What is a common sign of a poorly performed body repair?

A common sign of a poorly performed body repair is paint overspray or mismatched paint colors. When a vehicle is properly repaired, the paint should blend seamlessly with the original finish, exhibiting consistent color and texture. If there is paint overspray, it indicates a lack of care during the repair process, which can lead to a visually unappealing result and may also suggest that the repair wasn't conducted in a controlled environment. Mismatched paint colors often arise from using the wrong paint formulation or failing to accurately match the original color, highlighting the technician's lack of attention to detail or inadequate preparation work.

While rust on the repair site can also be a sign of poor repair, it usually results from substandard material or insufficient corrosion protection during the repair process. Uneven gaps in panel alignment can indicate improper installation or inadequate body work, but these issues are typically more specific to structural alignment rather than the cosmetic finish of the repair. Normal wear and tear, on the other hand, does not reflect the quality of the repair but rather the effects of regular use over time.