Breathe New Life into Your Car with a Keen Automotive Respray

There are several reasons why you might consider having your car resprayed at Keen Automotive. Perhaps you're yearning for a new colour that better reflects your personality. Maybe your paintwork suffered damage in an accident, leaving specific areas like the doors or bonnet in need of attention. Or, perhaps you've unearthed a classic car and dream of restoring it to its former glory.

The cost of a Keen Automotive respray will vary depending on the size and complexity of the job, including any necessary repairs for dents or other damage. Remember, this is a highly skilled process that should leave your car looking showroom-fresh.

Expect to pay:

  • £150-£750: For a single panel respray depending on size.
  • Several thousand pounds: For a full body respray.

While a DIY approach might seem tempting at this price point, remember that professional resprays require significant skill and involve multiple crucial stages. Entrusting your car to the experienced team at Keen Automotive ensures a flawless finish that will last.

Choosing the Right Bodyshop:

Picking the right bodyshop is crucial. Do your research and ensure they align with your vision and budget:

  • Read online reviews and their website. Don't hesitate to move on if anything raises concerns.
  • Collect quotes from several bodyshops. Don't settle for the first one you find.
  • Visit the premises. Look for professionalism and ongoing work. Ask for referrals if desired.
  • Seek recommendations from friends and family.

Preparing for Your Respray:

Before respraying, any bodywork damage must be addressed. Paint adheres best to smooth, flat surfaces, so chips and dents require prior repair. Skipping this step leads to premature paint degradation and future re-work.

Understanding the Costs:

Respraying even a small panel involves meticulous work. This includes car preparation, masking windows and lights, colour selection, car stripping, etch priming, sanding, top coat and lacquer application, and final buffing and polishing. When completed by Keen Automotive's professionals, the end result is a car that practically gleams like new.

Full Respray Estimates:

Full respray estimates can vary significantly, especially online. Beware of suspiciously low quotes, as they often indicate substandard work or hidden charges. Conversely, avoid exorbitant prices for "premier" services that might not be necessary.

Remember, several factors influence respray costs:

  • Car size and type: Expect a difference between an everyday SEAT Ibiza and a premium BMW 3 Series or Jaguar.
  • Repair needs: Classic cars often require more extensive repairs due to hidden damage, leading to higher costs.
  • Colour complexity: Single-colour resprays are more affordable than multi-colour or custom jobs.

Keen Automotive Pricing:

To give you a clearer picture, here's a rough breakdown of Keen Automotive's costs for an average car like a Ford Focus or VW Golf requiring a full respray:

  • Minimal repairs (minor scratches/chips): £3,500
  • Minor welding, small rust damage/dents: £4,500
  • Extensive repairs/welding/panel replacement: £6,000+

Luxury or classic car resprays requiring specialised processes or meticulous work can reach £10,000.

Panel Respray Costs:

For respraying specific sections like the bonnet, expect to pay between £150 and £750 per panel on an average car, depending on panel size.

Additional Considerations:

  • Extras: Showroom finishes or custom paintwork add to the cost.
  • Transportation: Factor in delivery costs if applicable.
  • Paint and materials: Consider the cost of premium finishes.

Finding the Right Bodyshop:

The right bodyshop makes all the difference. Look for a team that prioritises repairs before painting, unlike less reputable services. They should transparently communicate necessary repairs for your informed decision.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between cost and service is key. Keen Automotive boasts fully equipped paint booths and a team of highly trained professionals. We offer full body resprays, patch repairs, and damaged paintwork restoration, always striving to deliver exceptional value for your money.

Contact Keen Automotive today for a free quote and breathe new life into your car!

April 2023 Blog Post

How to Get Your Car Looking New Again After an Accident

Introduction

If you’ve been in a car accident, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with the aftermath. Whether it’s minor or major damage, getting your car repaired can be a daunting task. At Keen Automotive, we offer a range of car body repair services to help you get your car looking new again. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of car body damage and the repair services we offer to fix them.

Types of Car Body Damage

Car Scratch Repair

- If your car has any scratches or dents, our car scratch repair service can help. We use the latest tools and techniques to repair minor scratches and dents and restore your car to its original look.

Car Dent Removal

- Dents can occur from a slight bump or a major collision. Our car dent removal services can fix any kind of dent, from minor creases to larger dents. We’ll assess the damage and choose the best method to repair it, including paintless dent removal if possible.

