A solid paint job is your car’s first line of defense against the elements. Over time your car may accumulate a variety of scratches, each requiring a different approach to repair from home fixes to the expertise of an auto body shop Santa Rosa. In this article, we will explore the different types of car paint scratches and the best ways to repair them.

Clear Coat Scratches

Clear coat scratches are the most superficial type of scratch and only affect the outermost layer of your car’s paint. Taking care of these before they develop deeper can help restore your car’s value.

Pre-Repair

Before you start, wash the scratched area with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Dry the area thoroughly before continuing.

Scratch Remover

These scratches can often be covered with scratch remover products designed for clear coat scratches. Next buff the area in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth, be careful not to push too hard.

Polish and Wax

After the scratch is no longer visible you can polish the area to restore the shine to your car. Waxing the area can also provide an additional layer of protection and help to blend in the repair with the rest of the car.

Primer Scratches

Primer scratches go deeper than clear coat scratches and penetrate the layer of paint beneath the clear coat. They need auto body painting for complete repair.

Pre-Repair

As with clear coat scratches, start by cleaning the scratched area. After cleaning, it’s important to use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the scratch.

Apply Primer and Paint

Use a touch-up primer to fill in the scratch. Carefully apply it with a fine brush and allow it to dry completely before moving on to any other steps. Make sure the touch-up paint matches your car’s color code before using it. Apply the new auto body paint over the primed area in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.

Buff and Polish

Once the paint is dry, buff the area lightly with a polishing compound to blend the repair with the surrounding paint. Finish with a car polish and wax for added protection.

Deep Paint Scratches

Deep paint scratches are the most severe type of scratch, and can lead to rust and further damage if not repaired promptly. Deep scratches often benefit from the help of a professional auto body shop Santa Rosa.

Pre-Repair

As always, make sure to clean the area first. You’ll want to use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rust and smooth out the edges of the scratch.

Primer and Paint

Apply a few coats of automotive primer to the bare metal. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Using your car’s color-matched touch-up paint, apply several thin layers over the primed area. Allow each layer to dry before adding the next.

Clear Coat

Once the paint is fully dry, apply a clear coat to seal and protect the repair. Use multiple thin layers for best results.

Buff and Polish

Buff the repaired area with a polishing compound to blend it with the surrounding paint. Follow up with a polish and wax.

Silveira Auto Body – Professional Paint Repair for Any Kind of Scratch

If you’re fed up with pesky car paint scratches, contact Silveira Auto Body. Our expert services are fast and effective, getting your car back to it’s pre-scratch condition fast!

Call us today at (707) 433-2424 to schedule an appointment.