Scratches on a metallic colored car occur when the paint of the car interacts negatively with a foreign object. These foreign objects can be anything from bugs to the keys of an angry rival. The scratch can penetrate a number of different layers of paint, an average of three, depending on the vehicle. There are certain steps you can take to repair the damage to the surface of your metallic car.
Determine the severity of the damage to your car. Smaller scratches can be an inexpensive fix, while larger damage will need to be dealt with in a different manner. Probe the scratch with your fingernail. Determine the amount of layers the scratch has penetrated, by looking at the different shades and consistencies of paint visible within the scratch. If you can see or feel three different consistencies of paint, then your scratch is three layers deep.
Apply automotive glaze to the damaged area. This glaze can be found in the automotive section of most stores and is relatively easy to apply. Read the packaging of the glaze for application instructions, as every product is different. Expect to use techniques that sand, smooth and clean the area of the scratch. The glaze works by employing fine friction ingredients and oils to erase small scratches.This method is only recommended for a scratch penetrating the first two layers of paint.
Use acetone to conceal the scratch, if the glaze does not work. Apply the acetone, using a soft rag, and rub the area. This will not remove the scratch, but may make it less noticeable.
Try employing matching color shoe polish at the site of the scratch, and sand the area with fine sandpaper. Sandpaper with a 2000 to 3000-grit rating will be gentle enough to smooth the area, without damaging the rest of the paint.
Repaint your metallic vehicle. If the scratch is too severe, and you can not repair the damage yourself, take your car to a licensed auto body paint shop. Visit several paint shops to get the best deal.
