How long does it take to touch up small scratches on a car?
2 Answers
It usually takes about 1 to 2 days to touch up small scratches on a car. After the exterior paint is applied, the vehicle should not be used until the paint is completely dry. Using a touch-up pen for small scratches: This involves applying a paint pen of a similar color to the scratched area. While simple, the adhesion of the repaired paint is often insufficient, making it prone to peeling and not long-lasting. Using spray paint to repair small scratches: This method involves traditional touch-up techniques to fix scratches. The downside is that it affects a larger area of the original paint, takes longer to repair, and the results are not particularly impressive. Using computer-mixed paint spray for small scratches: This technique combines computer-mixed paint with advanced repair methods for deep scratches. It offers a quick fix but requires precise color matching and minimizing the repair area. After treatment with special solvents, it ensures better blending between the new and existing paint.
I often deal with minor car scratches myself. For superficial ones like those caused by brushing against tree branches when opening the door or being scraped by keys, using a touch-up pen takes at most 10 minutes to fix. On sunny days, it dries super fast. For slightly deeper marks with visible impressions, buying some polishing compound and buffing it a few rounds can get the job done within half an hour. However, if the scratch exposes the primer or metal, then it's a big problem—DIY might not cut it, and you'd need to take it to a professional shop. At small shops, painting and drying usually take at least 2-3 hours. Avoid doing this on rainy days as high humidity slows down paint drying. Don’t skimp on tools to save effort, or you might end up redoing the work and wasting more time. When parking, leave extra space to reduce accidents and avoid constant headaches over scratches. In short, DIY for minor scratches is quick—just wait for it to dry, and you’re good to hit the road without any issues.
