How to Tell If a Car Has Been Repainted: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
If you’re shopping for a used car, knowing how to tell whether a vehicle has been repainted can save you from unexpected repair costs and hidden accident history. Repainted panels aren’t always a dealbreaker—some high-quality repaints look better than factory paint. But poor-quality repaints often indicate previous damage, rushed work, or undisclosed collisions.
This guide breaks down the most reliable ways to identify repainting, overspray, bodywork, and touch-ups so you can make a confident buying decision.
1. Look for Mismatched Paint Between Panels
Factory paint is extremely consistent. Repainting often creates slight differences in:
- Color tone
- Gloss level
- Metallic flake pattern
- Texture
Compare the hood to the fenders, the doors to the quarter panels, and bumpers to the rest of the vehicle. Even small differences can indicate repainting or repairs.
2. Check for Overspray
Overspray is one of the most common signs of repainting. Look closely at:
- Rubber trim and weatherstripping
- Door handles
- Plastic moldings
- Wheel wells
- Headlights and taillights
- Inside door jambs
Factory paint never leaves overspray. If you see tiny dots or texture that shouldn’t be there, the panel was likely repainted.
3. Inspect Panel Gaps
After collision repairs, panels are often reinstalled slightly misaligned. Look for gaps that are:
- Uneven
- Too tight on one side
- Too wide on one side
- Sitting higher or lower than adjacent panels
Panel misalignment is a strong clue that bodywork was done.
4. Compare Orange Peel Texture
All clear coats have a natural “orange peel” texture, but it’s very consistent on factory paint. Repainted areas often show:
- Heavier or uneven texture
- Smoothing that looks too perfect
- Runs or sags in the clear coat
- Dry spray or rough patches
Shine a flashlight across the paint at an angle—it helps reveal texture differences instantly.
5. Look for Tape Lines
Poor masking is one of the easiest tells of repainting. Inspect:
- Under rubber seals
- Around trim pieces
- Along door or trunk edges
- Inside wheel well lips
Factory paint never leaves tape edges. If you see a line, the area has been resprayed.
6. Inspect Door Jambs, Hood Undersides & Trunk Areas
A common mistake in quick repaints is ignoring hidden areas. Look for:
- Mismatched color between jambs and exterior panels
- Sanding marks
- Primer overspray
- Inconsistent gloss
These inconsistencies usually indicate repainting or bodywork.
7. Look for Sanding Marks
Shops that rush prep work often leave sanding scratches in the paint. Look near:
- Edges and body creases
- Curved surfaces
- Door handles and mirror bases
Under strong light, these scratches become obvious.
8. Use a Paint Depth Gauge (If Available)
Paint depth gauges measure clear coat thickness. Factory panels usually fall within tight, consistent ranges. Repainted panels often show:
- Much higher thickness
- Large variances between adjacent panels
- Irregular readings
You don’t need a gauge to spot repainting, but they are extremely helpful when you have one.
9. Inspect Bumpers Carefully
Bumpers are the most frequently repainted part of a vehicle. Look for:
- Mismatched color vs metal panels
- Peeling edges
- Runs, drips, or texture issues
- Overspray in grille openings
A bumper repaint alone isn’t a concern—but poor quality can be a red flag.
10. Ask for Paint or Bodywork Records
Not all repainting is bad. High-quality resprays can look amazing and preserve the vehicle. The key is transparency:
If the seller claims “no paintwork,” but your inspection says otherwise, that’s a sign to walk away or renegotiate.
Final Thoughts
Repainting isn’t always a dealbreaker—but hidden bodywork or low-quality paint can hurt resale value and lead to costly repairs. Knowing how to inspect paint properly gives you leverage and confidence when buying a used vehicle.
If you ever need a professional inspection, contact Carsmotology. Our paint correction and detailing experience makes it easy to identify repainting, overspray, defects, and more.
