How to Deal with Scratches on a White Car?
3 Answers
Treatment methods are as follows: 1. First, carefully wipe the scratch and the surrounding paint with a chamois cloth, then apply everyday toothpaste to the scratched area. Ensure the application is even, and reapply after rain or car washing. Note that applying toothpaste to the scratch only provides temporary protection and prevents rusting. 2. Start by sanding with very fine-grit sandpaper, sanding in straight lines to remove rust spots and toothpaste, then apply a thin, even layer of primer. After the primer dries, sand it smooth. 3. Carefully apply two layers of masking tape along both sides of the scratch, exposing only the scratch. It's best to apply multiple layers of tape. Be meticulous when applying to fully enclose the scratch, ensuring optimal touch-up results. 4. If the car came with a small can of original paint, apply it evenly over the primer with care. 5. If original paint is unavailable, use a touch-up pen. Shake the pen thoroughly before use and apply multiple coats, waiting 5-10 minutes between each. Once completely dry, sand smooth with sandpaper.
I enjoy DIY car repairs to save money and gain a sense of achievement. For white car scratches, the treatment depends on their depth. If it's just a light scratch without exposing the primer, first clean the stain with water, let it dry, then apply toothpaste or a dedicated car scratch repair paste on a soft cloth and gently rub for a few minutes—this usually helps fade the scratch significantly. For deep scratches where the metal base is visible or there's obvious color loss, it's a bit more complicated. You'll need to carefully fill them with a white touch-up paint pen—avoid applying too thickly to prevent bumps. After drying, lightly sand it smooth with 2000-grit sandpaper, then apply a layer of car wax to protect the paint. Remember to match the paint color code; check your car model's color chart online. Last time I fixed a scratched rearview mirror myself for less than 50 yuan, which felt much more convenient than going to a shop. However, beginners should avoid working on large areas at once to prevent uneven color. To prevent scratches, park farther away from others and avoid using hard brushes when washing the car.
From my years of automotive experience, dealing with scratches on white cars requires prioritizing based on severity. Light scratches can be treated with polishing compounds or a buffer, but avoid using coarse sandpaper that might dull the paint. For deep scratches that reach the primer, professional repair should be considered—white cars show rust stains easily. For small areas, use touch-up pens or repair kits for DIY fixes, ensuring the paint is completely dry before sanding. For large or complex areas, it's best to visit a 4S shop or professional detailing center for repainting and color matching. When assessing scratches, I often use the fingernail test—if it catches, it's deep, so don't hesitate. Cost-wise, DIY tools can handle minor issues for just tens of yuan, while major repairs may run into thousands. Don’t let scratches worsen for safety reasons, as prolonged exposure to rain can cause oxidation and bubbling. For routine maintenance, waxing every quarter helps prevent minor scratch buildup.
