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Different Kinds Of Car Scratches And How To Solve Them

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Published
06/24/2023

Even the most careful drivers get their cars scratched from time to time. It's important to know the difference between the three car scratch types and how to fix them. The simplest to fix are scuffs and clear coat scratches. They're easy to identify – run your fingernail over the area.

Clear Coat Scratches

The majority of modern vehicles have a three-step paint system on their exteriors: a primer sprayed to the bare metal, a base semi-gloss color coat and then a clear coat adding protection against UV rays and oxidation. A scratch in a car's finish is sometimes ugly, but it can quickly become a breeding ground for rust if left unattended. The easiest type to repair is a clear coat scratch, which only affects the top layer of your vehicle's surface and can be removed with a gentle wash and some waxing. Some manufacturers offer clear coat touch-up pens specifically for this type of repair. A deeper scratch is a different story, impacting the color and sometimes even the primer. A deep scratch can be easily distinguished by attempting the fingernail test – if you can feel an indentation with your fingernail, it's likely to go through the clear coat, paint and even into the metal. A fix for a deep scratch requires an understanding of auto body work and often needs the help of a professional.

 

Deep Scratches

Scratches that reach the paint layer are more complicated to fix than light surface marks on your clear coat. You'll need a small bottle or pen of touch-up paint in the exact color of your car and an electric buffing wheel or pad. Wash your car and dry it completely before applying the product. Start with a buffing compound and rub over the scratched area in a circular motion. Continue until the scratch is gone. Once you have buffed out the scratches, please switch to a polishing compound and continue to buff the area until it's smooth and shiny. Deep scratches can damage your resale value, and they may also lead to body rust. If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail or see that it goes down to primer or bare metal, it's time to call a professional for car scratch repair. Be sure to check your insurance policy — filing a claim for scratches can increase your premiums.

 

Color Coat Scratches

Even the most careful car owner will get a scratch at some point. Whether it's another driver scraping their bumper against yours or a branch tapping your window while you're driving down the road, scratches are annoying and can lower your resale value. Fortunately, you can fix these scratches yourself without spending hundreds at the auto shop. Level 1 clear coat scratches are the simplest to fix. They occur when something scrapes your paint but doesn't penetrate the actual color layer. You can polish these up to make them almost invisible. To do this, wash and dry your car thoroughly before applying a clearcoat scratch remover to a foam applicator pad and gently buffing over the scratched area. You can also use a terry cloth or microfiber towel for this step. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the product. You can purchase scratch removal products at most automotive supply stores.

 

Primer Scratches

The primer layer helps to prevent rust by separating the raw metal of the car panel from the color coat. If a car scratch cuts through the clear and colored skin into the primer, it is important to fix it immediately. Otherwise, rust can form and ruin the appearance of the vehicle. To fix this type of car scratch, use a polishing compound that matches the color of your vehicle's paint and work it into the damaged area. It will remove the clear coat and the light scratches without repressing your entire vehicle panel. There are millions of ways to scratch your car - rock chips flying off the road, someone keying your ride, and even washing it. Identifying and fixing these types of scratches will help prepare your car showroom. If you need clarification on what kind of scratch you have, try running your fingernail over it and see if it catches. If it does, then you have a primer or deep gash.

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