Bugatti devotes an inordinate amount of time and effort to the painting of each car, with the process requiring a minimum of 600 hours to complete. The French luxury carmaker has long prided itself on its intricate paintwork and its attention to detail, and the painstaking process of hand-painting is one of the reasons why Bugatti models are so sought-after.
The coating process begins with a comprehensive examination of the car’s bodywork, ensuring that all imperfections have been properly addressed. Once the body is deemed to be in pristine condition, the Bugatti technicians initiate the painting process, which involves multiple layers of primer, color coats and clear coats all applied by hand. The coats are initially applied using a spray gun, but the technicians then use a variety of other tools, including brushes, rollers and airbrushes, to ensure an even coverage and a flawless finish.
The most time-consuming part of the process is the application of the clear coats, which require a minimum of seven layers to be applied. The clear coats are applied with a spray gun, but the technicians use a technique known as ‘nibbling’, which involves gently rubbing the coats with a cloth to ensure a perfectly smooth finish. The final step is to apply a protective wax that helps the paint to retain its shine and luster.
The entire process is incredibly labor-intensive and requires a great deal of skill and precision. However, the results speak for themselves, as every Bugatti vehicle is a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each and every vehicle.