Advice on paint defects

Scratches from car wash brushes

DEFINITION

Thread-like scratches which are often in parallel lines and are particularly visible on darker colours. The surface has a reduced gloss level and appears grey in shade.

100 x magnification Panel at face view

Causes

  1. Hand wash brush or car wash brushes which are too coarse and/or dirty.
  2. Insufficient pre-wash with insufficient water.
  3. Exposing newly repaired paintwork to a car wash too early. A newly applied coating is less scratch resistant when the paint is not dried for long enough or when too thick a coat is applied or the wrong amount of hardener is used.

How to avoid

  1. Use suitable and clean brushes.
  2. Thoroughly wet the car before brushing with plenty of water.
  3. Avoid washing the car too quick after it received a new finish (see chapter on "Aftercare of vehicle paintwork"). Keep to recommended film thicknesses, drying times and amount of hardener.

Repair

Polish with Glasurit 562-1602 Fine Polishing Paste and finish with a commercially available high gloss polish. Damage caused by car wash brushes cannot easily be prevented. Some cars are supplied with a scratch resistant OEM clearcoat. We recommend repairing these coatings with Glasurit 923-447 HS VOC Clear, scratch-resistant. Glasurit 923-447 VOC is also suitable for other car models.