Scratches, chips, scuffs, or faded paint can negatively affect your car’s appearance. Your car’s paint needs regular maintenance to keep its original shine and look. When left neglected, paint damage allows moisture and road salts to seep into the metal, causing rust and corrosion, which can lead to expensive repair work later.
This is why it is important to learn about the different types of damage and how to fix them. In this guide, we will discuss different types of car paint damage and the best repair methods for each type. Let’s get started!
Swirl Marks
Swirl marks are faint circular lines on your car’s paint. They can be hard to notice at times since they don’t go deep into the paint. They are usually caused by stiff brushes used during car wash, dry dusting, and scrubbing with sponges that have trapped dirt.
How to fix?
- Swirl marks are removed using a dual action (DA) polisher, which is an easy-to-use tool specially made to remove swirl marks.
- DA is used with polishing compound to gently level the surface of the clear coat and remove any surface imperfections.
- After polishing, the next step is to apply a protective layer of wax and sealant on the paint. The wax will add gloss, while a synthetic sealant will offer superior protection against future scratches, water spots, and contaminants.
Paint Chips
Paint chips occur from small debris such as stones and gravel or even dirt hitting your car while speeding. The damage is often confined to the bumper, bonnet, or sills, where the glossy finish starts to peel off.
How to fix?
- Start by washing the affected area with a mild car wash soap and a microfibre towel, then wait for it to dry.
- If the chips are exposing metal, apply a thin layer of primer to the exposed area.
- Apply a small amount of paint in layers until it’s level with the surrounding paint. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
- Once the paint is dry, apply a thin layer of clear coat to protect and seal the repaired area.
- Polish the area with a fine compound and buff for a smooth, shiny finish.
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Scratches
Scratches are the most common type of car paint damage. Some scratches are less visible, while some are deep and easy to notice. Here are different types of scratches that can affect your car’s paint:
Light Clear Coat Scratches
These are the fine white or hazy lines that appear usually when light hits your car’s paint. You can use the following methods to check if a scratch is only in clear coat or has penetrated the paint:
Fingernail Test: Gently rub your fingernail on the scratched area. If your nail gets stuck in it, then the scratch is in the paint. Otherwise, it’s a clear coat scratch.
Water Test: Another way is to throw a little water on the scratch. If the scratch disappears temporarily, then it’s a clear coat scratch. Otherwise, it has damaged the paint.
How to fix?
These scratches can be removed with car polishing and detailing services. The process usually involves washing the affected area, decontaminating the surface, compounding, polishing and then waxing the car paint.
You can discover more details about the process in our Guide for Car Body Repair: Tips to Fix Paint Chips & Scratches.
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Deep Scratches
These scratches cut through the paint coat and can be felt with your fingernail. Some deep scratches can even expose primer or metal. If left untreated, they can lead to rust and corrosion, which can damage the painted area as well.
How to fix?
- Some scratches are deep enough to require a filler. In such cases, sanding is usually necessary to level the surface with its surroundings.
- Apply primer and let it dry.
- Apply touch-up paint that matches your car’s colour.
- Once the paint is level with the surrounding area, apply a thin layer of clear coat over the paint to protect it and improve its shine.
- Use lightly wet sandpaper with fine grit to level the surface and remove any imperfections.
- Finish by applying car polish to restore the shine of the repaired area.
Oxidation and Fading
Oxidation happens when the clear coat on your car is worn out, causing the paint to lose its oils, become dry, or start to feel rough or powdery when you touch it. Oxidation is a gradual process that happens due to dust build-up on the clear coat or prolonged exposure to UV rays.
How to fix oxidation?
- Wash your vehicle thoroughly with a specialised car washing soap and a soft cloth.
- Gently rub a clay bar across the surface to remove any stubborn contaminants still embedded in the paint.
- Use a polishing compound and work on small sections to remove oxidation.
- Apply a protective layer of wax or paint sealant for long-term protection against oxidation.
Paint fading happens when the clear coat is worn out, causing the paint to look dull and lose its shine. It usually happens when the paint is neglected or exposed to sunlight for a long time.
How to fix fading?
Mild fading can be fixed with compounding, polishing, and waxing. However, in severe cases, a complete respray is required. Here are the steps involved in the respray process:
- Wash the surface thoroughly and fill any dents or deep scratches with a body filler.
- Sand the surface to smooth it.
- Apply a thin layer of primer to the area that needs repainting.
- Sand the primer lightly and repaint the surface with a matching colour.
- Once the paint has dried, apply a clear coat to protect the fresh paint.
- Finally, polish and wax the surface for a smooth, shiny finish.
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When to See a Professional?
While minor paint damage is repairable at home with a few tools, deeper and more widespread damage is best handled by professionals. Here’s when to call a professional:
- Deep scratches exposing the metal
- Large paint chips or peeling of clear coat
- Oxidation that cannot be polished out
- Rust spreading underneath the paint
A body shop or mobile paint repair specialist can deliver a smooth finish with long-lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although paint damage can vary in severity, most cases are fixable. However, the cost of repairs may vary depending on the extent of the damage.
Yes, PDR is normally the cheapest way to remove dents. However, it’s only effective for light, surface level damage. Deep dents and scratches usually require traditional repairs which can be expensive.
Paint repair is a meticulous process requiring a high level of skill. It’s best performed by experienced technicians. If you lack the skill and experience, you should avoid doing it at home.
Choose AVX For Car Paint Damage Repair
We specialise in fixing scratches, chips, swirl marks, oxidation, and fading. We don’t believe in shortcuts or quick fixes. We use high-quality materials, special tools for each job, and proven techniques to deliver the best results. So, if your car’s paint is starting to wear out due to daily driving or weather elements, choose AVX to restore its original condition.
