Every type of car damage, explained.

Paint transfer & deposits

What is paint transfer on a car? Paint transfer is another vehicle's paint scraped onto your clear coat. Learn what it looks like, what causes it, and what repair it needs. What is rubber transfer on car paint? Rubber transfer is black or grey rubber left on your paint by a tyre, trolley or bumper strip. Learn how to identify and remove it.

Scratches

What is a light scratch on car paint? A light scratch sits in the clear coat or just into the colour. Learn how to tell the difference and what repair each one needs. What is a deep scratch on car paint? A scratch your fingernail catches usually improves with polishing, and only comes out fully if it is still shallow. Learn what to expect and when it needs paint. What is a scratch into the colour coat? A scratch showing your car's own colour, duller than the surrounding paint, has broken through the clear coat. Learn what repair it needs. What is a colour coat scratch across a panel? A scratch into the colour coat that runs the length of a panel needs refinishing. Learn what that involves and what to ask for. What is a colour coat scratch across multiple panels? A scratch into the colour coat that crosses panel edges is priced per panel. Learn why this is where insurance becomes a question. What is a scratch down to the primer? A scratch showing grey, white or black beneath your car's colour has gone through to the primer layer. Learn what repair it needs. What is a primer-depth scratch across a panel? A scratch through to primer that runs across a panel needs full refinishing. Learn what to expect and what to ask. What is a primer-depth scratch across multiple panels? A primer-depth scratch crossing panel edges means multi-panel refinishing. Learn why this is where insurance becomes a question. What is a scratch down to bare metal? Bright shiny metal in a scratch means every paint layer is gone. Learn why timing matters and what repair it needs. What is a bare metal scratch across a panel? A bare metal scratch across a panel has a rust clock running. Learn what repair it needs and how to protect it meanwhile. What is a bare metal scratch across multiple panels? A bare metal scratch crossing panels means multi-panel refinishing. Learn why this is where insurance changes the decision. What is keying damage on a car? Deliberate scratching across multiple panels is priced by panel count, not length. Learn what to do and how insurance treats it. What are swirl marks on car paint? Swirl marks are fine circular scratches in the clear coat caused by washing. Learn what causes them and how to remove them. What are door handle scratches? Fine curved scratches in the door handle recess come from fingernails. Learn how to fix them and stop them coming back. What are door edge chips? Chips along the folded edge of a car door come from opening into walls and kerbs. Learn what repair they need.

Two-layer damage

What is two-layer paint damage? A deposit on top and a scratch cut in underneath means two repairs in order. Learn what that looks like and how it is priced. What is two-layer paint damage across a panel? A mark with both a surface deposit and a cut underneath needs two separate repairs. Learn the right order and what to ask. What is two-layer paint damage across multiple panels? Two-layer damage crossing panels means the deposit comes off first, then the scratch underneath is priced per panel.

Dents & panel damage

What is paintless dent removal? A smooth round dent with unbroken paint can be pushed back out from behind with nothing repainted. Learn how PDR works. What is a dent near an edge or body line? A dent near an edge is harder to reach from behind. Learn whether it can still be repaired paintlessly. What is a crease dent on a car? A sharp crease is different from a round dent because folding stretches the metal. Learn what repair it needs. What is a dent with broken paint? A dent with cracked or flaking paint needs conventional repair and refinishing. Learn what that involves. How to tell if a dent broke the paint Whether the paint is broken over a dent is the difference between the cheapest fix and one of the dearest. Learn how to check. What is a bumper dent? Most bumpers are plastic, and plastic behaves differently from metal. Learn how a bumper dent is repaired differently. What is a cracked bumper? A cracked plastic bumper needs welding from behind, then refinishing. Learn when repair vs replacement makes sense. What is a torn metal panel on a car? A metal panel that has cracked or split has lost its integrity. Learn why the metal is cut out or replaced rather than filled. What is panel gap misalignment on a car? An uneven gap next to an undamaged panel means the impact moved what holds it. Learn why this is checked before cosmetic work. What is a gouge in car paint? A gouge has carved material out of the panel itself, not just the paint. Learn why paint alone cannot fix it.

