Does a small scratch on a car require a full repaint?
4 Answers
It depends on the situation. If it's just a minor scratch or paint chip, a full repaint is not necessary. Here are specific details about paint repair: 1. Minor damage: Daily use inevitably leads to scratches on the car paint from hard objects. For such minor damage, besides passive acceptance, proactive prevention is possible. Applying wax every 1-2 months or installing wear-resistant patches on frequently affected areas can help prevent minor scratches to some extent. 2. Light damage: In most cases of this level of damage, the scratches on the paint surface are already very visible. In such situations, it is recommended to use a touch-up pen for treatment. 3. Moderate damage: When the paint shows obvious peeling, exposing the primer, it's essential to address it promptly to prevent rusting of the exposed steel from rain or other elements.
Last time, a small stone from the roadside hit the front bumper of my car, leaving a scratch about the size of a little finger, which was quite noticeable. I drove straight to my trusted repair shop, and the mechanic checked it and said there was no need to repaint the entire surface. Since the area was small, local sanding and painting would suffice. The cost was only around 300 yuan, and it was done in a day. If I had opted for a full repaint, it would have cost at least two to three thousand yuan, taken several days, and potentially affected the original paint thickness and the car's resale value. Unless the entire paint surface is aging or has multiple scratches, it's not worth going to great lengths for minor issues. I've also done some research myself—modern repair techniques are advanced, and small touch-ups can achieve results almost identical to the original factory paint. With more driving, minor bumps and scratches are inevitable, and small repairs can save both hassle and money.
As someone who pays attention to car maintenance, I believe timely treatment of minor scratches is crucial. If it's just a surface scratch without damaging the primer, a touch-up pen can be used for simple repairs. If the metal is exposed, localized painting can prevent rust and stop it from developing into more serious corrosion issues. A full-body repaint is costly, alters the original appearance consistency, and may lead to color mismatches or coating lifespan problems. Based on experience, most car owners find localized treatment sufficient. Blindly opting for a full repaint not only wastes money but also adds unnecessary weight to the vehicle. I would first assess the severity of the scratch, find a reputable shop, and solve the problem simply and efficiently—this approach is both safe and economical.
There's a small scratch on the rear door of my car, caused by a parking mishap. After searching online for solutions, I spent 50 yuan on a touch-up paint kit that matched the color code and fixed it myself! Localized spray painting is also affordable at repair shops, costing just a few hundred yuan if done quickly. There's no need for a full-body paint job, which can range from thousands to tens of thousands and is time-consuming. Unless the entire car is scratched or you're aiming for a perfect refurbishment, why make a big deal out of minor issues? New car owners might feel more distressed, but after a few years of wear and tear, such concerns tend to fade. Saving that money for gas to drive further is much more practical.
