Some people refrain from buying a used car because of a few scratches to the paint, but if a new material invented by scientists at the University of Southern Mississippi becomes available to the public, dented cars could fix themselves.

According to research published in the journal Science, scientists at the school have invented a polyurethane coating that if applied to some surfaces, can heal scratches when exposed to ultraviolet light.

“In essence, you create a scratch and that scratch will disappear upon exposure to the sun,” Urban said in an interview on the Science website.
Researchers say the paint could be made into any color and while applications to cars is the first thought that comes to mind to many who hear about the coating, many other products could benefit from it as well.

While the findings may seem like a miracle find for used car buyers, the scientists warn that the paint can only heal the same area once. Repeated damage to one spot will not be able to be fixed – expect through traditional means.

Consumer Reports suggests that used car buyers inspect a car before making a purchase, including looking around the car to point out dents and scratches as it may point to other, more serious problems.

Find New York Used Cars with New Jersey State Auto.