Does a deep scratch on the car door require a full repaint?
3 Answers
A scratch on the car door does not necessarily require a full repaint. Minor scratches on a car can often be remedied through polishing and waxing. However, if the scratch is deep and large, it is advisable to visit a professional repair shop for proper treatment. Steps for polishing: 1. Wash the entire vehicle. Use a high-strength paint cleaner to wash the car thoroughly, ensuring no dust particles remain that could cause further scratches during the polishing process. 2. Sand with water sandpaper. 3. Perform coarse and fine grinding. Use a polishing machine with coarse polishing compound to grind out the sandpaper marks. Then, apply fine polishing compound for detailed grinding. 4. Polish. Use a mechanical polisher with a mirror-finish treatment agent to remove swirl marks left by the coarse polishing compound, achieving a mirror-like finish on the paint. Method for applying liquid wax: 1. Clean the car thoroughly before waxing. A dirty car should not be waxed, as dust particles have tiny edges that can scratch the paint when rubbed back and forth during the waxing process.
Buddy, I've dealt with this issue quite a few times because my old car often gets scratches. Deep scratches refer to those where you can see the metal exposed - if left unrepaired, they can easily rust and corrode the door. A full door repaint isn't always necessary: if the scratch area is small or in an inconspicuous location, professional shops can handle it with spot painting, saving both time and money. I've tried this myself several times - there might be slight color differences after spot painting, but they're unnoticeable unless you look closely. For large areas or prominent spots, like the center of the outer door panel, I'd recommend a full repaint to ensure overall aesthetics and protection. Consider your budget - a full repaint might cost 1,000-2,000 RMB, while spot painting is only a few hundred. First, test the depth with your fingernail - if it's shallow, you can just buy a touch-up pen and fix it yourself. If it's deep, take it to a repair shop immediately to prevent further damage to your car.
As a DIY-loving car enthusiast, when I encounter deep scratches, I first assess whether I can fix them without too much hassle. For deep scratches like those exposing the primer, you can opt for spot painting or try a repair kit to save the cost of a full repaint. I recently did it myself: sanding the edges of the scratch smooth, applying a filler, and then spraying matching paint—the result was decent if you're not aiming for perfection. But beware, poor technique can leave bubbles or color mismatches, wasting materials and effort. The advantage of spot painting is that it's cheap and quick, costing just a few bucks; the downside is that minor mistakes are glaringly obvious. If you're not afraid of a bit of trouble or are pressed for time, give DIY a try. Tools are easy to find, and there are plenty of online tutorials—the risk is that repeated attempts can waste time. The key is safety first: wear gloves when sanding to avoid injuring yourself.
