Scratches on a car surface are a real eyesore, but they are inevitable. Almost anything can cause a scratch: dust, leaves, and even washing, if done improperly. A car’s surface comprises three layers. The first one is the clear coat surface, which gives your car a shine. The second layer underneath the clear coat is the paint surface, while the third layer is the primer surface, which forms a base for the paint and a layer upon the metal. Scratches affect these layers depending upon the severity; the most severe scratches affecting the primer. Let’s learn about the types of car scratches, and how to mend them.
Table of Contents
1. Clear-Coat Scratches
A clear coat is the topmost layer of the car’s painted surface; it is transparent and provides the paint with a gloss. It also protects the paint surface from direct contact with elements, thus ensuring its longevity. Scratches on the clear coat surface are caused by everyday wear and tear; this can include dusting, washing and other minor scratches.. Scratches on the clear coat are visible upon close inspection and under light they look like swirls, whorls, straight lines and at times white lines.
How to fix it
These scratches are the easiest to mend and usually require a gentle wash and waxing. Buff the wax and the scratches will disappear. Gentle washing clears the initial dirt and grime on the surface, while cleaning with a soft microfibre cloth clears the remaining water. The last step is waxing, which also has to be done very gently. Buffed with pressure, the car may get a new set of scratches!
2. Paint Scratches
The paint layer comes after the clear coat. Scratches on this layer happen if your car comes in contact with a rigid and an abrasive surface like a wall when you intend to park or a metal pole or if someone decides to run a key on your car surface. Whatever the reason, paint scratches are heartbreaking and happen all the time.
How to fix it
Paint scratches can be fixed but they require an expert hand. If you are not an expert, you might not do a perfect job and this may make the painted surface stand out even more. Car painting experts wash the surface and get rid of debris or dust, after which they rub the paint surface with a sandpaper of specific grit to ready the scratched surface for painting. Once the paint is applied it is allowed to dry for a period of 1-2 days Finally, the clear coat is applied and your car is good as new.
3. Primer Scratches
A primer scratch is the deepest and the most destructive of all: it scratches all the three layers and exposes the metal. Breaks your heart, doesn’t it?! It takes an accident or a really severe abrasion to cause a primer scratch. Primer scratches should be taken care of immediately as the exposed metal is prone to rust and once rust finds its way in, there is little you can do about it, except for changing the part/panel.
How to fix it
To fix a primer scratch requires skill and experience and is best left to the experts. To fix a primer scratch the overall area of the scratch is sandpapered which is larger than the scratch itself, if there is a dent a dent will be fixed first. The second step involves even application of the primer. Once the primer dries, the paint is applied and left to dry. Next a clear coat is applied and your car is good to go. The time taken depends on the severity and the area of the car affected.
FAQs
What are the different types of car scratches?
Car scratches are of three types:
- Clear coat scratch: This scratch affects the outermost layer of the surface of the car and can be removed by a gentle wash and thorough waxing.
- Paint scratch: This scratch affects the second layer of the surface of a car and that is the paint. This can be fixed by repainting the affected surface expertly.
- Primer scratch: A primer scratch is the worst scratch of all as it exposes the metal surface of the car. This can be fixed at a car body shop where the primer will be reapplied along with the paint and the clear coat.
What kind of scratch is on my car?
Scratches that affect the clear coat are usually in the shape of circles and whorls and can be seen upon close inspection. Paint scratches can be seen and be felt by touch, these are a bit deeper and affect the paint surface. Primer scratches can immediately be distinguished as these expose the metal of the car.
How do you tell if a scratch is deep?
Scratches that are deep can be felt by touch or through a fingernail test, simply try tugging the paint with your fingernail, if your nail catches it then its deep if it is not then no need to worry.
What kind of car scratches can be buffed out?
Clear coat scratches can be removed by washing, waxing and buffing.
How do you tell if a scratch is through the clear coat?
If a scratch goes through the clear coat it affects the paint surface, a scratch on the paint surface can be seen easily and felt upon touch.
