Driving a brand new car is awesome! From the iconic interior smell to the quick acceleration and sleek modern body style, new car ownership is essentially a large aspect of the American dream. Some folks find driving a new car to be a huge motivation for going to work each day, while others garage their new vehicle and only drive it on special occasions. Whatever the case may be, most people will agree that owning a brand new car is an achievement we all want to possess.
The Battle Against Scratches
Just like anything else, there’s always a downside to owning a brand new car. And while you typically won’t be concerned with issues under the hood, one thing that might be unavoidable is scratches and dings.
Keeping the new car exterior free of blemishes is a battle we all face. Whether you experience your vehicle transforming into a speed bump for a rolling grocery cart or becoming the victim of another car backing out a little too closely, it’s a virtually inevitable situation that looms in the mind of everyone. However, once that first scratch occurs, there’s often a sigh of relief because your once “perfect” car is now just like all the rest, and there’s simply more peace of mind when “preserving perfectionism” is a thing of the past.
Finding the Right Paint
So when that first scratch appears, be prepared with a little paint touch-up know-how. Perhaps the most critical component of a proper touch-up is simply finding the right paint. Obviously, your car’s dealership is going to be able to get you the exact match, but there are many online resources that can do so as well. In addition, you’ll need some information about your specific vehicle to ensure you have the right color, as there are a huge variety of colors and variations of paint for today’s cars.
Prepping the Scratched Surface
Once you’ve got ahold of the right paint, you need to prep the scratched surface. Just like painting a table or chair in your home, you’ll want to make sure the surface is clean and smooth. Taking the extra time to prep your surface is as important as laying the foundation of a house. No matter how excellent the work is on top, it’s what’s at the bottom that really counts!
Begin by cleaning the surface with a mild soap. You’ll want to remove any dirt or dust as the new paint won’t adhere to the surface if there’s grime and grit in the way. Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the surface, you’ll need to check that it’s completely dry before applying your paint.
Run your hand over the area. If you feel a slight disruption in the levels of the surface of the scratch and the rest of the body, use a piece of sandpaper to smooth everything out. This makes a difference in the finished look of your paint application as it eliminates a raised line around your new coat of paint.
Apply Paint and Wax
Now it’s time to open that jar of matching paint. Using a steady hand, apply a coat of paint to the area. Be sure to cover the entire scratched or chipped section. Allow enough time for the paint to thoroughly dry and evaluate if another coat of paint is necessary.
Once you’ve finished, buff and wax the area. Step back and admire your work and enjoy the feeling of a blemish-free car once again.