What are the methods for dealing with scratches on car color change film?
4 Answers
Methods for dealing with scratches on car color change film include: 1. Use scratch repair wax, polish the scratched area with a wax sponge, then apply gloss restoration wax or polishing wax; 2. Apply toothpaste evenly on a cloth and rub the scratched area; 3. Use water sandpaper dipped in water to remove rust spots, then apply touch-up paint for coloring. Color change film can protect the car paint from oxidation. The functions of car paint are: 1. Protect the car from erosion by various corrosive agents in the atmosphere; 2. Decorate the car; 3. Identify the type of car; 4. Improve the comfort and sealing of the car, preventing noise caused by vibration.
When I last applied a color-changing film to my own car, I made sure to consult a professional. There's quite a bit of know-how when it comes to dealing with scratches. For minor surface scratches, there's no need to panic—most high-quality color-changing films nowadays come with self-healing properties. Just aim a heat gun at the scratch for a few minutes, keeping the temperature around 60 degrees Celsius (not too high), and the scratch will disappear on its own. I've personally tried this method, and it works like a charm. For deeper scratches, you can buy a specialized scratch repair paste, apply a thin layer, and gently buff it in circular motions with a microfiber cloth, making sure to use even pressure without being too forceful. If the scratch has already damaged the base material, then you'll need to consider a partial reapplication—find a reputable shop to cut out the damaged section and replace it with a new film. Oh, and don't slack on regular maintenance—avoid using hard brushes when washing your car and try to park away from areas with lots of tree branches. Paying attention to these small details can save you a lot of headaches.
Both of our family cars have color-changing films applied, and dealing with scratches isn’t as troublesome as one might think. When you notice a scratch, first assess its depth. If it’s so shallow that your fingernail can’t catch it, simply use a hairdryer to heat the area or leave it in the sun—the heat will reactivate the coating, allowing the scratch to self-heal. For slightly more noticeable scratches, just prepare some simple tools: anhydrous alcohol from the pharmacy and scratch repair paste. First, clean the scratched surface with alcohol, then apply a pea-sized amount of repair paste and buff it in circular motions. Finally, polish with a microfiber cloth. That’s how I fixed a 3-centimeter scratch on my car. The key is to address it promptly—don’t wait until dirt gets embedded, making it harder to fix. If you really can’t handle it yourself, don’t force it; professional shops can solve it for just a few dozen bucks.
Scratch treatment for color change film involves three steps. First, assess the severity: lightly scratch the mark with your fingernail—if you don't feel a groove, it's a surface-level scratch affecting only the clear coat; if you detect a groove, it's a deep scratch reaching the color layer. For surface scratches, simply use the thermal repair kit from my car—spray the activator and evenly sweep with a heat gun for 30 seconds, cooling to restore like new. Deep scratches require scratch wax treatment, but I only recommend wax specifically designed for color change film, as regular car wax can dissolve the adhesive layer. Remember four key points during operation: temperature should not exceed 80°C, sanding must be unidirectional, apply feather-light pressure, and always spray a gloss enhancer afterward for protection. If the scratch penetrates the base material forming a crack, honestly, the only solution is to cut and patch the affected section.
