Every car owner needs to know someone who can fix scratches on a car. Scratches are inevitable and add to maintenance costs.
According to Consumer Reports, car owners spend an average of $200-$430 monthly. The truth is that it takes very little to scratch the new paint job you just got. In addition, anything road debris rubbing against the car can scratch your ride.
If left unchecked, scratches can damage the paint job. However, fixing them early could save you thousands of dollars in the future. This article will explain how to fix scratches on a car and what goes on behind the scenes.
Mechanic Vs. Auto Body Shop: Know the Difference
The first thought that comes to mind when you spot a scratch is getting it fixed. However, not everyone knows who can fix scratches on a car. Do you take it to a mechanic or auto body shop?
Generally, auto body shops handle all cosmetic and structural repairs to a vehicle, interior, or exterior. They straighten the frame, repair or modify the interior, repair dents, and can paint the car.
If you are ever in a wreck or a fender bender, the auto body shop should be your first stop. What sets auto body shops apart is the extensive training for collision refinishing. Mechanics deal with the mechanical aspects of vehicles, while body shops deal with the body of the vehicle.
On the other hand, mechanics pay attention to the things that make your vehicle run smooth.. It is not the right place to go when you need to fix scratches on a car. It would help if you only visited the mechanic when your vehicle requires engine, transmission, or brake repairs.
They also handle basic repairs for wear and tear-related issues. For instance, when you hear funny noises from your engine, you go to a mechanic. Both mechanics and auto body shops play a crucial role in the life of your car. However, if you are looking for someone who fixes scratches on a vehicle, the auto body shop is the best place.
Types of Car Scratches
Scratches come in different shapes and sizes. Before you start looking for someone who can fix scratches on a car, it helps to know the type of scratches.
The cost of repair depends on the severity of the damage. For very superficial scratches, you may be able to fix scratches on a car by yourself with the help of a kit. Here are the common types of scratches you should know about.
1. Clear Coat Scratches
No matter how bad a clear coat scratch looks, it never goes beyond the clear coat. In addition to making the car looks aesthetically pleasing, clear coats also protect the other paint layers.
Unfortunately, clear coats are very delicate. It is a common problem for a client who wants someone to fix scratches on a car. The common signs of clear coat scratch on a car include
Swirl marks
Hazing
Paint transfer
You can also try dragging your finger over the scratch. If the area feels smooth and your finger doesn’t catch it, it’s a clear coat scratch. Less damage makes fixing scratches on a car relatively easy.
You can remove it by applying polishing compounds, detailing, and buffing. Don’t attempt it unless you know what you are doing. Otherwise, it could backfire and cause further damage to the paintwork.
2. Base Coat Scratch
The base coat is the paint layer below the clear coat. Therefore, any scratch that penetrates beyond the top layer will likely reach the base coat.
Basecoat scratches are easy to spot since it removes some of the paint. Unfortunately, fixing them is more involving. Therefore, you should only trust a professional who can fix scratches on a car with this type of repair.
Usually, all the paint in the affected area has to be prepared. This is delicate work that is done with the help of a DA sander ( dual action). If the base coat is left unfixed, it deteriorates over time and affects the subsequent layers. Find someone who can fix scratches on a car as soon as you notice a base coat scratch.
3. Primer Scratch
Primer scratches the last thing any car owner wants to see. They affect all the layers of paint, exposing the bare metal beneath. Primer helps paint adhere to the car panels. Scratches on this layer can cause the rest of the paintwork to start peeling.
Due to the exposure of the metal, primer scratches need immediate attention. Rust will begin in a matter of days if left unfixed.
Don’t put off dealing with this kind of problem. Find someone who can fix scratches on a car immediately. Putting it off only makes things worse and increases the bill you have to pay later.
4. Metal Scratches and Plastic Scratches
Metal scratches are the deepest kind of car scratches. It means the scratch has gone through all the paint layers and cut the metal panel beneath. For bumpers, these deep scratches usually expose the plastic beneath. Repairing metal scratches is a lot more involving.
Technicians usually have to use body filler, sand, and polish the area before restoring the paintwork on your car. Not all body shops properly fix scratches on a vehicle. Take your time and find the right professional to fix scratches on a vehicle.
Understanding How to Fix Car Scratches on a Car
Knowing the types of scratches helps car owners identify scratches. Early detection is crucial when looking to fix scratches on a car. It also enables you to evaluate the best course of action.
You can fix evident coat scratches at home with DIY scratch removal products. However, the bigger ones need a professional touch. Here is a step-by-step guide on how professionals fix scratches on a car.
Step 1: Cleaning
Clean and remove dirt from the scratched area. You can do this using soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Alcohol is also effective when cleaning scratches. Spraying the area with a prep solvent also helps remove grease and oils.
Step 2: Sanding
The goal of sanding is to even out the surface of the car with a scratch. Technicians can either use sandpaper with some water or sand dry. However, wet sanding gives better results. For deeper scratches, marking the target area with tape helps limit the repair area. After sanding, cleaning is done to remove the residue.
Step 3: Rubbing Compound and Body Filler
The area around the scratch will look dull after sanding. Rubbing clear coat safer and rubbing compound restores the lost shine. For light scratches rubbing compound is adequate to fix scratches on a car. However, deeper scratches require block sanding to even out the surface.
Step 4: Priming
This step is only necessary for deeper scratches. Depending on the severity of the scratch, a new coat of primer may be required.
Once the primer has been applied it is then sanded and the vehicle is prepped for paint. The affected panel is sanded down, cleaned, and masked. A sealer is sprayed and color coats are applied, finishing with a high-quality clear coat.
Step 5: Polishing
Polishing is one of the final steps. For best results, use a dual action polisher and a microfiber cloth. Again, it is crucial to regulate the rpm to avoid burning the paint. You can also polish by hand, but it takes longer. Finally, applying a layer of wax seals the clear coat and protects it from the elements.
Get Professional Scratch Removal
Wills Auto Body is the premier body shop serving clients in Concord, CA. Getting the right expert to fix scratches on a car can save you time and money. We provide free estimates and also handle your insurance for you.
In addition, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, we sanitize all vehicles and offer to drop them at your doorstep. Try us today, and see why we are the best place to fix scratches on a car.