Car Panel Repair

- If your car has suffered damage to one or more panels, we offer car panel repair services. We’ll assess the damage and repair or replace the damaged panel to ensure your car looks as good as new.

Respray Car

- If your car’s paint has been damaged or worn out, we can help with our respray car service. We’ll perfectly match the paint to your car’s existing colour and make it look as good as new.

Conclusion:

At Keen Automotive, we understand how important your car is to you. That’s why we offer a range of car body repair services to help you get your car looking new again after an accident. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

May 2023 Blog Post

Car Scratch Repair: Professional Tips and Tricks for a Flawless Finish

At Keen Automotive, we understand the frustration of seeing scratches on your car's exterior. Even the most careful driver can end up with a scratch, and it can be a major eyesore. That's why we're here to offer our professional tips and tricks for car scratch repair, so you can restore your vehicle's appearance to its former glory.

  1. Assessment and Inspection

The first step in repairing a car scratch is to inspect the damage thoroughly. Our team of experts can assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action to take. If the scratch is deep or the area around the scratch is damaged, we may recommend additional repairs such as dent removal.

  1. Surface Preparation

Next, we prepare the surface for painting. We use specialised tools and products to smooth out the scratch and remove any rust or debris that may be present. We take extra care to ensure that the area around the scratch is clean and free of any contaminants that could affect the quality of the repair.

  1. Paint Selection

Selecting the right paint is critical for a successful repair. At Keen Automotive, we use high-quality paint that matches the exact colour of your vehicle. Our team of skilled technicians can identify the exact colour code and blend the new paint seamlessly with the surrounding area.

  1. Paint Application

Once the surface is prepared, we apply the paint in thin layers, using precision tools to achieve a smooth and even finish. Depending on the depth of the scratch, we may need to apply several layers of paint to achieve the desired result.

  1. Buffing and Polishing

After the paint has dried, we carefully buff and polish the surface to blend the new paint with the surrounding area. We use specialised tools and techniques to achieve a flawless finish, ensuring that the repair is virtually invisible.

  1. Protection and Care

Finally, we take steps to protect the repaired area from further damage. We apply a clear coat or wax to the surface, protecting it from UV rays, weathering, and other environmental factors.

In conclusion, at Keen Automotive, we understand the importance of a flawless car exterior. With our professional tips and tricks, we can repair scratches and restore your car's appearance to its former glory. If you're not confident in your ability to repair scratches yourself, don't hesitate to contact us for expert assistance. Our team of skilled technicians will provide a top-quality repair that will have your car looking like new again.

June/July 2023 Blog Post

How to Care for a Newly Painted Car

Getting a new paint job for your car is a big investment, so it's important to take care of it properly to ensure that it lasts for years to come. Here are some tips on how to care for a newly painted car:

  1. Wait to wash your car. It's important to give your car's new paint job time to cure before you wash it. Most body shops recommend waiting at least 30 days, but some may recommend waiting up to 60 days. Washing your car too soon can damage the new paint job.
  2. When you do wash your car, use mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh detergents or cleaners, as these can strip the wax and sealant from the paint job and make it more susceptible to damage.
  3. Wash your car in the shade. Washing your car in direct sunlight can cause the water to dry too quickly, leaving water spots and streaking.
  4. Rinse your car thoroughly. Make sure to rinse away all of the soap and water, including any suds that may have gotten trapped in crevices.
  5. Dry your car with a soft, clean towel. Don't use a leaf blower or other high-pressure air device, as this can damage the paint job.
  6. Wax your car regularly. Waxing helps to protect your car's paint job from the elements, such as UV rays, bird droppings, and road salt. Most experts recommend waxing your car once a month.
  7. Park your car in a garage or covered parking space. This will help to protect your car's paint job from the elements and from debris.
  8. Avoid driving through puddles. Driving through puddles can splash dirt and debris onto your car's paint job, which can cause scratches and swirls.
  9. Be careful when using car washes. Touchless car washes are generally safe for newly painted cars, but you should avoid car washes that use brushes, as these can scratch the paint job.
  10. Have your car detailed regularly. A professional detailer can remove dirt, debris, and oxidation from your car's paint job, and they can also apply a fresh coat of wax.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your newly painted car looks its best for years to come.

