car paint scratch repair explained...
...by a professional in auto paint scratch repair techniques and a detailed description on exactly how we go about auto scratch removal.
auto paint scratch repair
The first step in a car paint scratch repair will be to find the paint code placard on the vehicle and to get an accurate mix made up which you really should have at hand before starting anything else.
you will now have to get the panel to be worked on and the adjacent panels really clean. Before touching the panel with any sandpaper it is imperative to remove all traces of silicon, wax or polish with a proprietary panel preparation solvent.
If, in your rush to get it done quick you miss this step you will have the most dreadful experience when you come to put the lacquer paint on right at the end!!! The lacquer that was supposed to complete the repair to the panel, giving a deep lustrous shine will pickle and run with nasty ridges and enormous fish eyes - a spectacular effect that will be sure to get your neighbors looking at your repair with awe! But not for the reason you hoped.
Actually the reason you see fish eyes in car repairs is just for the reason outlined above - inefficient cleaning on that first stage.
OK, now you will need to feather the scratch out if you really have to start with 80 grit - use a block - not your hand on all the following steps
- but I would suggest a dry Abranet 120. Moving the sandpaper in ALL directions
- then after the scratch is removed go on to 180 moving the sandpaper in ALL directions
- followed by 320
- I then will use a 400 wet and dry paper used wet to ensure all the previous scratches are fully removed
- do not leave any scratches larger than 400 moving the sandpaper in ALL directions
When you do this please do not feel you need to get the whole process done quickly or you will have a big problem. What I mean is do not press or rub extra hard over the original scratch in order to have the satisfaction of seeing the offending mark disappear sooner, you will leave a minute furrow on the panel which you will not notice until the time comes for you to apply the lacquer to the car paint scratch repair.
Remember nothing hides from the lacquer! I can assure you it is truly heartbreaking having to start over a full car paint scratch repair.
Just sand the panel so it gets naturally larger during this feathering process, moving the sandpaper in ALL directions. Yes I Mean That!
Right, dry the panel and ensure it is clean by using a tack cloth - this sticky cloth removes paint and loose dust particles and there will be plenty of those hanging around after all your sanding.
I now rough mask the prepared area ready to apply a primer coat.
apply three coats of primer allowing 3 mins or so between each coat. Now bake the panel with an infrared lamp for 20 mins - if you do not have this bit of kit it will take much longer to cure. (I have not mentioned one pack primers or two pack as I do not know which you decide to apply).
A top tip on a car paint scratch repair is to dust the repair with carborundum dust, this is a great way to reveal any little areas that would have been missed, ensuring the glass like finish you aspire to!
The carborundum dust makes the repair black so when you start using your 1500 wet and dry you can see just you well you are doing. When all the black dust is gone
Move on to 2000 wet and dry moving the sandpaper in ALL directions.
Now use a Scotchbrite pad to "key" the rest of the panel about 2500 grit- you need the key to ensure your paint is adhering to something and won't peel off at 100 mph.
Your ready for the good bit, clean out your paint gun a clean gun is a happy gun and don your mask - actually it's a great idea to use this mask whilst you are sanding.
Apply three wettish coats from about 4 inches (I use an H.V.L.P gun), each one getting larger covering the coat beneath. Do not go too heavy, you really do not want a run this close to the end on this car paint scratch repair. Leave at least 5 mins between coats or you will get runs.
If it your first time doing a car paint scratch repair try a bit of spraying practice on something else such as your kitchen fridge :-)
the drop coat is the last coat, you apply from about 10 to 15 inches - it will look matt, but it should do. Just make sure your repair looks good from all angles, applying a bit more drop coat if you have to.
- If you are using water based paint use a heat gun and allow to cool between coats - if the air is burning the back of your hand, your using too much heat.
- If you are using solvent use the infra red heater.
- Your ready for the Lacquer!
apply two coats evenly and at a medium speed. The trick is to get it wet without running.
Simply bake until hard! And you have just about completed your own car paint scratch repair.
WARNING Do NOT try to remove kamikaze bugs that land as soon as you apply the lacquer - dry the panel and knock em off at the ankles. and your auto scratch removal is virtually done.
Another little gem!
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