How to Deal with Exposed White Paint from Car Scratches?

[CarsonAnn]

Here are the treatment methods for different levels of exposed white paint from car scratches: 1. Hairline scratches. Polishing or applying a rubbing compound can remove hairline marks. 2. Light scratches. Prepare a tube of toothpaste and apply it to the scratches. Avoid using toothpaste with abrasive ingredients. 3. Moderate to deep scratches. Moderate and deep scratches cannot be repaired by polishing. If the scratch depth does not exceed 5mm, it can be filled with putty and then repainted. If the metal is exposed at the scratch, clean the surface coating of rust, sand it smooth, apply an oxidation neutralizer, spray primer, and repeat the painting, drying, and sanding process to repair. 4. Deep scratches. Severe deformation requires sheet metal repair.

[LilyMarie]

Last time my car got scratched and the white primer was exposed, which was really upsetting. First, I cleaned the scratched area with a damp cloth, and after it dried, I used a touch-up pen to go over it several times. When applying, do it in thin layers, waiting for each layer to dry before applying the next—don’t rush. Make sure to choose the correct color for the touch-up pen, matching the original factory color code to make it less noticeable. Finally, lightly sand it smooth with fine sandpaper and apply some polishing wax to restore the shine. If the scratch is too deep or covers a large area, DIY repairs might make it look worse, so it’s better to go to a repair shop for a professional spot paint job—they have the right equipment for a more even finish. When parking, try to avoid tight spots near walls or tree branches to reduce the risk of scratches.

[Peggy]

If you find car paint scratched to the bare metal, never touch it with bare hands as oil residue can accelerate rusting. First, clean the scratched area with alcohol to remove dust and grease. For shallow scratches, use scratch wax with a soft cloth and polish in circular motions dozens of times to fade the white marks. If the metal base is exposed, immediately apply touch-up paint after shaking the pen tip to mix the paint evenly. After treatment, it's best to spray a layer of clear coat for added protection. Monthly body inspections are recommended—early treatment of minor damage saves big repair costs later.

[SanHarmony]

The severity of car paint scratches exposing the primer determines the repair method. Light scratches can be polished out, moderate ones covered with a touch-up pen, while severe damage requires repainting. The key is to thoroughly clean the scratched area first, otherwise the repair won't hold well. When applying touch-up paint, control the amount carefully - drips will look unsightly. After repair, regular waxing is recommended to protect the paint and prevent new scratches. Avoid using stiff-bristle brushes when washing; a sponge is much safer for your paint.