Stone chips

What are stone chips on car paint? Small craters on the front of a car are gravel damage. Learn about touch-in vs spot repair and what to prioritise. What is heavy stone chipping on a car? Once the leading edge is peppered with chips, the panel needs refinishing rather than per-chip touch-in. Learn the crossover point. What is micro pitting on car paint? Hundreds of pinpoint impacts that make the front feel like sandpaper are too many chips to treat individually. Learn the fix.

Hail damage

What is minor hail damage on a car? Small round dents with unbroken paint on one or two panels can be fixed with paintless dent removal. Learn what to expect. What is major hail damage on a car? Widespread hail across every horizontal panel is where repair cost meets car value. Learn about the write-off threshold. What is hail damage with broken paint? Hail dents with cracked paint cannot be repaired paintlessly. Learn what changes about the repair and the cost. How to tell if hail broke the paint on your car Whether the paint held over hail dents is the single fact that decides the repair cost. Learn how to check. What is widespread hail damage with broken paint? Cracked paint on widespread hail dents changes the repair from paintless to conventional. Learn how this affects a write-off. How to assess widespread hail damage on a car Whether the paint held on widespread hail dents decides the bill. Learn why an assessment settles it before you decide.

Rust & corrosion

What is surface rust on a car? Light brown staining with the paint still smooth is rust at its earliest and cheapest stage. Learn why acting now saves money. What is rust under car paint? Blistered or bubbled paint means rust is growing underneath, usually wider than it looks. Learn what repair it needs. What is rust through on a car? A hole or soft jagged metal means corrosion has eaten all the way through the panel. Learn how the repair cost compares with what the car is worth. What is hem rust on a car door? Rust along the bottom edge of a door comes from inside the folded seam. Learn why this starts inside and works outward. What is filiform corrosion on a car? Fine worm-like tracks creeping under the paint on aluminium panels are filiform corrosion. Learn why this is not rust. What is crevice corrosion on a car? Corrosion emerging from a seam or sill has been going for years before it became visible. Learn what repair it needs. What is galvanic corrosion on a car? Corrosion at a bolt or bracket where two different metals touch is galvanic. Learn why isolating the metals is part of the fix.

Chemical damage

What to do if a chemical is eating your car paint right now If something corrosive is still wet on your panel, flush it with water immediately. Every minute changes the repair bill. What is a chemical strip on car paint? Brake fluid and solvents soften car paint while they are wet. Learn when a polish fixes it and when the panel needs painting. What is acid damage on car paint? Battery acid attacks paint, and if it reaches bare metal it starts rust. Learn when it polishes out and when it needs painting. What does bleach do to car paint? Bleach and strong cleaners attack the clear coat, leaving a dull flat patch. Learn how to tell if it is a polish or a respray. What does chemical damage look like on car paint? If something corrosive landed on your car and you do not know what it was, the shape of the mark tells you the rest. What does insect repellent do to car paint? DEET in insect repellent can damage painted surfaces. Learn why you should wash it off now and what the damage looks like after. What does egg do to car paint? Egg damages paint mainly through what is inside it, etching the clear coat as it dries. Learn why washing it off quickly decides the size of the repair. What does fuel do to car paint? Petrol is a solvent that softens clear coat. Learn what a fuel spill looks like on paint and what repair it needs.

Etching

What is bird dropping etching on car paint? Bird waste is acidic and eats into clear coat when left on hot paint. Learn how to identify etching and how it is repaired. What are water spots on car paint? White chalky circles left when water dries on paint are mineral deposits that can etch the clear coat. Learn how to remove them. What is insect etching on car paint? Squashed insects can etch clear coat if they bake in the sun. Learn how fast to remove them and how etching is repaired. What does concrete do to car paint? Concrete and render splashes are alkaline and burn into clear coat as they cure. Learn how to remove them before they etch.

