sanded back down to the primer coat, and start over, either with the original color or with a new mercedes color. I will be happy either way. Unless you have a show car with low miles, no need to repaint it the original color.

 

[ccc]

My question on paint is: There is the paint layer and then the "clear coat" on top. Are both water based now? When they repaint, do they put paint
over clearcoat and then clear coat over paint? Like lasagna?
I wonder if i can get the car painted in mushroom? :lol:

Ok, there is a serious question in there, believe it or not. I have noted that original MB paint seems to hold up better than repaints i have had done.

Chris

 

[gerryvz]

I wonder if i can get the car painted in mushroom?

The closest color to mushroom would be Rosewood Canyon Brown, but you'd be almost guaranteed to get a "Mushmann" colored interior with it!

 

[superstar]

Pictures will always help. Please, post some pictures if possible to see the repainted vs original .

 

[alabbasi]

Personally I would take nearly any high quality repaint (original color or not) in favor of a crappy, budget respray

Now I'm curious, what would be the exception?

 

[Cannoli]

I just had my hood and r/l fenders repainted. Insurance paid for the hood (I took a hit (steel angle got kicked up on the freeway)), and I paid for the fenders. All three pieces were loosing the clear coat and had high-speed sand blasting on the leading edges.

I used a local body shop that advertised often in the MB Club of America newsletter. I'm very pleased with the outcome. OE 199-code Glasurit paint was used. For me, my 500E is a daily driver that can be parked next to a new car and look just a good, proudly I say.

Unless you have a Captruf-like car, I'd wouldn't be concerned about repainting the car. Just make sure the right product is used by the right body shop.

 

[gsxr]

Unless you have a Captruf-like car, I'd wouldn't be concerned about repainting the car. Just make sure the right product is used by the right body shop.

Agreed 100%. I believe the issue was more about changing color, i.e. repainting a 199 black car to, for example, 512 Garnet Red.

 

[KarlC]

I just had my hood and r/l fenders repainted. Insurance paid for the hood (I took a hit (steel angle got kicked up on the freeway)), and I paid for the fenders. All three pieces were loosing the clear coat and had high-speed sand blasting on the leading edges.

I used a local body shop that advertised often in the MB Club of America newsletter. I'm very pleased with the outcome. OE 199-code Glasurit paint was used. For me, my 500E is a daily driver that can be parked next to a new car and look just a good, proudly I say.

Unless you have a Captruf-like car, I'd wouldn't be concerned about repainting the car. Just make sure the right product is used by the right body shop.

Norm, cant wait to see your car all polished up and looking new !

 

[DW SD]

I just had my hood and r/l fenders repainted. Insurance paid for the hood (I took a hit (steel angle got kicked up on the freeway)), and I paid for the fenders. All three pieces were loosing the clear coat and had high-speed sand blasting on the leading edges.

I used a local body shop that advertised often in the MB Club of America newsletter. I'm very pleased with the outcome. OE 199-code Glasurit paint was used. For me, my 500E is a daily driver that can be parked next to a new car and look just a good, proudly I say.


Unless you have a Captruf-like car, I'd wouldn't be concerned about repainting the car. Just make sure the right product is used by the right body shop.

Nice! Will you unveil next Saturday at Cars n coffee - Carlsbad? What time does it start? 7a?
I look forward to seeing it and meeting you in person.

Doug

 

[Cannoli]

Nice! Will you unveil next Saturday at Cars n coffee - Carlsbad? What time does it start? 7a?
I look forward to seeing it and meeting you in person.

Doug

That's right ... It's the last Saturday for December ... Yep, I'll be there!

My car won't be all 'dolled up yet - paint is still outgassing.

I'm looking forward to meeting you Doug ... See you soon.

Norm