Got a 2018 F-150 with a deep bed scratch that needed a full panel blend

The owner brought it in after a parking lot scrape, and the color was that metallic ruby red. I spent about 4 hours on the prep and blend, focusing on the clear coat layers. The real change came after I let it cure for a full 48 hours before the final buff, which I usually rush. The color match and finish were way better than my usual same-day jobs. Anyone else find that extra cure time makes a big difference on modern metallics?

3 comments

3 Comments

wrenstone1mo ago

That "trained to rush" thing hits way too close to home.

hall.ruby3mo ago

Yeah, it's funny how that works. The stuff that needs patience always turns out better, like waiting for paint to dry or letting bread rise. We're just trained to rush everything now.

valwest3mo ago

Trained to rush" feels a bit heavy for paint drying.