How to deal with car door paint scratched down to bare metal?
2 Answers
Wash and dry the car thoroughly. Shake the touch-up paint pen before use to mix the paint inside evenly. After the touch-up paint dries, polish it with fine wax. It's recommended to have it professionally handled at a repair shop, but there are some DIY methods. Using rust inhibitor plus spray paint - scratches that expose the primer can easily cause sheet metal to rust. After washing and drying the car, apply rust remover to the scratched area. After about 15 minutes, wipe off the rust remover with a clean cloth and then apply rust inhibitor. After applying the rust inhibitor, wait a few minutes before spraying with spray paint. Let it air dry naturally after spraying, then apply fine wax once dry.
I also experienced having the car door paint scraped off down to the bare metal when I first started driving, which was quite frustrating. It's crucial to address it promptly, otherwise the exposed metal could rust and become a bigger issue. First, clean the area thoroughly with water to remove any dirt that might affect the touch-up. Then, use fine sandpaper (around 800 grit) to gently smooth the exposed metal area, making it even for painting. Next, purchase a suitable touch-up pen that matches the original car color, and apply it evenly. After it dries, add a layer of protective wax to prevent moisture damage. The DIY method is ideal for minor scratches, saving both time and money, but requires careful technique—practice makes perfect. Remember to regularly check for paint wear and park away from roadside obstacles to avoid trouble.