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Types Of Scratches On Car Paint

It is no surprise when we say that scratches on a car’s paint don’t look great, but most vehicle owners don’t know that there are different types of scratches, each with a different effect on the paint. These scratches can become a hassle to fix, cost a lot of money, and bring down your car’s value till they are fixed. In this article, we will look at the different layers of a vehicle paint and how scratches affect them.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Layers of Vehicle Paint

Before you understand the types of scratches, it is critical to know the layers of paint on your car. Three major layers make up the vehicle’s paint and are given below.

Clearcoat Layer

The outermost layer of the paint is known as the clearcoat layer. It is the thickest layer and applied as a shield to the inner layers. It also provides the vehicle with a glossy shine. Since it is the outermost layer, it receives the most scratches and is damaged easily. Extreme weather, harsh chemicals, and even improper washing can damage this layer.

Base Coat Layer

The base coat is the middle layer in a paint job, and it provides the colour to the surface. Moreover, if you wish to have any other modifications (sparkles, colour-shifting elements), they are added to the base coat. This layer is extremely fragile and thin and can be severely damaged easily, making the clearcoat layer extremely important.

Primer Layer

Primer is the lowermost paint layer, making it the first coat that the bare metal receives. The primer is majorly used to create an aiding surface on which the base coat can stick. Much like the base layer, the primer layer is also extremely thin.

The Different Types Of Car Scratches

While we learned about the different layers of paint on a car, we will learn about the scratches associated with them below. There are three types of scratches, which are given below.

Clearcoat Scratches

Clearcoat scratches are the most common form of scratches, as they affect the outermost layer of paint. These scratches can result from poor maintenance, improper washing, using harsh chemicals, and road debris. 

However, the clearcoat layer is extremely thick, and usually, these scratches are not serious and can be repaired easily. While one can fix them at home, they can be time-consuming, and it is advised to take your vehicle to a detailing service.

Base Coat Scratches

If the clear coat is penetrated, the scratch then reaches the next layer and is known as a base coat scratch. Unlike clearcoat scratches which are not clearly visible, base coat scratches are obvious. They result in discolouration and even feel rough when touched. They are often due to keying and minor accidents.

If your car gets a base coat scratch, it might require new paint. The process includes colour matching, blending, and application. While it may prove to be costlier than fixing a clearcoat scratch, the end result will be a new-looking car.

Primer Scratches

The deepest scratches are primer scratches, as they expose the bare metal or plastic panel it is applied on. These scratches are extremely serious and can even result in rusting if not treated immediately. If your car receives a scratch that exposes the bare metal, you should reach out to a professional detailing service and get it sorted as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

As discussed above, there are three different types of scratches that your paint can get, each corresponding to how deep it reaches the paint. Simply, the deeper the scratch is, the harder it is to remove and the more it will cost you. Some scratches might not be removable at home, and it is always a good idea to get professional scratch-removal services to ensure your paint is not damaged in the process.

We are 3Pedals Detailing provide the best scratch removal services while keeping your paint glossy and fresh, all at an affordable price. Get your car to 3Pedals Detailing, and get the best-in-class services, with the best assistance with optimal-quality equipment, guidance from expert professionals, and affordable pricing, all under one roof!

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