How Does a Mechanic Repair a Scratch?

Dec 11, 2019

How Does a Mechanic Repair a Scratch?

Do you need to fix some scratches on your car? Needing car paint repairs are inevitable, all cars are going to get dents, chips and scratches, but it doesn’t mean you leave them there! Deep scratches lessen the protection a pain job provides, as it leaves the metal exposed to possible corrosion.

How do you remove scratches from your car?

The most common paint used by manufacturers on cars is a clear-coated catalysed enamel. Touch up paint, whether it’s applied by yourself or by a mechanic will be a lacquer.

Lacquer based paints are going to shrink as they dry, so although this is an easy DIY job that can be done from the comfort of your driveway, remember that a dealership or reputable body shop can give you a professional looking result, as if the scratch never existed!

Mechanics or body shop garages tend to use three different types of paintwork repairs for scratches, which will all depend on the type of vehicle you own as well as where the scratch is located.

Touch up paint

As we mentioned, touch up paints can be done from the comfort of your driveway, but it is also the least expensive option at the body shop. But be aware that it will have its drawbacks. The colour may not be an exact match in the finish and feel of the repair compared to the rest of the car. If it’s not in a noticeable area, this may be the cheapest and most convenient repair for you.

Airbrushing

A quick and inexpensive fix often preferred when dealing with flat colours that are used by dealerships to cover flaws in used vehicles. Both airbrushing and touch up paints are temp fixes, so they generally come in at a lower cost than full-body repairs.

Full repairs

A full fix is common in those cars that have metallic finishes, this is the most permanent fix of the three options to help get those scratches out of your car once and for all. As this is a more complicated process, involving many layers of sanding, priming, filling etc. a more expensive car scratch repair cost will follow!

If you’re looking for someone to fix your car’s scratches, we have mechanics in your area waiting to give you a quote.

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