What to Do If a Wrapped Car Gets Scratched?
3 Answers
Identify the responsible party. If it's clearly scratched by someone else, you can directly claim compensation. First, deal with the raised burrs from the wrap, then choose a graphic that suits your taste to cover the affected area. If you don't want to use a graphic and prefer the original color, you can purchase the relevant part of the wrap online. Many shops offer installation services. If it's a window film that affects visibility, it's recommended to replace it.
The most annoying thing about driving is when your newly applied film gets scratched. I once had this unfortunate incident when parked in my neighborhood, and it really ticked me off. First, carefully examine the extent of the scratch. If the film isn’t torn and only has shallow surface marks, you can try using a heat gun to blow on it—some films can self-repair when heated. However, if the film is cracked or peeling at the edges, it’s best not to mess with it yourself. Trying to peel it off by hand can spread adhesive everywhere, making cleanup even harder. The easiest solution is to take it back to the shop where you originally had the film applied—they have specialized tools for partial repairs. If the paint underneath the film is also scratched, you’ll need to fix the paint first before reapplying the film. To avoid such hassles in the future, be more cautious when parking and choose spots with more space.
Having worked in the car wrap shop for so many years, I've seen quite a few cases where owners come back for repairs due to scratches. First, take clear photos of the damaged area and its surroundings, then assess the extent of the film's damage. If the edge is slightly lifted, simply flatten it with a squeegee; if the entire film is severely wrinkled, it needs to be cut off and reapplied. Avoid contact with water or rough wiping, as water getting into the adhesive can cause whitening and fogging. Also, evaluate the depth of the paint damage—deep scratches require filling with putty as a base. After repair, avoid direct sunlight for the first three days, as excessive heat can cause shrinkage and affect adhesion. Next time, consider choosing a TPU material film—its scratch resistance is significantly better than traditional PVC film, and minor scratches can self-heal with heat.
