A simple fix for every scratch
Damages to your vehicle come in all shapes and sizes. The good news is that the vast majority of damages can be easily repaired. The simplest and most common damages are small and shallow scratches. This is the case when only the surface has been scratched and the scratch did not get through the paint or, in the case of a multi-layered paint system like metallic paint, through the first layer. These can be remediated by simply polishing them, something that every repair shop and many dealerships will be able to do on the spot.
For more serious scratches, for example when the bare metal is exposed, a simple spot repair procedure can be used. In this procedure, the surface is first sanded to ensure a proper adhesion of the paint. Then, a primer and new paint are applied and the surface is polished to ensure a smooth surface that blends in nicely with the original paint. It is highly recommended to have this repair done by a professional repair shop. Fortunately, it will not be hard to find one as this is one of the most common repair procedures in the world. This is because almost all cars around the world have an exterior made of metal and are repaired using the exact same procedure. Most of the times, a professional repair shop can repair your damage in a matter of hours.
Depending on the size and location of the scratch and the colour of the vehicle, it might be required to repaint and polish a larger surface in order to be 100% sure that no visible differences in colour or gloss remain between the repaired surface and the original surface. For example, vehicles with a matte colour (meaning a low gloss level) are more prone to showing differences in gloss between the original surface and the spot that was repaired. In such cases, the issue can typically be resolved by repainting up to a natural dividing line, or ‘visual barrier,’ that conceals transitions in the finishing. Many recreational vehicles for example have decorative stripes or stickers on their exterior walls that can be used for this purpose.
Bent, but not broken
When your vehicle faces a direct impact, the aluminium may get dented. While a dent may look like severe damage, it is in fact very easy to repair. The type of repair chosen depends on the construction of the vehicle. The simplest case is when the aluminium is fixed to a frame, and the insulation material is not glued to the aluminium. In this case, we can once again borrow repair practices from the automotive sector and repair most dents by simply using a vacuum pump to force the metal back into its original shape.
Most modern vehicles, however, have laminated sidewalls. This means that the insulation material is glued directly to the aluminium and then laminated under high pressure. As a result, the aluminium cannot move and the vacuum method cannot be used. In these cases, the dent can be repaired in a matter of hours by filling it up with a special paste. These pastes are formulated in such a way that they are suitable for use on aluminium (for example, they have the same reaction to temperature changes as aluminium). After this filler has hardened, the repaired spot will be spray painted to match the colour and gloss of the original surface.
In general, only the largest damages (for example a direct collision with a fast moving vehicle) are not repairable using spot repair procedures. When this happens, the entire walls can become deformed, which leads to structural issues that need to be resolved. In this scenario, Euramax is on your side as well: we offer replacement parts (painted aluminium sheets) to the dealers we partner with. With these parts, even the most significant damages can be repaired.
On your side: how we can help you with your repair needs
As the leading supplier of coated aluminium to the mobility industry, we care about the experience of our users. This is why we support our customers and partners in executing their repairs. Download our Spot Repair Guide, which contains all the information and a step-by-step plan for repair professionals. Should you have any questions then don’t hesitate to contact us. There’s always someone on your side!