This article summarizes why auto body shops in Nigeria will have nothing to do with inferior paint solutions rather, they go for high-quality paints that stand the test of time and Nigerian harsh weather conditions. Please read through this post with undivided attention.
Somehow, I wanted to change this topic to why every car owner in Nigeria must embrace high-quality paints because, truly, the topic concerns everyone who owns a vehicle, not just auto body workshops. Well, let’s just continue.
If you observe very well, you will notice that there are some of your neighbors who repaint their cars within two years or less, and there are those who do not, but the car keeps shining as though it were painted last week. I will tell you the possible reasons.
There is every certainty that the paints used on those cars that peel or fade within two years are low-quality paints, while the other set of people used paint solutions of high-quality. Now, we may also look at maintenance, which is a crucial factor that determines the durability of car paints, but there is no how a low-quality paint will outlive a high-quality one even when given the same maintenance routine.
The keyword here is “High-Quality”, go for it! Just as I said earlier, we will explore why auto body shops in Nigeria prefer high-quality paints and how vehicle owners benefit from it. Let’s get started!
Why Auto Body Shops in Nigeria Prefer High-Quality Paint Solutions
Here are the reasons why high-quality paints are preferred. I will list and explain them one after the other so you can get a full overview of what we are talking about.
1. The Harsh Weather of Nigeria and How It Affects Car Paint
· Intensive Sunlight and UV Radiation
Nigeria experiences intense UV radiation, particularly in states like Kano, Maiduguri, and Abuja. Exposure to direct sunlight leads to paint oxidation, and it brings about fading, peeling, and a dull surface. Poor-quality paints rapidly fade within 12 months, but good-quality paints will survive more than five years when well maintained.
· Humidity and Heavy Rainfall
Lagos and Port Harcourt are examples of cities with high humidity and constant rain, hence, leading to moisture infiltration. Low-quality paints are prone to water which in turn accelerates the rate of bubbling and peeling. High-quality paints are designed to prevent water corrosion and ensure a long lifespan.
· Harmattan Dust and Abrasions
During the harmattan season, vehicles are exposed to fine dust particles that fall on the paint finish. When they are wiped off improperly, the particles create micro-scratches that eventually wear down the finish. Luxury vehicle paint firms have anti-abrasion properties that reduce the impact of dust and minor scratches.
· Industrial Pollution and Acid Rain
In cities like Onitsha and Aba, industrial waste mixes with rainwater to form acidic products. These elements contribute to the degradation of paint at an accelerated rate and lead to early wear and tear. High-quality paints have enhanced chemical resistance, which protects cars against acid rain as well as impurities.
2. Durability and Longevity: Why Cheap Paints Cost More in the Long Run
Most car owners go for cheap paints to cut down on expenses, but it costs more in the long term. Here is how;
· Frequency of repainting: Cheaper paints lose their shine so fast, requiring touch-ups or a full-body repaint within 12 – 18 months.
· Poor adhesion: Low-cost paints also fail to bond well to the vehicle’s surface, leading to peeling and flaking.
· Less resistance to scratches and dents: Cars in crowded cities such as Lagos and Ibadan are likely to face minor scratches. High-quality paints possess better protective coatings.
3. Enhanced Aesthetic and Gloss Retention
One of the most important reasons Nigerian auto body shops prefer premium paints is that they have long durability in terms of appearance. High-quality paints do the following:
· They maintain gloss and color brightness for years.
· They provide a smooth, even finish with no patchiness.
· They contain numerous color-matching options to provide a factory-quality finish.
For resale-minded car owners, a well-maintained paint finish can increase resale values by up to 20% above faded or damaged finishes.
4. Increased Rust and Corrosion Protection
Rust is a serious issue for vehicles in Nigeria, especially in coastal regions. High-quality car paint has:
· Anti-corrosion primers to cover the metallic surface.
· Oxidation-resistant finishes to resist rusting.
· Chemical-resistant coatings that can withstand contact with fuel, oil, and industrial contaminants.
A recent study that was conducted by the Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers showed that vehicles with good-quality paint and rust protection last about 35% longer than vehicles badly coated.
5. Easy Application and Low Labor Cost
Another reason auto body workshops prefer high-quality paint is that they are easily applied, hence reducing labor hours. High-quality car paints offer:
· Better flow and leveling, reducing the need for multiple coats.
· Faster drying speeds, allowing busy shops to be more productive.
· Fewer defects, such as orange peel or uneven surfaces.
6. Environmental and Health Benefits of High-Quality Paints
Lower-quality paints contain high VOC levels, and these are responsible for air pollution and health risks. Higher-quality paints, especially water-based paints, are formulated to be eco-friendly and safer for vehicle owners and sprayers. High-quality paint has;
· Fewer VOC emissions, paving the way for purer air.
· Safer working environment for spray painters and technicians.
· Environmental compatibility globally, which makes the paints exportable.
Best Practices for Good Car Paint Maintenance
In a bid to help attain maximum life of good-quality paints, every car owner like you and me must do the following:
· Clean regularly with pH-balanced car shampoos to remove dirt and toxic pollutants.
· Use wax or ceramic coatings like KAPCI to provide additional protection against water and sun.
· Avoid automatic car washes with rough brushes that create micro-scratches.
· Use microfiber cloths to prevent swirl marks.
· Park under shades or use a car cover to reduce direct sunlight exposure.
A good paint job, if properly maintained, can last between 5 –10 years without significant fading or peeling.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s auto body workshops are aware that the quality of the paint has a great impact on customer satisfaction, business image, and long-term vehicle protection, and so will do everything possible to avoid low-quality paints.
Even though cost-effective alternatives are cheap to start with, in the long term, they turn out to be costly as they require continuous repainting, frequent touch-ups, and generate lots of complaints from customers.
Are you in need of high-quality paint solutions, especially KAPCI brand? Do not hesitate to reach out to us at Fidel Associates Limited.
