Easy Ways To Fix Scrapes: Prepping For Paint

Scrapes and scratches on painted surfaces are common, and can be fixed with a variety of methods, depending on the surface material and the extent of the damage. For example, fixing a car paint scrape involves different tools and processes than repairing a painted wall in a home. The first step in fixing a scrape that is down to the paint is to identify the depth of the damage, and then select the appropriate tools and methods to repair it.

Identify the depth of the scrape

When it comes to fixing a scrape, identifying the depth of the damage is crucial. This is because the depth of the scrape will determine the repair method and the materials required. For instance, superficial scratches on a car's paintwork may only require buffing out, whereas deeper scrapes that expose the metal underneath will likely need repainting.

To identify the depth of a scrape, start by examining the affected area. Run your finger over the scrape to determine if it is a superficial scratch or if the metal is exposed. If the scrape has hit the metal, you will likely see a silver colour. If left untreated, the surface will begin to rust.

If you are dealing with a scrape on a painted wall, you may need to remove the paint around the damaged area to assess the depth of the scrape. This can be done using a wire brush, a flat metal paint scraper, or a heat gun. Be careful not to increase the depth of the gouge as you remove the paint, especially if you are using a sharp tool such as a razor knife.

In some cases, you may need to repair the drywall underneath the paint. This involves sanding the area and applying a top coat. If the drywall is damaged, you may need to use a drywall patch kit to repair it before repainting.

It is important to note that if you are dealing with a large scrape or deep damage, it may be best to seek professional advice.

Prepare the area

Before you start scraping, it's important to prepare the area to ensure a clean and safe working environment. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Clear the area: Remove any furniture, decorations, or objects from the vicinity of the scraped area. This will give you enough space to work and prevent accidental damage to your belongings.
• Protect surrounding surfaces: Cover the floor and any nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Paint scraping can be messy, and this will help catch any falling paint chips and dust.
• Test for lead: If you are working with old paint, it is crucial to test for the presence of lead. Paint sold before 1978 may contain lead, and inhaling or ingesting lead paint chips can pose serious health risks. You can find lead test kits at most hardware stores and home centres.
• Gather the necessary tools: Ensure you have the right tools for the job. Common tools used for paint scraping include a carbide scraper, a 5-in-1 tool, a wire brush, a flat metal paint scraper, a heat gun, and a putty knife. Choose the tools that are most suitable for the surface you are working on.
• Protect yourself: Wear protective gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and a respirator, to safeguard yourself from paint dust and debris.
• Assess the damage: Understand the extent of the damage by determining its depth and size. This will help you decide on the best repair method. If you are working on a car, you may need to decide whether a simple DIY technique will suffice or if more extensive work is required.
• Remove loose paint: Before you begin scraping, use a wire brush to gently dislodge any very loose paint. Sweep the brush lightly across the entire area, then focus on areas of peeling paint. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the underlying surface.

Scrape or sand the paint

When fixing a scrape that goes down to the paint, it's important to first prepare the area. Scrape away loose paint chips or blisters with a carbide scraper or 5-in-1 tool, being careful not to press too hard and damage the surface underneath. If there is dirt or residue on the wall, it is important to clean it with a solution of soap and water or a pressure washer before proceeding.

Once the majority of the loose paint has been removed, you can use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots and feather the edges between the remaining paint and the exposed surface. If you are working with a glossy finish, it is especially important to sand these areas to ensure that the new paint will adhere properly. Be cautious when sanding near nail heads, as they can damage your scraper. Knock them further into the wall with a hammer if necessary.

After scraping and sanding, the next step is to prime any bare spots where the underlying surface is exposed. Choose a high-quality primer and allow it to cure for several days before lightly sanding the area again and applying a top coat of paint. If you are unable to find a matching paint colour, consider using an adhesive product like "Peel Bond" by XIM to bridge the edges between the old and new paint.

If you are dealing with a large area or severely peeling paint, you may want to consider using a heat gun to soften the paint before scraping. This method should be approached with caution, as it can be dangerous if the heat is directed at one spot for too long or if the paint contains lead. Always use proper safety precautions and work in a well-ventilated area when using a heat gun.

Prime the surface

When priming the surface, it is important to remember that the paint must bond to the surface. If the surface is loose and flaky, the new paint will have nothing to cling to. The surface should be clear of loose paint chips and debris to ensure the best adhesion.

If you are painting on bare wood, bare sheetrock, or something unusual like old wallpaper paste, you will need to prime the surface. However, some exterior paints are self-priming, meaning they are thick enough that two coats should be enough.

If you are priming the surface, it is recommended to use a bonding primer that goes on clear and "glues down" the edges of the existing paint to create a smooth, ready-to-repaint surface. You should let the primer dry and then lightly sand the area before applying a top coat. It is important to note that paint can take up to a month to fully cure and reach its target hardness. Therefore, if you are touching up an area, you should consider the age of the paint before deciding whether to prime and repaint.

If you are painting over glossy paint, it is recommended to sand the surface first to ensure the new paint sticks permanently. This can be done by using sandpaper or a power washer to quickly knock off loose paint. After sanding, you can blow off the sanded surfaces with a blower, brush it with a big paintbrush, or wipe it with rubbing alcohol or water.

Apply a top coat

When it comes to fixing a paint scrape, the first step is to understand the extent of the damage. This is crucial in deciding the repair method and choosing the right materials. For instance, superficial scratches that don't penetrate the base coat can often be addressed with simple DIY techniques, while deeper chips that expose the metal underneath may require more advanced solutions.

Once you've assessed the damage, it's important to prepare the area. If there is any loose or peeling paint, scrape it off using a carbide scraper, a wire brush, or a 5-in-1 tool. Be careful not to press too hard, as you may end up gouging into the surface. After scraping, you can also sand the area with sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and create an even surface for the new paint to adhere to.

Now, we can move on to applying a top coat. Choose a paint that matches the colour of the surrounding area as closely as possible. If you're repairing a car, you can use a touch-up paint pen, which contains the exact colour match of your vehicle's paint. For walls, you may need to mix the paint to match the existing colour.

Before applying the top coat, make sure the primer is completely dry. Then, apply the paint thickly, using a brush or roller for walls, or a paint pen for cars. Try to emulate the texture of the surrounding paint—for example, if the wall has a light orange-peel texture, apply the paint thickly and use a crusty paint near the top of the can.

Finally, let the top coat dry completely. This may take up to a month for the paint to fully cure and reach its target hardness. Once it's dry, inspect the area to ensure that the paint has adhered well and that the repair is seamless. If necessary, you can apply a second coat for a more even finish.

Frequently asked questions