Charlton is naturally chaotic for a big city, we often experience not only the traffic jam, but also the scratches on the body of the car. It will not only affect the beauty of the car, but also reduce the value of the car. However, as long as you have a little patience and use some of the following easy-to-obtain tools to help you repair the scratches on your car, and do the car paint repair in Charlton job at home . Let us show you how to do it.
Types of Car Scratches
The initial step to repairing a scratch on a car is determination of the type of scratch. There are main types of scratches.
They are:
1- Minor scratches
2- Major scratches
3- Superficial scratches
Clear coat scratches: the most surface-level type, which affects only the top layer of the clear coat.
Paint Scratches: These scratches penetrate through the clear coat and reach the paint layer.
Deep Scratches: These extend through the paint layer to the primer or metal underneath.
Tools and Materials Required
To effectively repair car scratches, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
Car wash soap
Microfiber cloths
Sandpaper (2000-3000 grit)
Rubbing compound
Polishing compound
Touch-up paint (matched to your car’s color)
Primer (for deep scratches)
Clear coat
Car wax
Step-by-Step Repair Process
Step 1: Clean the Area
Start by washing the scratched area with car wash soap and a microfibre sponge to remove any dirt and residue, then rinse and dry with the microfibre cloth. It’s important to do this to make sure you’re starting off with a clean car and scratch-free surface for the repair process.
Step 2: Sand the Scratch
If you have clear coat and/or paint scratches, wet sand with 2000-3000 grit sandpaper, sanding the scratch back and forth in a small dime-sized area (about the size of the scratch). Remember, we are smoothing out the scratch, not sanding down to the bare metal (so no deeper than the coat of paint you are using to fix the scratch!). This helps blend out the edge of the scratch.
Step 3: Apply Rubbing Compound
Rub a small amount of rubbing compound on a microfiber cloth. Use the cloth to gently rub the abraded area in small circles. This evens out the scratch and prepares the surface for polishing. Wipe away the rubbing compound with a clean cloth.
Step 4: Polish the Surface
Once you are done using the rubbing compound, you can use a polishing compound to bring up the shine to the repaired area. Take a clean microfibre cloth and apply the polish. Buff the area using the microfibre cloth in a circular motion until it’s the same finish as the rest of your car.
Step 5: Apply Touch-Up Paint
If you paint a layer of paint thinner over it, and it’s still shiny, it means the scratch has pierced the clear coat. If you paint a layer of paint thinner over it, and you see two layers with the clear coat sandwiched between them in the scratch, then you’ve hit pay dirt… the primer or the paint’s base coat is showing! For scratches that have cut through the clear coat and reached the primer or metal, use touch-up paint that matches your car’s color. Using a very fine brush, apply the paint in the scratch. Allow to dry, per manufacturer’s instructions. You may have to apply several thin coats for good coverage.
Step 6: Apply a Clear Coat
Allow the touch-up paint to dry thoroughly before you put on the clear coat, and be sure to use clear-coating paint to seal the repair and protect your newly retrieved paint from the elements, when you’re ready for that final touch. And then it really is final: the new paint will be almost completely indistinguishable from the original.
Step 7: Wax the Area
Complete the repair by waxing back the repaired area. Wax adds an extra layer of shining protection to the repaired section. Start by applying wax with a clean cloth in a circular motion, then buff it out to a high gloss.
Tips to Prevent Future Scratches
To minimize the risk of future scratches, consider these preventive measures:
Careful Parking: Avoid tight parking spaces and park in less crowded areas.
Routine: Wash your car regularly. Doing so will remove dirt and other abrasive material that can scratch the surface.
Use a Car Cover: Protect your vehicle from environmental elements when parked outside.
Conclusion
There’s no need to live with car scratches in Charlton. Now you can repair those scratches yourself and have your car looking like new and holding its value. The next time you have a minor to moderate scratch, don’t despair. With a little preparation and a lot of patience, you might be able to avoid a costly professional job. Be sure to read this before you start. Repairing scratches is all about careful preparation.
