How Can I Repair Car Scratches Myself?
2 Answers
For deep but slender scratches, you can use colored putty to repair them. Apply the putty carefully to ensure it fully penetrates the scratch, then finish by applying a compound and wax. Dent repair is one of the most troublesome tasks in car body maintenance. The key is to prepare the base properly; if this step is not done well, even the best paint job will not yield good results. To prevent rust, use sandpaper to clean the area or apply a chemical compound that changes the rust spots.
After my car got scratches, I tried several DIY methods, with the toothpaste method being the most commonly used. Just take a soft cloth, squeeze some regular toothpaste onto the scratch, and gently rub it along the scratch lines for a few minutes—the scratch will fade. It's simple and cheap, working best for light scratches. For deeper ones, scratch wax is more professional; apply it and rub multiple times to let it penetrate. Online-purchased scratch repair kits are also good, including touch-up pens and sandpaper, costing just a few dozen yuan. Before starting, ensure the car surface is clean and dust-free, and work in the shade, not under direct sunlight. After repair, apply a layer of wax to protect the entire paint surface and prevent rust from rainwater. Simple tools can get the job done—don’t delay and let the problem worsen. The whole process takes just half an hour on weekends, practical and cost-effective.
