Are you the type of car owner who prefers to tackle issues DIY-style, leaving only the toughest of auto repairs to the professionals? If so, then you probably have tried your hand at car paint repairs at one time or another. Today we're discussing DIY car paint repairs and the best way to go about them.
Car paint damage happens - whether you get hit by a runaway shopping cart, grab your door handle with keys in hand, or have a branch drop and scratch your vehicle, it's just a part of owning a car. However, damage to your paint can leave your vehicle looking less-than-new and can also drop its resale value, leaving you in a lurch if you're trying to sell it. Check out these tips on DIY car paint repair and how to handle it from the comfort of your own garage.
The first step to take is to decide if you can actually fix the damage on your own - you have to determine how bad the scratch is. Here are the three main types to be aware of:
Clear coat scratch: This type of scratch only gouges the clear coat (the protective coat over the actual paint) of your vehicle. They're visible when the car is dry and may disappear when they get wet, but will reappear when the water is gone.
Body coat scratch: This type of scratch won't fade away with water and looks white inside.
Base coat scratch: This type of scratch is the deepest - it goes all the way down to the metal and looks dark grey or black in color.
If you have a clear coat or body coat scratch, you can usually take care of it at home without too much effort. However, a bad body coat scratch or a base coat scratch might require some professional attention at Toyota of Orlando based on your level of experience.
If you're going to tackle things DIY style, you'll need supplies. Be sure to stock your garage with:
Sandpaper
Microfiber cloths
Soapy water
Tape (painter's tape will work)
Paint
Polish or wax
Step #1: Clean the area. Your first step should be to wash the area with soapy water and dry it with a microfiber cloth. This will help prevent any sand or dirt from being rubbed into the paint, scratching it further. You can also tape the area off to help you see it better.
Step #2: Start sanding. Be careful - you should use 3000 or 5000 grit sandpaper and wrap a dish sponge inside of it to avoid pressure points from your fingertips, which can leave marks in the paint. Apply some soapy water and get to work, using medium pressure until the scratch has disappeared and the surrounding area looks hazy.
Step #3: Paint and polish. If the scratch requires touch-up paint, now's the time to do it. Use the sandpaper to add a little feathering to where the scratch was (this will help blend it) and apply paint. When you're done, use polish on a microfiber rag on the area, followed by clay bar wax.
Have questions or need a little professional assistance? Toyota of Orlando's car paint repair center is open and waiting at (407) 298-6006. We're conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.
Comments