Your car is more than just a machine that transports you from point A to B. It is an extension of your lifestyle and personality. Consequently, it must have the best look at all times.
However, there is a catch to maintaining impeccable vehicle aesthetics. That’s scratches! They don’t just devalue your car, but they also make it look unsightly. What’s more, they come in different types and can be pretty frustrating to deal with. In some cases, you’d need the services of an auto body shop expert to fix the damage.
This post will discuss the types of car scratches, how they come about, and the best ways to fix them with the help of car painting shops. Let’s ride!
Paint Scratches
Car paint scratches are a common cosmetic issue that can detract from a vehicle’s appearance. If you don’t fix them, they can worsen and eventually lead to rust or corrosion. Therefore, it’s important to address them as soon as possible.
How Do They Occur?
There are several causes of car paint scratches. For example, driving on rough roads, in hailstorms, parking in tight spaces, or brushing against objects can all lead to scratches on the car’s paint. These scratches can vary in severity, from minor surface scratches to deep cuts that penetrate the base coat layer. Regardless of the intensity, addressing them as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage to the car’s appearance.
How to Fix Car Paint Scratches?
“How do body shops fix scratches?” is a common question people have when they want to get their car’s paint looking new again.
Here are some steps that auto body shop experts
- Cleaning the area: Before repairing the scratch, they clean the area with soap and water. Also, they make sure there is no dirt or debris in the scratch that could interfere with the repair.
- Applying a scratch remover: For light scratches, experts use a scratch remover product that matches the color of the car. They apply it with a clean cloth and follow the instructions on the product.
- Sanding the scratch: For deeper scratches, experts use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the scratch until it’s smooth.
- Applying touch-up paint: Specialists apply touch-up paint to the scratch with a small brush. They also apply several thin layers and let each layer dry completely before applying the next.
- Buffing the area: After the paint has dried, experts use a soft cloth to buff the area to shine.
If the scratch is too deep or extensive, it is better to take your car to a car painting shop for repair.
Clear Coat Scratches
Clear coat scratches occur on the topmost layer of a car’s paint job. This layer is typically transparent and is designed to protect the base coat and give the vehicle a glossy finish.
Causes of Coat Scratches
In addition to accidents, the primary causes of clear coat scratches are environmental factors, including dirt, sand, and rocks that can kick up from the road and create small scratches on the car’s surface.
Tree branches and other debris can also scrape against the car and cause clear coat scratches. Improper car care can also be the culprit. For example, harsh chemicals or abrasive tools can scratch the clear coat and damage the paint.
How to Fix Clear Coat Scratches on Your Own?
To fix clear coat scratches, you can use a rubbing compound to smooth out the scratches, followed by polishing and waxing to restore the shine. For deeper scratches, sanding and repainting may be necessary.
Primer Scratches
Car primer scratches are shallow scratches on the surface of the primer layer of a car’s paint job. While they may not affect the car’s overall appearance, they can make the paint more susceptible to damage, eventually leading to rust.
Causes
Here are some common causes of car primer scratches:
- Contact with rough surfaces: This is a no-brainer. Primer scratches can occur when your vehicle comes into contact with rough surfaces like tree branches, rocks, or even gravel on the road.
- Poor washing techniques: Using rough or dirty sponges or towels during car washes can cause primer scratches.
- Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions such as hail, heavy rain, or snow can cause scratches on the car’s paint job.
- Wear and tear: Over time, regular car use can cause small scratches on the paint job, including the primer layer.
How to Fix Primer Scratches?
Here are some ways to fix car primer scratches:
- Sanding and repainting: Sanding down the affected area and repainting it are the most effective ways to fix primer scratches. This can be done by a professional auto body shop.
- Touch-up paint: For small primer scratches, touch-up paint can be used to fill in the scratch and blend it with the surrounding paint.
- Scratch removal products: There are various scratch removal products available in the market that can help to reduce the appearance of primer scratches. These products typically involve using a rubbing compound and polishing the affected area.
- DIY solutions: Some DIY solutions, like using toothpaste, baking soda, or vinegar, can also help to reduce the appearance of small scratches.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the different types of car scratches and how they occur. Remember to address scratches as soon as possible to prevent further damage and maintain the appearance and value of your vehicle. If you need help fixing a scratch or a larger area of damage, it’s always best to consult a professional auto body shop for advice and repair. That’s where MagicTouchMiami comes in! Our body shop auto paint is the best to repair the scratches on your car. Whether it’s a minor scratch or a major collision repair, we’ve got you covered. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and make your car look new again!