How to Inspect Paint Finish Consistency and Detect Possible Body Repairs or Repainting

Q: Q. How can I tell if a car has been repainted or touched up?

It’s all in the details! Start by stepping into natural light; sunlight is far better than showroom lighting when it comes to spotting inconsistencies. Look at the paint from different angles and compare panels side by side. If one door looks glossier or slightly off in colour, that’s a possible repaint. Also, feel the surface with your hand. A factory finish should be smooth and even. If you notice texture changes (like rough patches or the classic “orange peel” look), it might mean body filler or a rushed paint job. Other signs include overspray (paint on rubber seals or trim), panel misalignment, and reflection distortion.

Q: Q. Why do some parts of the car look slightly different in colour or shine?

Great question! Even if it’s subtle, a difference in shade or gloss between panels usually means a repaint. Factory paint jobs are extremely consistent, both in colour and texture, because they’re done in controlled environments. If you’re seeing that the rear quarter panel looks duller than the door next to it, that’s a red flag. And remember: paint may look fine indoors, but sunlight exposes the truth. Always inspect the car outside when possible.

Q: Q. Is it bad if a car has been repainted?

Not necessarily, but it depends on why it was repainted and how well it was done. If a car had a minor scratch or cosmetic issue professionally touched up, that’s usually fine. But if the repaint is covering up major collision repairs, or it was done poorly, it could mean hidden problems and reduced resale value. The key is knowing what you’re dealing with. A proper inspection can tell you if the repaint was cosmetic, structural, or even deceptive.

Q: Q. What’s the “magnet test”, and does it really work?

It’s a classic trick, and yes, it still works on steel body panels! Grab a small magnet and gently move it across the surface. If it doesn’t stick in certain areas, that could mean there’s body filler beneath the paint (used to cover dents or damage). Just be sure to do this carefully to avoid scratching the paint. Keep in mind, though, that this won’t work on aluminium or plastic panels, and many modern cars use mixed materials. It’s one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.

Q: Q. How can I tell if a panel has been repaired after an accident?

Start by looking at the panel gaps, that’s the space between doors, the hood, trunk, etc. Factory cars have consistent, even gaps. If one door sits higher or lower than the other, or the gap is wider on one side, that could signal frame damage or poor reassembly. Also, watch how reflections travel across the surface. If a straight line (like a building or pole) appears wavy or distorted, there might be body filler under the paint. And don’t forget to inspect door jambs and hidden areas; repainting in those spots is often sloppy.

Q: Q. Do I need any tools to inspect the paint finish properly?

You can do a lot with your eyes and hands, but if you want to go deeper, a paint thickness gauge is a handy tool. It measures the depth of the paint on each panel. Factory paint has a consistent thickness; if one panel reads much higher, it’s probably been repainted or filled. Also, a small flashlight or smartphone light helps spot surface irregularities, especially indoors. Tools help, but your instincts (and a sunny day) are just as important.

Q: Q. Should I get a professional to inspect the paint before buying a car?

Absolutely, especially for higher-value cars or if you’re not confident in your inspection skills. A Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) service can spot things most people would miss, from paint inconsistencies and previous repairs to structural concerns that affect safety and value. CARS24 offers detailed inspections, using tools like paint thickness gauges and panel alignment checks. It's a small investment for peace of mind, and it could save you from buying a car that looks great on the outside but hides costly issues underneath.

03 Sept 2025

Outline

1. Always Inspect Under Good Lighting
2. Run Your Hand Across the Surface
3. Look for Colour or Shade Variations
4. Check Panel Gaps and Alignment
5. Use the Magnet Test
6. Watch Out for Overspray
7. Inspect the Reflections
8. Use a Paint Thickness Gauge (If Available)
9. Examine Door Jambs and Hidden Areas
10. Don’t Forget the Feelings Test
Get a Professional Opinion Before You Commit
A PDI Can be a Lifesaver

Key highlights

1
Sunlight reveals what showroom lights can easily hide in car paint
2
Uneven panel gaps and reflections often point to past body repairs
3
A quick touch test can uncover hidden flaws in a paint finish

Outline

1. Always Inspect Under Good Lighting
2. Run Your Hand Across the Surface
3. Look for Colour or Shade Variations
4. Check Panel Gaps and Alignment
5. Use the Magnet Test
6. Watch Out for Overspray
7. Inspect the Reflections
8. Use a Paint Thickness Gauge (If Available)
9. Examine Door Jambs and Hidden Areas
10. Don’t Forget the Feelings Test
Get a Professional Opinion Before You Commit
A PDI Can be a Lifesaver

Karan Khilnani

Gurgaon

When it comes to buying a car, whether new or used, what you see isn’t always what you get. The paint might look flawless at first glance, but a closer look can reveal hidden repairs, repainting, or even subpar bodywork. So, how can you tell if that glossy shine is factory-fresh or covering up a past accident?

