How to Determine Whether a Scratch Has Exposed the Primer or the Bare Metal?
2 Answers
Determining whether a scratch has exposed the primer or the bare metal: Bare metal appears as a shiny silver color, while the primer is not shiny. Generally, black cars have white primer, and white cars have black primer—you can refer to the manual for details. Regardless of whether the primer is exposed, it is recommended to repair any deep scratches. Below is more information about automotive primer: 1. Definition: Automotive primer is the first layer of paint applied directly to the surface of a treated auto part, serving as the foundation of the entire coating. 2. Function: The primer is designed to have strong adhesion to the base material, good compatibility with the intermediate or topcoat layers, and must also provide excellent corrosion resistance, rust prevention, oil resistance, chemical resistance, and water resistance.
Having driven for many years and encountered numerous scratches, the key to determining whether it's just the primer or the metal showing lies in observing the details. First, look at the color of the scratch: if it's similar to the original car paint, just slightly lighter or grayish, it might only be surface or primer damage; if it appears shiny like metal or shows rust, it's likely the metal is exposed. Then, gently run your fingers over it: smooth areas are usually surface issues, while rough or uneven textures indicate deeper damage to the metal. I often check under side lighting on sunny days—exposed metal reflects more light or shows rust spots. Exposed metal rusts easily and needs prompt repair to prevent faster corrosion. I regularly wash and inspect my car to catch small scratches early, avoiding costly major repairs. It's best to find a quiet spot and examine carefully—don't rush to overlook these minor damages.
