Jun 14, 2022
Car Body Scratches – Types, Fixes & Tips!

Would you know how to react if you saw a scratch on your car? What if it was in a difficult-to-reach place? Or worse, what if the scratch was so deep that metal showed? It can be annoying and frustrating, even if it’s just a tiny little nick.

But worry not – with some know-how, you can quickly fix most car scratches on your own! This blog post looks at different car scratches types and how to fix them.

Clear Coat Scratch –

A thin layer of clear coat protects your ride from environmental issues like exposure to sunlight, acid rain, and dust. A scratch through this coat is called a clear coat scratch.

Fortunately, clear coat scratches are easier to fix, as they don’t go through to the base coat. Buff it out with a dedicated polishing compound to fix a clear coat scratch. You may need a rubbing compound for deeper scratches. But avoid overdoing it, as you could end up damaging the paint.

Primer Scratch –

If the scratch goes through the clear coat and into the primer, it’s called a primer scratch. These are a bit more difficult to fix, as you’ll need to use touch-up paint that matches the color of your car.

Firstly, clean the area around the scratch with rubbing alcohol. Then, apply the touch-up paint to the area and let it dry. Once it’s dry, use a clear coat to seal the repair.

Paint Coat Scratch –

You know you’re in trouble when the scratch is so deep that you can see the metal coat underneath the paint. These are the most challenging type of scratches to repair, as you’ll need to sand down the area around the scratch, apply primer, and then repaint the entire section.

How To Get Rid of Car Scratches? –

Here are some standard methods to remove car scratches:

Use DIY Measures –

If the scratch is not too deep, you can try to remove it with some common household items. This includes using toothpaste, sandpaper, and WD-40. You might need flannel or microfiber towels to clean up post-polishing.

Rely on Car Scratch Repair Kits –

These repair kits are available at most auto & hardware stores and usually come with everything you need to fix light scratches. They are much better than DIY home scratch removal methods but still excise caution.

If you have a buff laying around, that will work much fine to smooth out the scratches. However, if your car is something along the lines of an Infiniti, then you better get to a professional auto service center.

Opt for a Professional Service –

If the scratch is severe or you’re unsure how to fix it yourself, the best option is to take it to a professional. They’ll assess the situation quickly and provide you with quality results.

Scratches happen. But with a little elbow grease (and maybe a trip to the auto body shop), you can ensure your ride looks as good as new. Not only that but your investment & resale value are both protected!

If you’re unsure about what to do or need some help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Infiniti of Melbourne, serving Lakewood Park, FL. We would be happy to assist you with anything related to car care and maintenance. Schedule a service today!