How To Repair Car Scratches
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By Anna Finger
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It is more than likely that at one time or another, you have experienced a scratch on the paint job of your vehicle. Did you know that there are ways that this can be
repaired without a costly trip to a dealership or auto body shop? Sooner or later, every car is going to get a scratch. These tips may be of use if you plan on getting
that unsightly scratch removed.
If the car has been painted with enamel paint, then the vehicle repair may need professional attention. If not, then pay close attention to these tips and you may be
able to fix it yourself.
When repairing a scratch, it is important to lightly wash the surface of any material that would affect the bonding of the paint that is going to be applied to fix the
scratch. Sometimes, when vehicles have been waxed, it decreases the ability for the paint to create a bond with the metal. This may create an obvious paint line. A mild
dish detergent or even a mild laundry detergent can be used to take off any wax or seal that can interrupt the scratch repair process.
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Next, you will need to lightly sand the area where the vehicle is scratched with fine-grained sand paper. It is most effective complete this step by hand. Sanding the
vehicle by hand ensures that it won't be over-sanded and this will minimize the chance of damage to the body of the vehicle, or the paint job. Never use an electric sander
to repair a small scratch on the body or door of the vehicle; this will lead to unsightly marks being left after the scratch has been repaired. When sanding, go with the
direction of the scratch. This will prevent any unsightly markings after you have completed the repair.
Any rust near the scratch can be easily removed with rust-cleaner and sandpaper treatment. When sanding, be sure to grind down the area that is closest to the scratch. Before
painting, tape-off the area of the scratch using newspaper, allowing a small cutout for the scratch. This will ensure that the only the desired area is painted. There is a
chance that the paint you are using is not the same tone as the original, unless the vehicle is new and the exact paint is chosen.
How do you choose the right paint for the vehicle that is being repaired? Color swatches are often available from the dealership that the vehicle was purchased from. If you
are unable to obtain swatches from the dealership, then it is possible to get them from a local auto body supply store. Remember, these colors may not go on completely flush
with the current color. The more a vehicle has been exposed to the elements, the more the color fades. Weathering can also make it hard to determine the exact replacement color.
Next, the area should be sprayed with touch up paint. Avoid brushing because it may cause unsightly marks to occur within the paint. Next, remove the paper and let the
vehicle dry overnight. This will ensure that it is not going to be effected by the elements.
