Can touch-up paint be used to repair car scratches?
2 Answers
If the car's paint surface has been scratched, it is not advisable to use spray paint for repair. After the paint surface is damaged, it must be repaired at a professional institution or a 4S shop. The car's body paint is relatively complex, consisting of four layers from the inside out: the electrophoretic layer, the primer layer, the base coat layer, and the clear coat layer. Below is some information about the car body paint: 1. The main function of the electrophoretic layer: rust prevention. After the entire body is assembled, it is immersed in an electrophoretic tank, forming an electrophoretic layer on the entire body surface. 2. Above the electrophoretic layer: the primer layer, whose main function is also rust prevention, and it can enhance the bonding ability with the next layer of body paint. 3. Above the primer layer: the base coat layer, which primarily serves an aesthetic purpose. 4. Above the base coat layer: the clear coat layer, which is mainly used to protect the base coat layer and can also enhance the glossiness of the body paint.
I often deal with car scratches myself, and using spray paint is quite effective, especially for minor scuffs. Before buying, it's crucial to check the original car color code, otherwise, a mismatched color can look terrible. Cleaning the scratched area is key—lightly sand the smooth surface with sandpaper, maintain a 20 cm distance when spraying, apply several even coats, and avoid spraying too thick at once. After it dries, I prefer to wax and polish it to make it look more natural. Deep scratches can easily expose the base layer, and oxidation may worsen corrosion, so be careful with this. DIY saves money and offers flexibility, but practicing technique is important to avoid uneven spraying. Overall, spray paint works well for small issues, but for major problems, it's safer to go to a professional shop.
