Scratches can be painful, but when they’re on your ride they can hurt in more ways than one. Read on for some handy advice on dealing with car scratches and how your Mazda dealer can help.
1. Polishing
The clear coat is your car’s outermost finish. A superficial scratch that just impacts this layer may be repaired relatively easily. If your fingernail does not catch in the scratch, then you may breathe a sigh of relief. Typically, the only fix needed for a clear coat scratch is a good yet gentle buff and polish. First, wash the car to remove dirt and grime that can cause additional scratching.
Then apply a buffing or polish compound and scrub your car, which removes the damaged layer. Orbital buffer works especially well for scratch repairs, but the application of this substance may require a more trained hand. You can wax your car to give it that shiny, eye-pleasing finish. This process should be undertaken with care because overly aggressive buffing can also damage the paint.
2. Touch-Up Paint
You may be able to cover up a scratch by using touch-up paint. This specialty product can be found in places that deal with auto parts like shops and car dealerships. Paint is available in vials, jars, or in pen form. You will typically apply it in dabs and thin layers, allowing it to dry for a day or two before reapplying a clear coat finish.
If you do opt for a touch-up, selecting the correct paint that will match your auto’s exterior is important. You can usually find information regarding your vehicle’s specific paint code on the information label of the driver’s door.
3. Sandpapering
If a scratch has reached the paint level from light contact with a metal or other object, the scratch will be more visible. In these cases, the area around the scratch will likely need to be smoothed before new paint is applied. For larger scratches, sanding the area with sandpaper is a typical course of action. Sometimes, toothpaste may be used for smoothing smaller scratch areas.
Certain types of sandpaper work better, as does a trained technique, which is why getting this job done by professionals is the safest choice. Leaving scratches unattended is discouraged because over time the damage can spread and expand, leading to an even more costly repair.
4. Primer Fix-Up
Car accidents or other serious impacts can cause the most extensive damage to the deepest layer of your car’s exterior: the primer finish. When a scratch reveals exposed metal, you are probably dealing with a deep abrasion. As the most serious type of scratch, a primer scratch will naturally require the most involved repair effort. First, any dents around the scratch will need fixing.
Then, other steps mentioned above will be taken, including washing the vehicle and sanding the affected areas. After these steps, the primer will need to be reapplied evenly. Afterward, paint is reapplied followed by the outermost finish. Because of the multiple steps involved and the finesse needed for this process, once again professional repair is strongly recommended.
Let a qualified expert with years of experience restore your ride’s beauty. Contact our service department at Flood Mazda for efficient repairs on your scratches or other vehicle maintenance needs.
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