By EV Body Parts · Last updated 8 November 2026
The short version
Bare means unpainted, primed means a base coat only, and painted means a finished colour. Pick bare or primed if a paint shop will paint the part anyway. Pick painted only if you are sure the colour will match your car. Whatever you choose, ask what finish the part has and who is responsible for the colour match.
What does a bare part mean?
A bare part has no paint. For a bumper that is usually raw moulded plastic, and for a metal panel it is raw metal. It cannot be fitted and left as it is: a paint shop has to prepare, prime and paint it first.
What does a primed part mean?
A primed part has a base coat that prepares the surface for paint. It is not the final colour, and primer is not meant to be left exposed as the finish. It still goes to a paint shop for the colour coat and clear coat.
What does a painted part mean?
A painted part is already coloured, usually with a clear coat on top. It can save a trip to the paint shop, but only if the shade is right. Paint fades with sun and age, and metallic and pearl colours can look different from one panel to the next, so a new painted part may not look identical to older panels around it.
Which finish should I choose?
- You already have a paint shop or are repairing after an accident: bare or primed, so the shop paints it to match the rest of the car.
- Your car is a common solid colour and fairly new: a painted part may be close, but ask who checks the match.
- Your car has a metallic, pearl or older faded colour: expect a painter to match or blend it, whatever the part arrives as.
Who matches the colour?
Ask before you pay. A body shop normally matches the colour using your car's colour code and, where possible, a look at the existing paint, and may blend into the neighbouring panel so the join is not visible. Ask whether painting is included in the price you are quoted or is a separate job.
What should I send us?
Send the brand and model, the build month and year, the part and the side, and the colour name or code if you have it. The colour code is often on a label in the door frame or under the bonnet, but the place differs by make. Add a photo of the damaged area. We confirm the finish of the part and fitment before we reply.
Does the finish change whether the part fits?
No. Fit depends on the model, version, side and openings such as sensors and cameras, not on the finish. Our checklist China EV body parts: what to check covers those. You can also browse bumpers by car and tap Get a quote.
FAQ
Can I leave a primed part unpainted?
No. Primer is a base coat, not a finish. Left exposed, it will not match the car and is not meant to take weather and sun, so have it painted.
Is a painted part always a colour match?
Not always. Paint ages and fades, and metallic or pearl colours vary, so a new painted part can look slightly different from the panels around it. Ask who checks the match.
Where do I find my car's colour code?
It is often on a label in the door frame or under the bonnet, and sometimes in the car documents, but the place differs by make. If you cannot find it, send a photo and the model, build month and year.
Does painting cost extra?
Painting is a separate job with its own cost unless the part is already painted. Ask what is included in the quote before you agree.