How to Save Time in Your Production with Pre-Painted Panels.

by Zachary Shaw September 18, 2025

Is Your Paint Shop the Bottleneck?

If your paint shop is your biggest bottleneck and you're looking for ways to ease this production constraint, then pre-painted panels may be the best option for you. Many automotive and vehicle-build factories lose valuable hours — even days — because everything has to queue for paint. By switching to pre-painted panels, you can bypass that bottleneck completely and keep your production lines moving.

What Are Pre-Painted Panels?

Pre-painted panels are supplied in a range of sizes, manufactured in any colour you need, ready to be assembled straight onto your vehicle. In the UK, the most common suppliers are Polyfont and Carlier, both offering proven solutions for commercial vehicles, truck bodies, and specialist builds.

By choosing pre-painted panels, you can also opt for pre-painted cappings — ensuring a consistent, professional finish across the vehicle. Combine this with a colour-matched sealant, and you have a system that saves time, reduces rework, and looks flawless.

What Is a Colour-Matched Sealant?

A colour-matched sealant is developed to exactly match the colour of your vehicle panels. Rather than applying a generic grey or black bead, the sealant blends seamlessly with the bodywork and becomes part of the design. This is more than just cosmetic — it also creates a more robust finish.

Why a Colour-Matched Sealant Outperforms Over-Painted Joints

Traditionally, many paint shops use a polyurethane-based sealant designed for “over-paint” performance. The issue is that while the sealant remains flexible and moves with the joint, the paint applied on top does not. The result? Cracking and flaking paint along your joints — an ugly finish that quickly undermines quality.

By sealing after painting, you eliminate this risk. Using advanced colour-matched sealants such as Formoa 010 Colours, you get:

A long-term, durable seal that flexes with the panel.
Perfect colour match for a professional finish.
Dirt-resistant technology that minimises pickup and keeps vehicles looking clean for longer.

Download Your Colour Chart here