Chipped paintwork on galvanised car - touch up?

Aug 28, 2007 2 Replies

Further to my recent post about scratched and chipped paintwork on the door sills of a Citroen Berlingo. I've heard that 90% (?) of the Berlingo bodywork is galvanised so I'm assuming the sills are.



Does anyone have any advice about what to do with the damaged areas? The worst chips are perhaps just slightly bigger than a grain of rice, but appear to be right down to the metal. Some of the damage must be about a year old, so it has been through a winter, but there is no sign of any rust.



Is it worth trying to touch up the damage? It would be nice to make it look a little better, but I'm mainly concerned about protection from rust. Will the galvanising completely stop rust developing or merely delay it? Is it true that it is difficult to paint on to galvanised metal?



Many thanks for any and all advice.


Sim C. used his keyboard to write :

Exposed galvanised metal should never rust. The rust can only start at a bare steel edge and its progress is very slow, unlike painted steel. To a small extent, galvanised metal self heals - the galv migrates to repair any small scratches.

From my own experience (not from any special knowledge), ordinary paint will work well enough.

Just touch it up. Galvanised steel only needs special prep when it's new.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required