Scratched Painted Metal Panel

If my painted metal panel is scratched, will it cause corrosion?

If the scratch on the steel panel is superficial and has not penetrated the underlying steel substrate, a protective coating should be sufficient to prevent corrosion. Significant scratches: If the scratch is deep and penetrates the steel substrate, it is recommended that a high zinc primer be applied to these areas and then caulked. This will help protect the exposed steel from corrosion. Weathering Differences: Note that the product used to patch significant scratches may be different from the original factory paint finish. This means that over time, the repaired areas may not look the same as the rest of the panel. If a panel has several significant scratches, chips, or dents, it is recommended that you consider a full panel replacement. This is likely because significant damage can compromise the structural integrity and appearance of the panel.

According to AEP Span:

If the scratch is just on the surface, the protective properties of the coating will prevent corrosion. However, if the scratch is substantial and into the base steel substrate, you can apply a zinc rich primer and touch those spots up. Just remember, that the touch-up product will weather differently than the original factory-painted finish. If there are many substantial scratches, chips and/or dents, we recommend replacing the panel. You can find AEP Span's details in our Document Library.