Try These Useful Tips and Tricks for Your Next DIY Car Paint Repair

Did you know $3,500 is the average cost for a complete scratch repair on your car? A deep paint scratch can cause the metal to be exposed, and you need to get it fixed to prevent further damage to your vehicle.

The $3,500 is an expensive, unexpected cost for what may feel like a small scratch on your car, and you may turn to DIY paint chip repair. Keep reading, and we will guide you through these DIY car paint repair tips and tricks.

Define the Scratch

There are three main types of scratches that you will need to look out for, and they will help you assess how much damage is done. The first type is a clear coat scratch, this is the top protective layer on your car’s paint, and it gets hits the most with weather wear and tear, but you will want to fix it so the sensitive paint doesn’t get damaged.

The second is a primer scratch, another protective layer of your car’s paint that keeps it looking fresh. This type of scratch can ruin the aesthetic of your car because it’s typically noticeable and takes away the shine.

Lastly, paint scratches caused by rocks, keys, or car accidents, are the most severe. You will want to make sure this gets fixed because it can cause damage to the car’s body.

Get the Right Equipment

First, when it comes to DIY scratch repair, you want to make sure you have the right equipment to get the job done correctly. Cars get scratched all the time, so it will be helpful to have this equipment moving forward.

The most important materials you will need are:

  • Power sander
  • Sanding pads
  • Paint sprayer
  • 1200- and 2000-grit sandpaper
  • Cleaning solvent
  • Newspaper
  • Masking Tape
  • Enamel, acrylic enamel, or polyurethane paint
  • Paint thinner
  • Face mask
  • Safety goggles
  • Primer
  • A clear coat lacquer
  • A towel

Before diving in and trying to figure out how to use each of the materials, you should watch a car body paint repair YouTube video to get a sense of what each piece does.

Know Your Steps

You will need to start your preparation by picking the right spot that has plenty of room to work, is well ventilated, and is well-lit. Then you will want to remove the rust, dents, and trim before diving in.

You will go through the motions of sanding, priming, painting, and buffing to get your car looking fresh. If you have any questions during the process, you can reach out to professionals at Eastern Carolina Nissan car dealers.

Start Your DIY Car Paint Repair

Now that you know some of the top tips for DIY car paint repair, you’re ready to fix any scratch on your car.

You want to make sure you understand what type of scratch it is so you know what damage is done, get the right equipment, and know the steps you need to take in the correct order to get everything fixed.

Find similar car repair tips and content on our blog today.

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