Contamination & deposits

What is iron fallout on a car? Tiny orange specks on your car are iron particles rusting on the surface. Learn why it is usually a wash, not a paint repair. What is tree sap and tar on car paint? Sap and tar sit on top of the clear coat rather than in it. Learn how to remove them safely without scratching. What is overspray on a car? A gritty film across the paint and glass is somebody else's paint that drifted onto your car. Learn how a detailer removes it. What is bore water staining on a car? Orange or brown streaks from a sprinkler are iron deposits from groundwater. Learn why this is not rust and how to remove it. What is a bonded organic mark on car paint? Sunscreen, lotion and tyre dressing bond to clear coat and survive washing. Learn how to remove them without damage. What does pollen do to car paint? Pollen is acidic and etches clear coat when wetted by dew. Learn why you should never wipe it off dry. How to remove adhesive residue from car paint Badge and decal adhesive survives years of weather. Learn how to remove it safely without damaging the clear coat underneath. What causes stains on car paint? A mark you can see but cannot feel is a stain in the clear coat. Learn what causes it and how to remove it. What is badge ghosting on car paint? A shadow where a badge was is the original colour, surrounded by paint that has faded. Learn how polishing can fix it.

Oxidation & clear coat

What is paint oxidation on a car? Dull chalky paint that has lost its gloss is oxidised clear coat. Learn how a cut and polish restores it. What is clear coat failure? Patches with hard edges lifting off the colour coat are clear coat delamination. Learn why it spreads and what repair it needs. What is colour fade on car paint? Colour that has gone wrong rather than just dull is UV breaking down the pigment. Learn why reds and blacks go first. What is clear coat yellowing? White cars turning cream or amber is UV breaking down the clear coat. Learn how to test whether polishing will fix it.

Paint defects & failure

What is crazing on car paint? A dense network of fine cracks across the clear coat is crazing. Learn what causes it and why it cannot be polished out. What is cracking on car paint? Wider cracks in a definite pattern are a whole paint film failure. Learn why this often points to a previous repair. What is blistering on car paint? Bubbles under the paint mean something is trapped and pushing it off. Learn what causes blistering and how it is repaired. Why is the paint peeling off my bumper? Bumpers peeling while metal panels stay perfect is an adhesion promoter failure. Learn why only the plastic is affected. What is blistering on a fibreglass or composite panel? Blisters on composite panels come from inside the panel rather than under the paint. Learn how this changes the repair. What is paint edge lifting? Paint coming away from an existing chip or sharp edge has been driven off by water or a pressure washer. Learn the repair.

Single stage paint

What is single stage paint oxidation? Chalky dull paint on an older car with no clear coat is single stage oxidation. Learn how polishing restores it. What is a scratch on single stage paint? Single stage paint has no clear coat, so every scratch goes straight into the colour. Learn what that changes about the repair. What is etching on single stage paint? Without a clear coat, chemical damage goes directly into the colour layer. Learn how to assess and repair it. What is single stage paint failure? Single stage paint peeling or flaking is the colour itself leaving the panel. Learn what causes it and what repair it needs.

