Auto Technical Reference Library
Auto Refinishing: General Refinish Procedures
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Scratches should be inspected closely for depth before determining the type of repair that will be required. Light scratches on paint surfaces can often be removed without refinishing. Sanding using a 1500 to 2000 grit sandpaper generally removes the scratch, followed by a buffer and compound to remove the fine scratches. This procedure should be performed carefully to avoid destroying the UV protection within the clearcoat.
A simple test is to run your fingernail along a vehicles finish in the opposite direction of the scratch. If the scratch doesn't snag your fingernail, it can probably be removed without destroying the UV protection.
The following refinish steps are performed on a panel that has a scratch which did not penetrate the factory primer.
Note: Refer to "Refinish Repaired Existing/Recycled Panel" and "Refinish New/Recycled Undamaged Panel" for a full description of steps.
1. Obtain Paint Code
2. Mix Color
3. Solvent Wash
4. Wet or Dry Sand
5. Scuff Pad Panel
6. Dust or Water Removal with Air
7. Mask to Paint and Cover Remainder of Vehicle
8. Final Solvent Wash
9. Tack Wipe
10. Mix and Apply Basecoat
11. Mix and Apply Midcoat
12. Mix and Apply Single-Stage Color
13. Mix and Apply Clearcoat (as required, add flex additive for plastic)
A deep scratch is damage that can be repaired rather quickly by either the body or paint technician. Feather edging is the only step involved in the repair process, using a dual action sander with 220 grit sandpaper.
The following repair and refinish steps are performed on a panel containing a scratch. Areas where the scratch is located may need to be sanded down to bare metal.
Note: Refer to "Refinish Repaired Existing/Recycled Panel" and "Refinish New/Recycled Undamaged Panel" for a full description of steps.
1. Obtain Paint Code
2. Mix Color
3. Solvent Wash
4. Feather Edge
5. Dust Removal with Air
6. Mask to Prime
7. Tack Wipe
8. Mix and Apply Etch Primer
9. Mix and Apply Primer Filler
10. Mix and Apply Epoxy Primer
11. Apply Guide Coat (if needed)
12. Block Sand
13. Wet or Dry Sand
14. Scuff Pad Panel
15. Dust or Water Removal with Air
16. Mask to Paint and Cover Remainder of Vehicle
17. Final Solvent Wash
18. Tack Wipe
19. Mix and Apply Basecoat
20. Mix and Apply Midcoat
21. Mix and Apply Single-Stage Color
22. Mix and Apply Clearcoat (as required, add flex additive for plastic)
View a video on How to Fix a Scratch and Paint with Base/Clear
