Scratch Removal

In addition to their robust engineering, sleek design, and state-of-the-art safety features, Swedish vehicles also boast a pristine appearance with a rich Scandinavian aesthetic. The paint of the vehicle plays a crucial role in displaying these features for brands like Volvo and Saab. However, even the most finely finished paintwork isn’t immune to scratches, which compromise your vehicle’s appearance as well as value.

Scratch Issues of Swedish Vehicles near Austin, Texas

Swedish vehicles feature various paint and coating layers on their body for both protection and aesthetic purposes.

  • After manufacturing and pretreatment procedures, the first layer of coating is added to the vehicle body through a process called electrocoating. In this process, the coating is uniform, precise, and reaches the most difficult places.
  • After the Primer is applied to the surface as the base for the paint coat, it fills minor dips in the surface, aids in the adhesion of the paint, and also protects the body from UV rays.
  • The basecoat or paintcoat is applied after the primer, which will highlight the vehicle’s color, providing it with its aesthetics.
  • Then, the outermost and transparent layer, clearcoat, is applied, which acts as the primary protection against damaging elements such as UV radiation, abrasion, scratches, chemical exposure, and physical damage.

Types of Scratches and Their Causes

  • Clearcoat Scratches: These are scratches on the outermost layer of the paint, known as the clearcoat, which are the most common and least severe type of scratch. These appear as very light, delicate, and hazy circular swirls resembling spiderwebs. These give faint to no feeling to the fingers, often visible only under direct light or sunlight. Improper washing, washing by abrasive brushes, rough rubbing, or fine debris are the causes of this type of scratch. Visit our auto repair shop, Swedish Auto Service, to properly map and treat the clearcoat scratches in Austin.
  • Basecoat Scratches: These are the scratches that have penetrated the basecoat or color layer of the vehicle body and reached the primer layer. These appear as deep, distinct, and noticeable lines, with a white line in the center indicating the exposure of the primer layer. Caused by friction and impact from hard debris, keys, rings, branches, shopping carts, and minor parking lot mishaps. Reintroducing the color with a professional paint kit, applied by our trained technician at our service shop, Swedish Auto Service, in the city of Austin, will rectify your basecoat scratches.
  • Deep Paint Scratches: These are the most severe types of paint damage that puncture all three coats to expose the metal body of the vehicle. Caused by significant impacts, collisions, and sharp objects dragged forcefully across the surface, these scratches require careful and skilled professional expertise to repair. Multi-step repaint methods, utilizing professional tools, are employed at our Austin auto shop to address these types of damage in the Austin area.

Scratch Removal Service around Austin

Three distinct types of scratch repairs are available for the three types of scratches. These are;

  • Clearcoat Scratch Removal: First, using a high-intensity light source, the scratch length and condition are inspected. Then, a thorough wash is done, followed by drying, to remove dirt and debris from the scratch area. Then, using a microfiber cloth, the polishing compound is applied to the scratch area. The polishing process is repeated until the scratch is gone. The repair is completed by applying a layer of high-quality wax or sealant to protect the newly applied clear coat.
  • Basecoat Scratch Removal: The scratch areas are inspected and properly washed to remove debris and dirt. Alcohol washing is done to ensure proper adhesion. Using a thin-tip brush, matching paint is applied, often in multiple layers, though multiple strokes, filling the scratch with utmost precision. After the paint has dried properly, a clear coat is applied for sealing and protection. Then, the coating is polished with fine-grit wet sandpaper, followed by the application of a polishing compound. Extreme caution is taken by the technician during wet sanding, as it could damage the surrounding paint.
  • Deep Paint Scratch Removal: This is the most severe category of scratches that exposes the metal surface of the vehicle body, rupturing the clearcoat, basecoat, and primer. Meticulous reapplying of primer and the subsequent layers is done under this repair. In between applying the layers of paint, curing is performed for proper adhesion. It is the process of exposing the vehicle body to heat for the firm attachment of paint layers. This repair involves specialized factory-grade spray guns to attain manufacturer-level consistency in the pain. Clearcoating and polishing are done after the repaint, restoring original aesthetics.

In addition to working with Swedish and other European auto owners in the Austin area, we also assist drivers and owners in the surrounding areas, including Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Leander.

Your Swedish Automotive Specialists

At Swedish Auto Service, we believe in quality over quantity. That’s why we specialize in servicing all models of:

Our shop features the latest factory-grade tools & equipment available so that we can always handle everything your car needs with accuracy and high quality.

Call or Visit Our Shop Today

Since 1993 the team at Swedish Auto Service has helped drivers all throughout Austin and surrounding areas including:

If you’re noticing issues with your car’s brakes or would like to schedule routine maintenance, please call or visit our shop today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Volvo and Saab generally place their paint code inside the driver’s door jamb or under the hood. If you don’t find it there, check the owner’s manual, where it should be mentioned with other additional details.

You can identify the scratch type on your vehicle by the ‘fingernail test’. Gently run your fingernail through the scratch. If the nail does not catch or sink into the scratch, it is likely a clearcoat scratch. If it does, then it is either a basecoat or a deep paint scratch.

Car wax fills in the minor scratches on the clear coat of the vehicle’s body. It also acts as an extra layer of protection against scratching factors.

It depends on the type of washing method used in the automatic car wash. Touchless car washes are generally safe; however, brush-based washing can cause minor clearcoat scratches, which are extra visible on dark paints.

No. Wax or sealant only fills the clearcoat scratches. Deeper scratches require a proper paint job to rectify.

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