When you dent your car's body panel, you have to go through several steps such as filing paperwork and getting quotes from several car body technicians before actual work can begin on panel repairs. Notably, when you are involved in an accident, the integrity of the car's sheet metal is changed, and thus might require some rework before getting it back into its original form. If you are not a DIY person, seek professional help when repairing car body dents. Here are some useful tidbits for beginners when fixing car panels.

Paint Colour -- Vehicle repair experts acknowledge that getting the right colour for a vehicle is an art and a science. Remember that cars come in a range of colours that a technician must discern when fixing a dent. Any colour mismatch can make your car look out of place. Apart from the usual solid paints, you might have to deal with other shades of metallic paints. Such colours are difficult to match during body repairs, and thus, even seasoned experts might not guarantee the desired results. Because of this, you should inquire about the colour-matching capability of the body shop. The best way to check if the colours have matched is to take the vehicle outdoors and examine the repaired section in the sunlight.   

Panel Beating -- Experienced panel beaters are adept at helping clients solve car repairs issues. Some technicians can even help you lodge an insurance claim promptly. You also need a panel beater that stays abreast of technological innovations. For instance, newer cars come in a range of materials, including high-performance aluminium and steel. The expert should also have modern tools and equipment such as computer scanners and spray booths to deal with dents of all kind. Some form of certification can go a long way in ensuring that your car gets the best service.

Welding -- During body repairs, a welder can remove and replace damaged panels. The welder determines the amount of power needed to repair the panel. Note that heavy steel panels, often found in the older car makes and models, require more power than newer versions. The most common welding method for car body panels is stitch welding. The welding technique is ideal for thin metals and when a welder does not want to blow out holes in metal sheets. The welder takes a few seconds between pulses to allow the material to cool down. Notably, distortions in the welds can be avoided by cooling the panel before welding.