Colours and finishes
Not all paint is the same. Solid, metallic and pearlescent colours are prepared and applied differently, and it's worth knowing that before you paint.
Why the type of finish matters
Each finish looks different
Solid colours reflect light evenly; metallic and pearlescent finishes change with the viewing angle. That affects how they're matched.
More coats, more care
Special finishes have more coats and need very even application for a consistent effect.
Built for the southern sun
Every finish is protected with clear coat, which is key to keeping the colour under Tenerife's strong sunlight.
What's included
We advise you on the finish and take care of reproducing it in the right shade.
Identifying the colour
We find your car's paint code and check the actual shade of the current paint.
Mixing the paint
We mix the colour and make test cards before applying it to the car.
Applying the coats
We apply base, effect and clear coat according to the finish, using the technique each one requires.
Advice if you change colour
If you're after a new colour, we explain the differences in upkeep, repair and appearance for each type.
Some special colours, especially three-coat ones, are harder to match in a partial repair. If that's your case, we'll explain and suggest the approach that gives the best result.
Solid colours
The classics: white, red, black or grey with no metallic sparkle. Pigment provides the colour and the clear coat on top adds gloss and protection. They're the easiest to match and repair, and light surface scratches usually polish out well. That said, on dark colours defects and wash marks show more.
Metallic colours
Metallic paint contains tiny aluminium flakes that reflect light and give that deep shine. When painting, the way those flakes settle changes how the colour looks: the same mix can appear lighter or darker depending on pressure, distance or number of passes. That's why matching a metallic takes experience and often means blending into neighbouring panels.
Pearlescent colours
Pearlescent paint contains particles that don't just reflect light but split it, so the colour shifts in tone depending on where you stand. Many pearlescent colours are three-coat: a colour base, a middle coat with the pearl effect and the clear coat. Each layer affects the final result, so a repair has to reproduce the whole sequence precisely.
- Solid: easiest to match and look after.
- Metallic: more sparkle and depth, trickier to match.
- Pearlescent: striking effect, the most demanding to repair.
- All of them: clear coat is what protects them from sun and salt.
How we choose and reproduce the colour
We start from the paint code on the car and fine-tune the shade by comparing it with the real paint, which may have changed with age and sun. We make test cards before painting and check the result under different lighting. If you're thinking of changing colour, we'll help you weigh up not just the look but also how easy or hard that finish will be to repair in future.
A practical tip: in southern Tenerife, lighter colours tend to hide dust and calima haze better, while darker ones get hotter in the sun and show swirl marks more easily. It isn't a hard rule, but it's worth bearing in mind when you choose.
We use our eco-balance paint for solid and metallic colours, and our paintwork comes with a lifetime paint warranty. See also our partial respray and full respray services, or ask for an estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my car's paint code?
It's usually on a label on the door frame, under the bonnet or in the car's documents. If you can't find it, we'll track it down.
Why is metallic harder to match?
Because its appearance depends on how the metallic flakes settle as the paint goes on. A small change in technique changes the shade you see.
Which finish stands up best to the sun?
Whatever the finish, the clear coat is what protects the colour from the sun. Keeping it in good condition with gentle washing and regular protection helps a lot.
Can you do a non-factory colour?
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll look into it. We'll let you know if we can reproduce it and what it means for time and cost.
We work with your insurance company
If your car has suffered an incident covered by your insurance, you don't have to be the go-between: we coordinate with your insurer and its loss adjuster so the repair is authorised and done properly.
It's one of the reasons many customers come to us: less paperwork, fewer phone calls and the car back the way it should be.
How we handle it- You choose the garageAs a rule you can take your car to the garage you prefer; we help you check what your policy says.
- We deal with the loss adjusterWe prepare the damage assessment and go through it with your insurer's loss adjuster.
- We collect and deliverIf it suits you better, we pick the car up and bring it back repaired.
- We keep you postedYou always know what stage the repair is at.
Other bodywork and paint services
Panel repair
We straighten, repair or replace damaged body panels and get them ready for paint.
See serviceDents and dings
Car park dings, door knocks and minor dents: we remove them, often without the need to repaint.
See serviceAccident repair
From the claim to handover: we repair bodywork, structure and paint after an accident and work with your insurer.
See serviceChassis jig and structural repair
We check and correct your car's structure on a chassis jig after heavy impacts, bringing it back to factory measurements.
See serviceFull respray
We paint the whole car, in its original colour or a new one, with thorough preparation and a lifetime paint warranty.
See servicePartial respray
We paint only the damaged panel or area and match the colour so there's no visible difference with the rest.
See serviceWhat people often believe, and what actually happens
Six ideas we often hear at the garage that are worth clearing up.
“A car that's been in an accident is never right again.”
If the structure is brought back to its measurements on a jig and joints, sealing and protection are reproduced as at the factory, the repair is sound and safe.
“My insurer decides where my car is repaired.”
As a rule you can choose the garage. Some policies offer perks at their partner garages: we help you read yours before you decide.
“A small dent can wait.”
A scrape that lifts the paint leaves bare metal exposed. With the sun and salty air in the south of the island, corrosion sets in sooner than you think.
“Eco-friendly paint is lower quality.”
A paint with fewer solvents can give an equally durable finish. What makes the difference is the preparation and the application.
“A used car that looks good has never been in a crash.”
A well-polished respray can go unnoticed at first glance. A paint thickness gauge and a check of panel gaps, sealing and welds give it away.
“It doesn't matter where it's painted: paint is paint.”
What you can't see —surface preparation, anti-corrosion protection and painting in a booth— is what decides how long the repair lasts.
Shall we prepare an estimate?
Tell us what your car needs and we'll reply with a written estimate, with no obligation.
Do the online check-in: your details, the vehicle and photos of the damage, from your phone before you come.
Check your car in online- Written estimateBefore we start you know what will be done and what it costs.
- No obligationWe give you the estimate; you decide.
- Collection & deliveryIf it suits you, we come and pick up the car.
Request an estimate
Tell us what's wrong with the car. For bodywork or paint, photos via WhatsApp help a lot.
Rather talk? Call us on 922 73 64 47 or message us on WhatsApp at 674 06 13 71.