Repair & respray defects

What is dry spray on car paint? Rough, dull, gritty paint that never flowed out is dry spray. Learn why this is an application fault and what to say to the shop. What is orange peel on car paint? A texture like orange skin is paint that set before it flowed out level. Learn when it can be polished and when it needs repainting. What is texture mismatch on car paint? Two panels that are the same colour but scatter light differently have a texture mismatch. Learn how to spot and fix it. What are panel faults under new paint? Ripples and dents showing through new paint mean the preparation underneath was not blocked flat. Learn what repair looks like. What is mottling on metallic car paint? Blotchy metallic paint where flakes clumped and settled at different angles is an application fault. Learn the trade term and the fix. What are tiger stripes on metallic car paint? Regular stripes across a metallic panel are the spray gun's passes made visible. Learn why polishing cannot fix this. What is insufficient paint coverage? Colour that looks thin or lets primer show through means not enough coats went on. Learn about consumer rights and the fix. What is salt and pepper on car paint? Black specks through a light metallic are caused by waterborne basecoat laid too wet. Learn the trade name and the fix. What is a silver halo around a paint repair? A ring of lighter metallic around a repair is a blend fault, not a colour mismatch. Learn why the distinction matters. What is paint bleeding through a respray? Colour rising through a fresh finish is a soluble pigment underneath being dissolved. Learn how an isolator coat stops it coming back. Why has my respray changed colour? A repair that has changed colour is usually the body filler or the paint used. Learn the two causes and who should pay. What is paint dieback? A finish that looked glossy and went dull over weeks is dieback. Learn what causes it and how it is fixed. What is paint blooming? A milky haze under the surface is moisture trapped in the clear coat. Learn how polishing often clears it. What is dirt in the clear coat? Specks of dirt caught in the clear coat while it was wet are usually sanded off flush and polished. Learn the trade standard and what to expect. What is dirt in the colour coat? Specks you can see but cannot feel went down before the clear did. Learn why this cannot be polished out. What is fisheye on car paint? Small round craters where paint pulled away from silicone contamination. Learn why the affected paint is removed and repainted. What are pinholes in car paint? Tiny holes going through the finish are air bubbles trapped in body filler. Learn what causes them and how they are fixed. What is filler adhesion failure? Grey filler visible under peeling paint means a previous repair is letting go. Learn why painting over it does not work. What is paint lifting? Shrivelled or wrinkled paint is lifting. The new paint's solvents attacked the layer underneath. Learn why it needs one of the most invasive repairs. What is mapping on car paint? A halo tracing the outline of an old repair is the previous work reading through the new paint. Learn why preparation failed. What is a colour mismatch on a car repair? Paint that matches in one light but not another was often mixed to the paint code rather than matched to the car. Learn what to ask for. What is a blend line on car paint? A hard line where new paint stops means the repair was masked rather than blended. Learn why it happens and how it is fixed. What is solvent pop on car paint? Tiny pinholes or blisters in the clear coat are trapped solvent that escaped. Learn why it is sanded and repainted, not polished. What is a run in car paint? A drip that hardened in place on a vertical panel is too much material that slid before it set. Learn how it is levelled. Why does my respray have no gloss? A smooth but flat finish that never developed shine is a preparation or application fault. Learn the difference from oxidation. What are sanding marks under car paint? Fine straight parallel lines showing through the clear are sanding scratches never refined out. Learn why this is a rushed job.

Polishing damage

What is burn through on car paint? A dull flat patch on an edge or body line is where a machine polisher cut through the clear coat. Learn why this is workmanship. What are pigtail scratches on car paint? Short curly scratches from grit trapped under a machine polishing pad. Learn how to identify them and who should fix them. What are buffer trails on car paint? Zig-zag or arcing trails in a grid pattern are the path of a rotary polisher. Learn why this is defective work.

Matte finishes

What is a mark on matte car paint? A mark on matte paint must never be polished. Learn why the standard scratch fix destroys matte and what to do instead. What happens if you polish matte car paint? A shiny patch on a matte car is where the flattening structure has been rubbed away. Learn why the only fix is a respray. What is a stain on matte car paint? Stains on matte paint can only be treated chemically, because matte must not be polished. Learn the chemical-only approach to removal. Can you fix a dent in matte car paint? A dent in a matte panel is good news. Paintless dent removal works from behind and never touches the finish. What is matte paint wear? Matte finishes wear unevenly, going patchy around handles and boot lids. Learn why there is no restorative treatment. How to remove contamination from matte car paint Contamination on matte paint can only be removed chemically. Learn why clay bars and polishing compound must never touch it.

Vinyl wrap

What is a scuff on a vinyl wrap? A scuff in vinyl wrap has not reached your paint. Learn when warmth helps, when scratches stay, and when to replace the film. What is a torn vinyl wrap? Once vinyl is cut or torn it cannot be repaired invisibly. Learn about patching vs panel replacement and batch matching. Why is my vinyl wrap lifting at the edge? Wrap lifts at edges when the seal fails or a pressure washer finds it. Learn why acting this week saves money. Why is my vinyl wrap fading? Vinyl fades unevenly because horizontal panels take more sun. Learn about film quality, warranty, and replacement. What happens when something cuts through a vinyl wrap? A cut through the film to the paint means two separate jobs. Learn why the paint is assessed first. What causes bubbles in a vinyl wrap? Bubbles and creases in vinyl are trapped air or moisture from installation. Learn when they self-resolve and when they need fixing. How to clean contamination off a vinyl wrap Contamination on a wrap has landed on vinyl, not paint. Learn which products are safe and which damage the film.

