The refinishing process is when spray guns are used to apply coats of primer, basecoat (color), and clearcoat to the vehicle. The refinish technician may apply the paint and coatings to the parts on or off the vehicle. If parts are refinished on the vehicle, adjacent areas are masked off using paper and tape.

A paint code on the vehicle is used to identify the paint formula (color) that the paint maker recommends. Many different tints are used to make the color that is sprayed on the vehicle. Often a process called blending is used to create a uniform color appearance. Paint distributors and paint system manufacturer representatives supply the collision repair facility with the necessary refinish materials and offer technical support.

The graphics and pinstripes on a vehicle may be painted or applied as a decal. Painted graphics are applied free-hand, or they are applied in a series of masking steps. Decals are applied after the paint has dried.

The vehicle is protected against corrosion before, during, and after the refinishing process. Corrosion resistant primers, seam sealers, and anti-corrosion compounds are used to help prevent the vehicle from rusting.

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