390
Almost all motorists sooner or later face a situation when scratches appear on the body of the car. In order to avoid unnecessary costs and reduce the amount of work, it is very important to correctly assess the degree of damage, to approach the repair with due diligence. An expert from the ampercar.com portal named 5 rules for removing scratches on the car body that drivers forget about.
Before rushing into battle with a polishing machine or signing up for a car service, it is important to first correctly assess the degree of damage. To do this, you can use two simple, but effective methods. The first method is to run your fingernail over the scratch. If the nail does not cling to the damage, this indicates that the scratch can be polished back to its original state. The second method involves moisturizing the damaged area. If the scratch becomes less noticeable on a wet surface, it means that it can be removed by sanding.
The expression "to the metal" is often used when describing the degree of the defect, but in practice it is extremely rare. A significant impact is required to reach the metal layer. Most often, only the paint layer is damaged, and the soil remains. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly determine the true depth of the damage before starting the repair.
Contrary to a common misconception, even deep scratches cannot be polished - they can only be painted over. However, a complete repainting of the part is often not necessary. The proper process begins with treating the damaged area with an anti-rust agent, then carefully removing the torn and sharp edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Next, you should apply a primer, paint the appropriate color of your car with a composition and finish the work by applying a layer of varnish.
Myths about markers, colored polish and other temporary solutions for quick chip removal are just gimmicks designed for those looking for quick but short-lived methods. When washing the car, it will be immediately clear that the paint has come off and the damage has reappeared, even if the color initially matched perfectly.
It is possible to remove a scratch without having to completely repaint the part, but it is not as easy as it might seem. First, it is important to thoroughly degrease the damaged area. Next, the surface must be "matted" with sandpaper to remove sharp edges. If the scratch is so deep that the metal is visible, then applying the soil becomes a mandatory step. The problem is not so much in rust protection as in the fact that without the soil, the paint simply will not be able to securely attach to the parts, which will lead to repeated repairs. It is recommended to avoid using soil from cans; it is better to use soil from a can and apply it with a cotton swab so as not to leave marks on the body. After that, paint in the color of the car is first applied, then the final layer of varnish.