Let’s walk through how to inspect paint finish consistency like a pro, no fancy tools required (but they help!). Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, this guide is here to help you spot the subtle signs that others might miss.

1. Always Inspect Under Good Lighting

Natural daylight is your best friend when it comes to examining paint. Step outside and look at the car from various angles. Artificial showroom lighting can hide imperfections, but sunlight? It tells no lies.

If you’re indoors, use an LED inspection light or even your smartphone flashlight held at a low angle across the paint. This can reveal uneven textures, small scratches, or signs of repainting.

2. Run Your Hand Across the Surface

Your fingertips can detect what your eyes might miss. Slowly glide your hand over the body panels. Does it feel consistent? Bumpy or uneven textures (especially the "orange peel" effect) may indicate poor paint application or body filler underneath.

3. Look for Colour or Shade Variations

Factory paint jobs are consistent across the entire car. If you spot a panel that's slightly different in shade or glossiness, that's a red flag. Repainted panels often don’t match perfectly, especially under natural light or direct sun.

4. Check Panel Gaps and Alignment

Stand back and look at the panel gaps between the hood, doors, trunk, and fenders. Are the gaps even on both sides? Misaligned panels could suggest past collision repairs. A quick look along the bodyline from one end to the other can also help you spot distortions.

5. Use the Magnet Test

Here’s an old-school trick: grab a small magnet and gently move it across steel body panels. If it doesn’t stick in certain spots, it might be due to body filler covering a previous dent or repair. Be gentle, you don’t want to scratch the paint!

6. Watch Out for Overspray

Check around the edges of windows, rubber seals, emblems, and trim pieces. If you see paint where it shouldn’t be, like on the rubber or glass, that’s overspray, and it's a common sign of a rushed or careless repaint.

7. Inspect the Reflections

This one’s simple but powerful. Stand back and look at how straight lines (like a light pole or building) reflect across the body. If the reflection warps or distorts in certain areas, the panel may have been repaired or filled.

8. Use a Paint Thickness Gauge (If Available)

If you want to take things a step further, a digital paint thickness gauge can tell you exactly how much paint is on each panel. Factory paint usually has a uniform thickness. If one panel is much thicker than the others, it's probably been repainted or filled.

9. Examine Door Jambs and Hidden Areas

Open the doors, trunk, and hood to inspect areas that are harder to reach with a spray gun. If the paint in these areas looks rough, uneven, or different in colour, chances are the vehicle has been repainted.

10. Don’t Forget the Feelings Test

Sometimes, your gut knows best. If a panel looks “off” compared to the others, or if something about the finish just doesn’t sit right, dig deeper. A quality inspection is part science, part intuition.

Why This Matters

Knowing how to inspect paint finish consistency isn’t just about appearances; it’s about peace of mind.

Avoid overpaying for a car with hidden damage
Protect your investment by ensuring quality workmanship
Uncover safety issues from improperly repaired collision damage
Get better resale value down the line with an accurate vehicle history

Get a Professional Opinion Before You Commit

Let’s be honest, most people don’t have the time (or tools) to go through all of this. That’s where we come in.

Want peace of mind before signing that contract? Let CARS24’s pre-delivery inspection service do the detective work for you, thorough, unbiased, and detailed.

We inspect every inch of your vehicle so you know exactly what you're getting. From paint thickness to alignment checks, we leave no panel unturned.

A PDI Can be a Lifesaver

Cars are big purchases, and a flawless paint job is often used to mask less-than-perfect repairs. But with a bit of knowledge, a good eye, and maybe a helping hand, you can see through the shine and make a smart, confident decision.

So, next time you’re eyeing that gleaming new ride, remember this checklist, trust your instincts, and never underestimate the story your paint can tell.