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What is the different type of car scratches?

Scratches vary between hardly noticeable to deep or in expert tone it is differentiated in 3 kinds i.e clear coat scratch, primer-level scratch and deep-paint scratch.

1. Clear-coat scratch

   

   As most of us are aware, car paint is shielded by a thin layer of clear coat, safeguarding it from elements like sunlight, acid rain, and dust. When a scratch affects only this clear coat layer, repairing it becomes a straightforward task. Eliminating scratches from the clear coat is the simplest form of car scratch repair.

2. Primer scratch

   

   Manufacturers apply primer to our car’s body to achieve a beautiful, glossy, and sleek surface. When car scratches penetrate through the clear coat layer and reach the primer coating, the damage becomes more severe. At this point, the body’s paint can deteriorate, and there’s a risk of rust formation if timely protective measures aren’t taken. Fixing this type of damage demands more time and expertise. It’s often advisable to repaint the entire affected area to avoid any noticeable variations in the paint finish.

3. Paint scratch

   

   When a scratch is so severe that you can see the metal sheet under the layers then it’s really hard to fix. These types of car scratches typically occur when someone damages your car using objects like stones, keys, or sharp items, or as a result of a significant accident. It’s highly advisable to take immediate corrective action to prevent any further significant issues.

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How do I get rid of the scratches on my car?

There are different scratch remover treatments depending upon the severity level. There are some minor scratches you can remove at home using several methods that we are going to discuss. If the damage is deep then you should opt for various car scratch repair kit or car body shop work. Here are some common methods to remove a car scratch.

1. Rubbing compound

   

   You can determine whether a scratch is only surface-level by running your fingernail across it; if it doesn’t catch, a specialized rubbing compound can often resolve the issue. To start, thoroughly clean the affected area with car soapy water, followed by a microfiber cloth wipe-down. Apply a small amount of rubbing compound using a buffing pad, then gently but firmly rub it onto the scratched area in a circular motion, exerting a slight amount of pressure. The objective is to gradually remove a portion of the scratched clear coat. If necessary, repeat the process, and finish by washing the area and allowing it to air dry.

2. Car scratch repair kit

   

   You can also rely on a commercially available scratch repair kit to address minor scratches. These kits typically include a buffing pad and a scratch remover solution. The process begins with a thorough washing of the surface to ensure no dust or debris is present, followed by drying it with a microfiber cloth. Using the buffing pad, you apply a small amount of the solution to the surface, wiping off any excess, and allowing it to cure. It’s worth noting that opinions on the effectiveness of scratch removing kits vary, with some users reporting limited or only satisfactory results, particularly for very mild scratches.

3. Professional denting/painting for deep scratches

   

   There is no replacement for professional denting painting work. Getting your car scratch removed by denting painting experts like GoMechanic will guarantee perfect-showroom-finish results. Here is a brief excerpt. The professional starts by washing the car thoroughly to remove any contaminants and debris. Using sandpaper, the professional removes excess paint from the area until the core of the scratch is seen. The movement paint removal should be on the side of scratch to avoid further scratches in the opposite direction. Furthermore, many different grits of sandpaper are used for a different level of scratches like 1500, 2000, etc.

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   Following the sanding process, an etching primer is applied to serve as a bonding agent for the paint. Throughout this procedure, the surface is primed, sanded, and repeated two or three times, with intervals for drying in between. The skilled technician then matches the paint utilizing a specialized palette and the OEM paint code. To finish, several layers of clear coat are carefully applied, and the paint is safeguarded and sealed through the use of waxing and polishing compounds. The duration of this entire process may span a day or two, contingent upon the extent of the damage.

How much does it cost to get the scratch out of your car?

The cost of fixing a car scratch depends on the intensity and spread area of the scratch. A surface-level scratch can be removed by rubbing, cutting and polishing the affected panel. A basic full body rubbing and polishing starts at ₹799 for your car.

Whereas a deep clear coat scratch which has penetrated the first few layers requires filling, sanding and is overall an exhaustive procedure which starts at ₹1,099.

If the panel has been impacted and has a dent, then the car needs to be sent to specialized auto-body repair booth where the dent is first pulled using PDR (Paintless Dent Removal) procedure or any other alternative method as required. GoMechanic offers per panel denting and painting at just ₹1,599 for your car.

You can check prices for your car by clicking here

Do scratch removers work?

We all have seen the advertisement on TV or YouTube where a person removes the car scratch just by using pen scratch removers but does it really work? The answer to this question is Yes! it works but only on minor scratches where only paint coating is damage so it just fills the gap and makes it look like there was no scratch at all.
If you ask whether it works on major scratches? No. it won’t. You have to go with other options as discussed above.

Are car scratches covered by insurance?

If you are driving carefully and someone from the front is driving towards you hit your car and got some scratches. In that case, your comprehensive insurance comes handy and all the expenses will be covered from the opposite party’s insurance claim. But if your car gets scratched by normal wear and tear as a dog sat on the roof and hood or due to heavy snowfall then it won’t cover under insurance.

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Can you paint over a car scratch?

If the car paint scratch is not too deep and severe then yes, it can be filled using paint. Never use a brush or spray bottle to paint the scratched area because it will only make things worse. Use a pointed needle or toothpick to fill the scratch. And, don’t forget to look at the paint code mentioned in your car’s right door or book manual before choosing the colour.

What kind of scratches can be buffed out?

In the automotive industry, there is a RULE of THUMB. If your thumb can’t catch the scratch then it can be buffed out easily using Toothpaste as it’s only on the clear coat of paint and if not then you need to go out with a car scratch repair kit or repainting because it’s way too deep to buff out.

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“Condition of the car reflects the behaviour of a person who owns it”