Dog Loves To Jump On Your Car Hood? Repair The Scratched Paint With These Tips

Posted on: 9 October 2015

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If your large dog loves to jump on everything, including your car's hood, take steps to repair and protect your vehicle's paint now. Your dog's nails can scratch through the paint and damage your car's metal. If this happens, you'll need to take your car to an auto body paint shop for repairs. For smaller scratches, you can protect your paint job with the tips below.

Buy Your Supplies

If you only need to repair a few scratches, purchase one bottle of paint. For multiple scratches on the hood, buy at least three bottles of paint. You can save the leftover paint in a cool and dry place for future use. 

Try to match your the paint to your car's paint as much as possible. If you need help, check the store's color guide to help you find what you need. Also, purchase:

  • A medium sized container of putty and rubber spatula
  • 3 thin-tipped brushes
  • Clear sealant or gloss
  • Sandpaper
  • One chamois cloth

Now, it's time to fill in the scratches.

Repair Your Hood

You want to park your car in the shade to keep it cool. The sun's heat will cure the paint too quickly as you apply it. After you move your car, follow the instructions below:

  • Use the sandpaper to remove any rust you find inside the scratches. Rust will spread to the hood's metal if you don't do this step.
  • Dust the rust away with one end of the chamois cloth, then use the edges of the rubber spatula to apply the putty over the scratches. Smooth the putty out until it appears even and free of bumps.
  • Follow the drying time on the putty's packaging.
  • Wet the tip of one brush with paint, then apply it over the putty. Allow each coat to dry before reapplying more.
  • Cover the dried paint with clear gloss or sealant, then allow it to dry according to the product's packaging.

After you complete the repairs and the sealant dries, cover the car with a soft, thick cloth to keep your dog off of it. If the dog jumps on the hood again, the cloth's thick texture will keep your car safe. Tie the ends of the cloth around the bumpers for additional security. Since your dog is probably looking for a warm place to rest, make sure you park your car in shaded areas so the hood doesn't absorb heat. Set a doggy bed nearby to encourage a good transition.

If your hood sustains deep scratches from your dog, schedule an appointment with your local auto body paint shop.