Paint Damage Classifications

Again, paint damage should be inspected both outdoors with natural light and indoors under fluorescent lights. It is important to inspect each vehicle at the time of delivery for paint damage. The earlier the damage is found, the easier it is to repair.

All the previously mentioned types of damage can be classified as Minor Damage, Major Damage, and Rail Dust.

Minor Damage is small pits in the paint surface caused by pollution, such as acid rain, rail dust, scratches, swirl marks and organic pollution. The average depth is about 0.2 mils, (.0002"). To correct minor damage, use a buffing procedure.

Major Damage is more severe pitting. The depth of this damage can range from approximately 0.2 mils to 0.4 mils, (.0002"-.0004"). To correct major damage, wet sanding and buffing will be necessary. Any damage more than 0.5 mils deep will require repainting of the affected area.

Rail Dust can be either minor or major damage depending on the severity. The difference in repairing rail dust is the method of repair. For rail dust first remove the iron particles by using an Industrial Fallout Remover. After the rail dust particles have been removed, small pits will be left in the paint. Repair these pits by using the appropriate procedure (i.e., minor or major damage repair).