What to do if the car paint is scratched and the metal is exposed?
2 Answers
After the car paint is scratched and the metal is exposed, the only solution is to perform bodywork and repainting. First, sand the exposed metal and the areas connected to the vehicle body. Then, use putty to level the surface. Once the putty is dry, sand it repeatedly until smooth. After that, apply primer. Once the primer is dry, spray the car paint to complete the repair. Reasons for repairing exposed metal on the vehicle: If the exposed metal is not repaired, prolonged use will cause the exposed areas to rust, leading to paint peeling. This significantly affects the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle. If you do not want to repaint the vehicle, you can use stickers to cover the damaged areas, preventing them from coming into contact with the air. Precautions after vehicle repainting: After repainting the vehicle, you must wait until the paint is completely dry before driving. Additionally, you should avoid washing the vehicle for three to five days and try to prevent exposure to rain. Although there may be some color difference immediately after repainting, it will gradually disappear with use over time. Methods to prevent car paint from peeling: Try to park in a spot near the edge, as parking in the middle increases the likelihood of scratches from vehicles entering or exiting on either side. When reversing, there’s no need to back up too far—just leave enough space in front for other vehicles to pass.
After the car's paint was scraped off exposing the metal, I took some steps before driving it to the repair shop to prevent the metal from rusting and worsening the damage. I wiped the scratched area clean with a wet cloth to ensure no dust or sand particles were stuck; then sprayed some degreaser and wiped away any water marks; followed by applying a layer of rust-proof primer, which was very convenient with an online-purchased touch-up pen; and finally covered it with matching topcoat paint. If not addressed promptly, rainwater can corrode the metal, causing yellow stains within months, which would then require more expensive repairs. I recommend beginners start with simple treatments, like buying a rust-proof spray for just over ten bucks—it saves time and protects the car body. Regularly check for new scratches and avoid parking near tree branches or walls to reduce friction, but it's best to have a professional mechanic perform a thorough repair.