Paint protection film

Do paint protection film scratches self-heal? Modern PPF has a heat-memory topcoat that closes light scratches with warmth. Learn how to test whether your film self-heals. What happens when paint protection film is cut? A cut through PPF is past what heat recovery can fix. Learn about section replacement and what to check underneath. Why is my paint protection film turning yellow? Yellowing PPF is a film quality problem, not paint damage. Learn about warranty claims and why your paint is fine underneath. Why is my paint protection film lifting? PPF lifts at edges when adhesive stress or pressure washing finds a weak point. Learn why acting early saves the panel.

Fire & heat damage

What is soot film on a car? A greasy carbon film from a nearby fire is acidic and holds moisture against the paint. Learn how to wash it safely. What is ash fallout on a car? Grey powdery ash from a bushfire is alkaline and abrasive. Learn why you must never wipe it off dry. What is heat damage on car paint? Blistered, browned or scorched paint has been cooked rather than hit. Learn what repair it needs and what to check behind it. What is thermal damage on a car? Panels distorted by radiant heat from a nearby fire may have structural damage behind the paint. Learn what to check first.

Emergency & exposure

What does flood water do to a car? A car that has been through flood water has problems the paint cannot describe. Learn what needs assessing before any cosmetic work. What does a lightning strike do to a car? Scorch marks, peeled paint or pitting after a storm show where lightning hit the car. Learn why the electrical system is checked before a body shop. What is biological growth on car paint? Green or black growth on a standing car roots into the surface and can leave staining. Learn how to remove it properly. What is welding spatter on car paint? Molten metal from welding or grinding melts into the clear coat. Learn how it is removed. How to remove spray paint from a car Aerosol paint sits on top of your clear coat. Learn why a specialist detailer removes it and why you should not use thinners.

Wheels

What is kerb rash on alloy wheels? Kerb rash is abrasion of the wheel face from contact with a kerb. Learn about mobile alloy repair and diamond-cut wheels. What is wheel lacquer failure? White powder and milky patches on an alloy wheel mean the lacquer has failed. Learn why the whole wheel is refinished. What is a cracked or buckled alloy wheel? A buckle or crack in an alloy wheel is a safety item. Learn what can be repaired and what must be replaced. What is brake dust on alloy wheels? Wheels that have gone dull and orange-brown are covered in baked-on brake dust, not damaged. Learn how it is cleaned off.

Glass & windscreen

Can a windscreen chip be repaired? A small chip away from the edge can often be filled with resin, even in front of the driver if it is small enough. Learn the limits. When does a windscreen chip need replacing? A chip that is too big overall, too big for the driver's area, or too near the edge needs a new screen. Learn about camera recalibration. Can a windscreen crack be repaired? Most cracked windscreens are replaced, but some repairers fix shorter cracks. Learn about inspection limits, insurance and recalibration. What causes stains on car glass? Haze on glass that wipers smear is mineral deposits and road film. Learn how decontamination fixes it without replacing the screen. What causes scratches on car glass? Scratches on glass come from wipers, grit, or automatic washes. Learn about glass polishing and when the screen is replaced.

Headlights & tail lights

What causes cloudy headlights? Yellow cloudy headlights are UV-damaged polycarbonate. Learn how restoration works and why UV clear coat is the step that matters. What causes faded tail lights? Tail light lenses go pale and cloudy from UV damage. Learn about restoration vs replacement and how to check for moisture.

Trim & brightwork

How to fix faded plastic trim on a car Faded black trim going grey is sun damage to the plastic, not paint failure. Learn how it is restored without paint. What causes dull or pitted chrome on a car? Dull brightwork is either clouded anodising or pitted chrome plating. Learn how each is treated.

Other

How to identify an unknown mark on car paint A mark you cannot identify is either sitting on top of your paint or cut into it. Learn the one test that separates them. Has my ceramic coating failed? Water that has stopped beading is usually dirt on the coating, not the coating gone. Learn how decontamination brings it back. What to do when a small car part is missing Mirror caps, badges, grille slats and clips are cheap to replace. Learn how to check the part price first. What to do when a car panel is missing A missing bumper, door or guard needs replacement, painted to match. Learn what to ask about aftermarket vs genuine. What is trim damage on a car? Mirror caps, side skirts and trim pieces are separate plastic parts. Learn when replacement makes more sense than repair.