Do I need to repaint the entire panel if the primer is slightly exposed?
2 Answers
If there is only paint damage without any dents, you only need to apply putty and repaint the affected area. There is no need to repaint the entire panel. How to determine if the primer is scratched: If the scratch is deep and your fingernail catches when sliding over it, it is likely that the primer has been damaged. If the scratch color matches the car body color, it means only the topcoat is affected. Otherwise, the primer may have been damaged. There is also obvious deformation on the car body. Effects of touch-up painting on the vehicle: Color difference may occur after touch-up painting. Due to issues with the touch-up process, the paint may peel off after a few years. DIY methods: Use regular toothpaste to treat the scratch. Gently apply the toothpaste in a circular motion on the scratch. Reapply after rain or car washing. This can reduce the visibility of the scratch, act as a simple barrier, and prevent rust in the short term.
Regarding whether to repaint the entire panel when the primer is slightly exposed, I don't think it's always necessary. My old car often had small scratches exposing the primer, and initially, I was worried about having to repaint the whole panel, which is time-consuming and expensive. Later, I tried handling it myself: buying a touch-up pen or a small touch-up kit for just a few dozen yuan can get the job done. The key is to first clean off any rust, then lightly sand the area smooth, and finally dab on matching paint. If done carefully, this method provides decent rust protection and saves both money and effort. However, location matters—for example, on doors or hoods where it's more noticeable, color matching is crucial; small spots are fine, but for larger areas, it's better to visit a professional shop. In short, choose the method based on actual needs—local touch-ups are sufficient for daily use unless you're aiming for flawless perfection.
