How to Deal with Scratches on New Car Paint?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to deal with scratches on new car paint: 1. Minor scratches: If the car only has minor scratches and the scratches are not deep, only the outermost layer of paint is affected, then the owner can repair the scratched paint by waxing. 2. Severe damage: If the damage has reached the car's topcoat and part of the topcoat has peeled off, you can try DIY touch-up painting. You need to purchase a touch-up paint pen kit of the same color code online, which will include all the necessary touch-up tools such as sandpaper, putty, polishing compound, etc. The prices of touch-up paint pens vary, and it is recommended that owners not opt for the cheapest ones as they may not guarantee good results. The touch-up process does not take too long, usually around two hours to complete.
It's quite annoying when the paint on a new car gets scratched. My newly bought car recently got a scratch from a neighbor opening their door. At the time, I tested the depth with my fingernail and, feeling it wasn’t too deep, decided to handle it myself. Online advice suggested using toothpaste, so I tried rubbing it gently with a clean cloth dipped in toothpaste, which did help fade minor scratches—just be careful not to damage the original paint. For shallow scratches that haven’t exposed the primer, DIY methods like toothpaste or car wax can work; but if it’s a deep scratch revealing the white base, it’s best not to tamper and go straight to a professional detailing shop for touch-up. When parking, try not to get too close to other cars, and applying car wax can also protect the paint. If your new car gets scratched, don’t rush to repaint—first assess to save money and hassle. I once used a touch-up pen with mediocre results, later learning that sanding and even application are key for a natural finish. Acting promptly is crucial, as delays may lead to rust. Prevention is also important, like installing small round mirrors on side mirrors to avoid scrapes. In short, minor scratches can be handled DIY for convenience, but serious ones are better left to professionals.