What Is a Scratch in Paint?
A scratch in paint damages the top coat of paint on your vehicle.
This can include anything from a surface scratch to a deep gouge.
The clear coat is a layer of transparent paint applied over the base color coat.
It protects the base color and provides a glossy finish.
Paint is often applied in multiple layers.
The more layers, the better resistant the paint will be to scratches.
Often exotic and high-end vehicles will have more paint on their bodies.
More paint will be easier to repair but add more weight to the vehicle.
The paint on a Rolls Royce will weigh about double per square inch than what the paint on a Honda does.
How to Fix a Light Scratch
If the scratch is only in the clear coat, you may be able to buff it out with a polishing compound.
You will need to apply the compound to a clean, soft cloth and rub it into the scratch in a circular motion.
You may need to do this several times to remove the scratch.
As we mentioned before, more layers of paint will be easier to fix.
Having more paint to blend will allow you to cover up more significant scratches before needing to add more paint or using the services of a professional body shop.
How Professionals Fix Scratches
If the scratch is more profound, you will need to have it repaired by a professional.
They will use a machine to sand down the clear coat and base color until the scratch is gone.
Then they will apply new paint and finish with a clear coat.
This process is called “repainting.”
It is important to note that if your car is repainted, the new paint will not match the surrounding paint exactly.
It will be close, but there will be a slight difference in color and gloss.
Warranties and Insurance
If you have a warranty on your vehicle, it may cover paint and scratch repair.
Sometimes, the same goes for insurance.
If you have comprehensive insurance, it may cover the cost of repainting your car.
Although, through if you use your insurance, your rates may go up if you can’t lay blame for the scratch on another party.
You will likely have to pay a deductible.
It is essential to check with your warranty or insurance provider before having any work done on your vehicle.
What Causes Scratches in Paint?
Many things can cause scratches in the paint.
The most common causes are:
- Accidents
- Everyday wear and tear
- Bad weather
- Animals
- Using cheap or rough car covers
- Allowing for dirt build-up
What You Can Do to Prevent Paint Scratches
The best way to avoid scratches is to be careful with your car.
Wash and wax it regularly to protect the paint.
Park in covered or well-lit areas.
Avoid parking near high-traffic areas where people are likely to bump into your car.
If you live in an area with bad weather, consider getting a car cover.
Make sure to get a good quality car cover that is soft on the inside so it won’t scratch your paint.
Finally, be sure not to tailgate.
Car tires kick up rocks and debris from the road and shoot it back behind them.
If your car is in that danger zone, you risk having your paint, glass, or trim pelted with small rocks.
This will cause chips, dents, and scratches.
A Vinyl Wrap Will Protect Paint
If you are worried about paint scratches, you can always get a vinyl wrap.
A vinyl wrap is a thin layer of plastic applied to your car’s body.
It protects the paint and can be removed if you want to return to the original paint job.
Vinyl wraps come in many different colors and finishes, so you can even change the look of your car if you want.
Aditional Clear Coats
If you are still worried about paint scratches, you can always add an additional clear coat.
Adding an extra layer of clear coat will make your paint more resistant to scratches and everyday wear and tear.
It is important to note that if you get a scratch in your new clear coat, it will be more challenging to fix than a regular scratch.
You will likely need to have it repaired by a professional.
This is because they will need to sand down the clear coat and paint until the scratch is gone.
In Closing
In conclusion, taking care of your paint will help avoid any light scratches.
For deeper scratches, you will likely need to visit a professional.
However, checking your warranty or insurance policy beforehand is always a good idea.
Both may cover the cost of repair or repainting.
Paint scratches are a fact of life when you own a car.
Prevention is critical when it comes to avoiding paint scratches.
Thank you for letting us inform you about how to keep your car looking its best.
Bonus: DIY Tips and Tricks to Paint Correction
If you want to take your car’s paint correction into your own hands, here are a few tips and tricks.
What You’ll Need:
- A suitable quality polishing compound
- A clean, soft cloth
- A drill with a buffing pad attachment (optional)
Start by washing your car and ensuring it is free of dirt, dust, and other debris.
Once it is clean, dry it off completely.
Next, apply a small amount of polishing compound to your cloth or buffing pad.
Start polishing in a small area using circular motions.
Work slowly and carefully until you have removed all of the scratches.
Wash and wax your car as usual.
If you want to buff out a larger area, you can attach a buffing pad to your drill.
Work in small sections and be careful not to overdo it, or you could damage the paint.
Thanks for reading!
We hope this has helped you understand how to fix a scratch on your car.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Protect My Car is a vehicle service contract provider, also referred to as extended car warranty provider, with multiple coverage plans for new and used vehicles with low to higher mileage to help meet your needs and budget. Protect My Car customers work directly with the company for customer service, claims administration and contract financing. No middleman or the need for third-party approval. All Protect My Car Plans include best-in-class claims and customer support, 24/7 roadside assistance, free oil changes and tire rotations and the exclusive PMC Rewards Plan, providing daily deals, giveaways, coupons, and thousands of ways to save money every day. Protect My Car has a 30-day money-back guarantee.