How long does it take to touch up small scratches on a car?
3 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.
From my perspective, the time required to repair minor scratches depends on their depth and the chosen repair method. For ordinary car owners opting for DIY solutions, shallow scratches can be fixed with a touch-up pen in just 5 minutes; slightly deeper ones might take about half an hour with sanding. However, professional repairs are more complex: first, the scratch severity is assessed. Light scratches can be sanded and repainted within an hour, including drying time. If the primer is damaged, spot painting with primer is necessary, typically taking 2-4 hours for the entire process due to color matching with the original paint and waiting for complete drying. Hot weather speeds up drying, while cold or cloudy days may require additional time. It's advisable not to rush or cut corners—scheduling an appointment at a reputable shop ensures more durable and safer results, preventing rust. For those with ample budgets, heading straight to a 4S store is recommended, as their professional tools make the process hassle-free.