Paint scratches on your car are cosmically ugly, to say the least. If left unfixed, they expose the metal beneath to rusting, reducing the life of your car and resale value. From a runaway shopping cart to road trash to bumper-to-bumper collision with an immovable object, fixing as quickly as possible is the objective.
Understanding the Damage
Not all scratches are equal. It’s worth discovering whether you’ve got a surface scratch or not. Shallow scratches or clear coat will only strike the surface layer and hopefully can be wiped out using simple things like polish or scratch removers. Deep scratches, however, cut past the clear coat, the paint layer, and in the worst-case scenarios, even cut into the primer or exposed metal underneath. The easiest way to determine if a scratch is deep is by running your fingernail along the surface—if your nail catches on the groove, it’s deep enough to treat immediately to prevent further harm.
Tools and Materials
Repairing a deep scratch yourself will take a few basic tools and supplies. Start with various grades of sandpaper (preferably 1500–3000 grit) to blunt the damaged area. Rub compound and an auto detail polish compound will be needed in an attempt to wed the repaired area to the rest of the paint. If the scratch revealed metal, touch-up paint and primer for your vehicle’s color will be needed, and they can usually be special ordered at your vehicle manufacturer or parts store. Microfiber rag cleaning, painter’s tape, and patience will also be needed.
But for intricate or extensive damage, professionals remain the best bet for achieving top-of-the-line work. Keep in mind, prevention is always easier than repair—invest in protecting your car’s surface to never even think about scratches again. Act now and have your car cleaner than the day it rolled off the assembly line.
- Begin the repair by scrubbing the area with a brush to remove dirt and debris from the surface.
- Mask off the surrounding areas with painter’s tape so they won’t be painted on.
- Sand with the scratched surface, working up to finer grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
- If the scratch has gone below the metal surface, prime the scratch with a thin layer of primer and then touch it up with paint later when dry.
- Finally, buff and polish the area back to its previous shine.
When to Call in Experts
Although it is possible for some minor scratches to be repaired at home, there are instances where calling in an expert such as Cool Auto Detail is inevitable. For example, if the damage is too extensive, cuts through panels, or metallic colors and pearl finishes, professional repair will result in a flawless finish. Professionals possess the advanced techniques, such as airbrushing and blending, to create the repair so that it becomes imperceptible so that you do not have the hassle of a bad DIY repair.
Prevention Tips
You can’t prevent accidents from happening at all, but you can take a couple of precautions that will lower the chance of deep scratches. Parking in less crowded lots, using protective car covers, and having a top-of-the-line ceramic or paint protection coating, can be a barrier of protection that will shield from surface abrasions. And being cautious when you are towing such things as grocery carts or tools will do a great deal in keeping your car in mint condition.
Master the Appearance of Your Car
Repairing deep scratches on your vehicle doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right equipment, a little elbow grease, and patience, some surface repairs can be completed effortlessly at home. But for intricate or extensive damage, professionals remain the best bet for achieving top-of-the-line work. Keep in mind, prevention is always easier than repair—invest in protecting your car’s surface to never even think about scratches again. Act now and have your car cleaner than the day it rolled off the assembly line.
But for intricate or extensive damage, professionals remain the best bet for achieving top-of-the-line work. Keep in mind, prevention is always easier than repair—invest in protecting your car’s surface to never even think about scratches again. Act now and have your car cleaner than the day it rolled off the assembly line.
