How To Fix A Keyed Car: Repairing Key Scratches

in Service and Maintenance
Person keying a car

Source: Flickr

Unfortunately, there are instances where you might return to your car, only to find someone raked their keys down the side. While it might not be severe enough to damage the way your car runs, no one wants to sit behind the wheel of a vehicle with serious scratch marks. Those who’ve found themselves in this situation might wonder how to fix a keyed car.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to repair a keyed car, you’ve come to the right place. The more you know about dealing with a car that has undergone keying, the more confident you can feel. Read on to learn more about repairing a keyed car, if scratches are worth repairing, and other valuable information. 

How To Repair A Keyed Car

Those who want to know how to fix a keyed car are in luck. Although the vehicle will never be the same as before, there are ways to make the scratches look better, no matter how deep. Of course, the deeper the scratch, the more work and materials the repair will require.

Let’s dive into each of the best methods for repairing a car that has been keyed. Whether it only has slight scratches or deep ridges from the encounter, there are two actions you can take to restore your vehicle to a version of its former glory. Though it won’t be perfect, it will be much better than before.

Clear Coat Scratch Repair

A clear coat scratch is only on the top layer of the paint and isn’t too noticeable. It’s the simplest to repair.

According to bigsmobile.com, here’s the process for handling a clear coat scratch repair:

  • Clean the scratched surface: Use car soap and water to clean off the area around the scratch.
  • Add scratch remover: Add scratch remover to a microfiber cloth and buff in a circle until the mark is gone.
  • Use car polish: Utilize polish to restore shine.

The surface should look as good as new.

If someone keyed your car and only took off the primer level, you’re in a great spot. Unfortunately, most situations involve scratches reaching the base coat and beyond.

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Base Coat Scratch Repair

Sometimes, a keyed car’s damage will hit the base coat. This repair will take a little more effort.

Here’s how to handle base coat damage:

  • Clean the scratched surface: Wash every impacted area with car soap and water, drying.
  • Add touch-up paint: Use a toothpick or similar tool to place a touch-up on the scratch.
  • Sand it: Use 2000-grit sandpaper to soften the paint’s edges.
  • Utilize rubbing compound: Add rubbing compound to a microfiber cloth, then pull it in a circular motion over the area.
  • Add car polish: Finally, add car polish to help the repaired surface shine.

It should look back to normal.

Base coat damage is harsh, but it still isn’t the worst that can be done. If you’re having a terrible day, the scratches might reach to the primer coat.

Primer Coat Scratch Repair

The deepest scratch from a key reaches down to the primer, stripping all three layers from the surface of the machine. These are the worst to deal with. After all, to make them look completely normal you must replace three solid layers of primer, base, and clear coat.

Here’s how to deal with a primer coat scratch repair:

  • Clean the scratched surface: Wash every impacted area with car soap and water, drying before proceeding to the second step.
  • Sand it: Use 1000-grit sandpaper to deal with the rough edges.
  • Add touch-up paint: Use a toothpick or similar tool to add touch-up paint right where the key impacted the car.
  • Sand it: Use 2000-grit sandpaper to smooth the paint’s edges.
  • Utilize rubbing compound: Pour the rubbing compound on a microfiber cloth, moving it in a circular motion until the area is buffed.
  • Add car polish: Finally, add car polish to make the replacement shine.

The scratch should look much better at this point in the process.

Primer coat scratches will take patience and persistence. They are much deeper than the others on a keyed car, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fix them.

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Are Scratches Worth Repairing On A Car?

According to colorsonparade.com, it’s worth repairing scratches on your vehicle because they will keep it safe from further damage and will ensure the value remains high. After all, someone is much more likely to buy a car without scratches than they are one with serious damage.

Of course, you don’t have to be the one to make the repairs. Most mechanics will buff out scratches for a few hundred dollars.

How To Prevent Cars From Getting Keyed

One of the best things to understand when determining how to fix a keyed car is how to avoid your car getting keyed in the first place. Though there are instances where it’s impossible to prevent keying from happening, there are a few actions you can take.

According to comparethemarket.com, here are a few ways to stop your car from getting keyed:

  • Park in a garage
  • Park in a well-lit, public area
  • Install a security camera
  • Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles

These should lower the opportunities for vandals.

Some key situations are acts of malice, but some are random. Do everything you can to keep your car safe.

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Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a car might get keyed. From acting out of anger to frustration over a poor parking job, many are prone to take a key to their vehicle rather than taking a second to analyze the situation. Luckily, now that you know how to fix a keyed car, it should be less frightening to see this damage on your machine.

We hope this information comes in handy! The more you know about repairing damage to your car, the easier it will be to remain calm and act if something serious happens to your machine. If you aren’t confident in the DIY process, there is always the option to bring your vehicle to a professional mechanic.

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