Here are some additional tips that you may find helpful:

  • If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may want to consider applying a clear coat sealant to your car's paint job. This will help to protect the paint from salt and other corrosive materials.
  • If you get a chip or scratch in your car's paint job, it's important to have it repaired as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely the damage is to spread.
  • If you're not sure how to care for your newly painted car, you can always ask the staff at Keen Automotive for recommendations. We can give you specific advice based on the type of paint that was used and the climate in your area.

August 2023 Blog Post

Preserving Timeless Beauty: Why Keen Automotive is Your Ideal Classic Car Restoration Partner

Introduction: The restoration of a classic car is a passion project that demands careful consideration at every juncture. Among the critical decisions you'll make, none holds more weight than selecting the right body shop to rejuvenate your vintage gem. The prowess, experience, and reputation of the body shop can profoundly influence the outcome of your classic car restoration endeavor. In this article, we're pleased to present the pivotal factors that make Keen Automotive the prime choice for restoring your classic car to its original splendor.

  1. Masters of Expertise and Experience: Classic car restoration is an artful pursuit that necessitates a profound understanding of vintage vehicles. Keen Automotive stands as a testament to their proven expertise in reviving classics akin to your treasured possession. Their seasoned technicians, well-versed in the nuances of vintage car models, bodywork intricacies, and historical precision, are the cornerstone of your restoration's success.

  2. Testimonials and Glorious Portfolios: Keen Automotive's gallery of past classic car restoration triumphs is a living testament to their prowess. This visual anthology showcases their prowess and underscores the eminence of their craft. Further solidifying their reputation, Keen Automotive gladly offers references from elated clients who have been through the restoration odyssey with them, revealing invaluable insights into their professionalism, communication, and client gratification.

  3. Dedicated to Classic Car Artistry: Opt for Keen Automotive, a body shop that holds classic car restoration as its vocation. Navigating the intricate waters of vintage vehicles requires an intimate acquaintance with their idiosyncrasies, a domain in which Keen Automotive excels, steering your restoration voyage toward triumphant shores.

  4. Facility of Finesse: A pilgrimage to Keen Automotive's workshop reveals a sanctuary of precision, equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technology, creating an environment conducive to your car's rebirth. Neatness, meticulous organization, and a commitment to sustaining an ambiance tailored for the delicate restoration craft await your discovery.

  5. Unwavering Commitment to Detail: At Keen Automotive, classic car restoration is poetry in motion, spun with threads of intricacy. Each stroke of their workmanship is a nod to detail, epitomizing their dedication to perfection in every facet, from bodywork symphonies to the final coat of paint.

  6. Dialogue and Transparency: The cornerstone of a successful restoration lies in transparent dialogue. Keen Automotive is built on the pillars of communication, ensuring a constant flow of updates, insights into challenges, and solutions for unforeseen twists. Your restoration journey is a shared narrative, with Keen Automotive as your eloquent storyteller.

  7. Bespoke Craftsmanship and Heritage Preservation: The heart of Keen Automotive's approach lies in marrying your vision with historical authenticity. Together, you craft a masterpiece that resonates with your essence while preserving the soul of the classic car. Their artisans channel your aspirations, forging a symbiotic bond between customization and heritage.

  8. A Symphony of Quality Parts and Materials: Inquire within Keen Automotive about the tapestry of materials and parts woven into your restoration narrative. Authenticity and excellence are their guiding stars, ensuring that each component is a brushstroke contributing to the harmonious restoration canvas.

  9. Timeline and Investment Clarity: Before embarking on the journey, align your expectations on timelines and financial investment. Keen Automotive values this alignment, forging a roadmap that illuminates the milestones ahead, painting a vivid picture of the journey.

Conclusion: Classic car restoration is a voyage of ardor and finesse, an ode to an era bygone. The selection of Keen Automotive as your restoration confidant is a decision that indelibly shapes your odyssey. Encompassing factors such as expertise, heritage dedication, meticulous detailing, and transparent communication, Keen Automotive emerges as a beacon of excellence in the realm of classic car restoration. In their hands, your cherished classic car transforms into a symphony of memories, reliving the days of yore with each elegantly restored curve.

Car Paint Repair In A Body Shop

Panel Painting Process

It's as important to block the primer as it is to block any filler/repair work, this is key to achieve a high quality end result. The black powder guide, see photograph, shows any imperfections, if any, and highlights the orange peel to create a smooth finish ready for paint application.

Car Body Repair Processes

Anti static air to eliminate contamination before paint