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Auto body repair & detailing/Tiny scratches in paint

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Expert: - 4/10/2008


Question
Gary:

A few small pieces of gravel (from a gravel truck traveling in front of us) bounced out and scratched the paint on the hood of our new Honda CRV.  Scratches are small(quarter-inch long), but go down to the metal.  I'm thinking of taking it to a good body shop.  What is the proper repair method for something like this?  Can a small "spot repair" be done?  Surely, they wouldn't have to replace the hood (for something this small), or would they?  I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter.

Thanks,
Lynn

Answer
Hi Lynn,

I would definitely take it to a body shop to have it fixed.  For it to look right and have corrosion protection again each scratch will have to be sanded down and feathered out and a corrosion resistant primer will have to be reapplied. I would also recommend having the whole hood painted. I doubt the damage is enough that the hood would need to be replaced but I would let the body shop help you in making that determination. I hope this helps out.

Gary

Auto body repair & detailing

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Gary

Expertise

I can answer most questions on auto refinishing materials. Especially PPG products. I have knowledge in the latest repair materials and techniques. When it comes to automotive paint I have a solid understanding of how things work.

Experience

I have worked in a PPG paint retail/wholesale business for the last 15 years. I have dealt with many issues regarding paint and repair materials on a daily basis over the years. I don't know that I have all the answers but I would be willing to try.

Education/Credentials
PPG Trained and Certified. Training with 3M products and Meguair's products.

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