Getting into an automobile accident is stressful and overwhelming. According to Driver Knowledge, in the United States, an average of six million car accidents happen yearly. If you've been in a collision, you know that after ensuring that everyone involved is safe and calling for help, you may find yourself wondering about the next steps you need to take. That's where a reputable auto collision center comes in.

One of the decisions you'll need to make is choosing the best painting and repainting options for your vehicle. There's no need to worry too much about that because we've got you covered. You'll want to make sure you consider your budget and preferences and the extent of your vehicle's damage. And, of course, you'll want to enlist the services of a professional to make sure the finished product, your repainted car, looks as good as new. In this article, we'll discuss six of the best options available to you.

1. Original Manufacturer Paint

Have you heard of OEM, or original equipment manufacturer, car parts? In the world of paint for cars, that's the original manufacturer's paint, which is the paint that your car came with when it was first produced. As you can imagine, this type of paint is an excellent option if you want to maintain the original color and quality of your vehicle.

You should know that OEM paint can be more expensive than other options. According to CarBuzz, the reason it typically costs more is that the pigment has a multilayer interference film ground into micro-sized flakes. The flakes have a core of aluminum surrounded by a layer of glass-like material. These mix-ins affect the variation of the paint.

The process of applying OEM paint sometimes takes longer since technicians must accurately match the vehicle's original paint. Overall, it may take longer not just to source the paint but to have it applied to your car. This is just another good reason to make sure you take your vehicle to a reputable auto center. However, you should know that, despite the greater cost, when you want to maintain the original color, choosing OEM paint is worthwhile.

2. Aftermarket Paint

This is a less expensive option than OEM paint. Still, aftermarket paint is a great choice all on its own, especially if you want to change the color of your car or if you're on a tight budget. Aftermarket paint is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, so you can find one that suits your style.

If you choose aftermarket paint, know that its quality can vary, so be sure you choose a reputable brand and have it applied by a professional. A reputable auto collision center can guide you in the right direction and make sure you're pleased with the finished product once you're back on the road again.

3. Custom Paint

If you want to make your car stand out from the crowd, a custom paint job is your best option. Custom-designed paint can be done in a variety of colors and finishes, making it a versatile option. With custom paint, you get to choose any color or design you like. This flexibility allows you to express your personality and style. As you can imagine, custom paint can be more expensive than other options, so make sure you allow for that in your budget. Additionally, it may take longer to get the paint and have it applied to your car. But when you want to make a statement with your vehicle, waiting a little longer is a small price to pay.

A custom paint job is a great option if you're looking for a unique and eye-catching design that will make your car make people sit up and take notice. Experienced professionals can make that happen and work with you to create a design that perfectly reflects your personal style and taste. Whether you're looking for bold graphics, intricate designs, or classic two-tone options, auto paint technicians can help you achieve the look you want.

4. Partial or Sectioned Repainting

This is a great option if the damage to your car is minor, especially if you only need to have a specific section of it repainted. For instance, let's say you only need the hood, doors, or trunk painted. That's where partial painting or repainting comes in. Or, you may want to have a portion of your vehicle painted to make a statement. You could have each section painted with a different color. The sky's the limit!

When you check into partial repainting, you'll see it's a more cost-effective option than having the entire car repainted. Sectioned vehicle paint can be done with OEM paint, aftermarket paint, or custom paint, depending on your preferences and budget. It's also a great choice if you want to maintain the original color and style of your car.

5. Total or Full Body Repainting

Does your vehicle have significant damage? If so, you may need to have the entire body of your car repainted. While total repainting is a more expensive option, it's ideal when you want your damaged car to look as good as new. It's also a great option if you want to change the color of your entire car.

Full body paint can be done with OEM paint, aftermarket paint, or custom paint, depending on your preferences. If you're looking for a more classic look, full body paint is always a great option. If you're hesitant to take the plunge and have your car totally repainted, just know that it can help increase the resale value of your car. Rest assured that a reputable auto collision center will use high-quality materials and techniques to make sure your car looks its best.

6. Classic Restoration

Painting or repainting vintage or classic cars is known as classic restoration. If you own a classic car, you know that maintaining its original condition is crucial. The process involves restoring the car's original paint color and quality, as well as repairing any damage that has occurred over time. This process is often done by professionals who specialize in classic car restoration to make sure the job is done well.

As you can see, there are many painting and repainting options available to you after an automobile collision. By taking the time to consider your preferences and the extent of the damage to your car, you can make an informed decision about the best painting option for you. You'll be pleased to know that in addition to painting and repainting options, sometimes an auto collision center also offers a wide variety of other automotive services, including auto body repair, collision repair, maintenance, and car detailing. When your car is in the care of automotive professionals, you can rest assured that your car is in good hands.

At our car shop, we pride ourselves on offering the best possible quality workmanship and service. Our team of skilled technicians and painters is dedicated to you, making sure that every job is done right the first time. We use only the highest quality materials to make sure that your car looks and feels like new. And, of course, we'll work with you every step of the way to make sure that you're completely satisfied with the finished product. We invite you to contact us at City Side Auto Body today to learn more about the services we offer and to schedule your appointment.