Your car’s paintwork not only looks great, but it’s also functional, protecting the bodywork against rust and corrosion. That’s why getting road rash can be so frustrating. If you want to know how to protect car paint against scratches, we’ve got the lowdown.
What is the best protection for car paint?
Drivers often make a common mistake when it comes to protecting their car’s paintwork. So, when we’re asked what the cheapest way to protect car paint is, we have one pro tip — and that’s proper maintenance.
Washing your car weekly and finishing with a wax coat is the quickest and easiest way to protect against scrapes and dings. Don’t head for the car wash, though — handwashing is the gentlest way to look after your paintwork.
If you still have a visible scratch after all your hard work, a car touch up repair paint will prevent the damage from getting worse. Our paint pens and pots with brushes are handy solutions when you need to address minor damage. For road rash and larger scrapes, why try our colour-matched aerosols or tins for spray painting for flawless results?
Why does my car paint scratch so easily?
If you’ve noticed that your car paint scratches more easily than it did in the past, you’re right — modern water-based paints don’t form the same kind of hard shell as solvent-based paints.
That doesn’t mean water-based paints don’t offer excellent protection; however, you need to be prepared to take action to maintain your paintwork in pristine condition.
How do you make car paint scratch-resistant?
Scratches don’t just affect your car’s appearance. Bodywork damage can lead to rust and corrosion, which can significantly impact your vehicle’s resale value. So, what’s the best way to protect car paint from chips and scratches?
- Apply a ceramic sealant: These chemical polymers are applied over the top coat and act like a wax upgrade. The hydrophobic layer repels bird muck, dirt, and grime like wax but offers more durable protection.
- Professional spray-on protection: Professional paint protectors provide several years of fuss-free protection without any extra work on your part. They can be expensive, but if your dealership offers it for free, it’s worth considering.
- Protective car film: Car wraps are a pricey solution, but they offer the best defence against road rash and other scratches and scrapes. It’s not permanent, as damage eventually builds up on the film itself, but it’s a fantastic solution for a cherished motor.
Is it possible to keep a car scratch-free?
If we’re being honest, it’s just not possible to keep your car entirely scratch-free. That’s why we make our car paint repair products user-friendly, ensuring exceptional results with whichever repair method you choose.
Our advanced formulations and precise colour-matching technology will make any scratch or chip disappear. And it couldn’t be easier to find the perfect shade — simply add your registration number to our handy car colour code finder, and we’ll find your paint code.
Having said that, here’s what to do to protect your car’s paint from everyday damage:
- Use a garage: Keeping your wheels under cover is a great way to avoid paintwork damage from bird droppings, acid rain, UV, and malicious vandals. If a garage isn’t an option, a good car cover can offer similar protection.
- Watch where you park: Parking away from trees will minimise damage caused by twigs, tree sap, and animal droppings.
- Avoid car washes: Those harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes can cause myriad minor scratches and swirl marks.
- Keep an eye out: Regularly inspect your paintwork for any damage. You may not be able to stop scratches, but you can catch them early and make a timely repair.
Get your perfect match with Auto Aerosol
It might not be possible to keep your car entirely scratch-free, but for road rash, scrapes and chips, reach for car repair paint from Auto Aerosol.
Our premium formulations and precise colour-matching technology offer professional-standard results. Use our paint code finder and order your perfect match today.
