I have some damage on the 2011 RX450, It's in the rear near the chrome on the rear hatch door. Lexus Body shop is going to replaced the whole door, and "blend" the paint.

He says it will be as good as the factory paint.

I have read it's never the same.

Opinions?

TIA

 

Jerry, i've seen paint repair that was perfect and paint repair that wasn't so perfect. It depends on who is doing the work.

 

OK, I see. I wonder how many coats of paint/clear coat the factory uses vs the body shop?

 

I wouldn't have clue if it bit me. Just ask somebody that would know the quality of the work that's done by the shop you pick and if the quality doesn't seem up to your standards, find another shop. I think if you try to work to the details (like how many coats at the factory vs the body shop), you'll just get dragged into a quagmire on things that may not really matter that much. Best of luck!

 

If they are replacing and painting an entire panel then there should be no need to blend.

A good paint shop will match the paint and finish to the original without blending. While blending will match the color, they generally will not get the finish perfect so you will see slightly diferent reflection from different directions. Blending should only be necessary when a section of panel is painted or where there is no natural break point.

 

^Well said.

 

I agree, I don't see the need for blending, especially on the rear hatch. The other parts that it connects with are minimal and on curves, the bumper uses a different paint all together.Curious as to what color your RX is. I had some work done on a Starfire Pearl and in the right light you could see the 'blending'. Also heard that no matter who does the painting the quality of the paint, that is its longevity, is never the same as factory. Good Luck.

 

Its never the same paint....Body shop would never make money.

My famaily friend, who owned a body shop, did use factory paint equivalent. Used numerous passes. Blended it really well....but this is not case for 99% of customers.

Just go with a reputable body shop....look at previous work...but they are still sales people making profits

 

I would just relax until the job is finished. It will probably be just fine. My daughter has had several accidents in her ES. The back (bumper replaced and painted), front (bumper, hood and possibly fender) and one side (two doors fixed) have been repainted at one time or other and you would never know.