How to Fix Car Scratches by Yourself?
3 Answers
If there are minor scratches on the car body, you can apply some water wax or hard wax and then wipe it with a sponge. For severe scratches, self-repair is not possible, and it is recommended to seek professional repair services in such cases. More related information is as follows: 1. Car Body Paint: The car body paint is quite complex, consisting of four layers from the inside out: the electrocoat layer, the primer layer, the base coat layer, and the clear coat layer. 2. Paint Distribution: The electrocoat layer is used for rust prevention. After the entire car body is assembled, it is immersed in an electrocoating bath. Above the electrocoat layer is the primer layer, which also serves to prevent rust and enhances adhesion to the next layer of paint. Above the primer layer is the base coat layer, which primarily serves an aesthetic purpose. The outermost layer is the clear coat layer, which enhances the gloss of the car body paint and protects the base coat layer.
DIY car scratch repair depends on the depth. For light surface scratches, I've tried using toothpaste or car wax - just polish in circles with a soft cloth for a few minutes to cover them. For slightly deeper ones, use a touch-up pen: first get matching paint from a car wash shop, sand off rough edges, apply three coats (waiting 10 minutes between each), then polish. For larger areas, order a spray paint kit online - mask surrounding areas with tape to prevent overspray, let dry for a day after spraying before polishing. Always wear gloves and a mask, especially when sanding as dust can irritate skin. These methods save money but won't match professional results, though they work for temporary fixes.
When dealing with scratches, first assess their location and depth. For scratches on plastic bumper parts, simply buy a touch-up paint pen and apply it. If the scratch on the metal part of the door exposes the primer, it must be sanded and repainted, otherwise it will rust through. You can buy a set of tools at an auto parts market for no more than a hundred bucks: water sandpaper, putty, spray cans, and clear coat. The key is to be patient with sanding, starting with coarse sandpaper and switching to fine sandpaper to smooth out the dent. Don’t apply putty too thickly, or it will crack. When spraying, keep your hand steady, maintain a distance of 20 cm, and spray evenly. Don’t forget to apply a layer of clear coat for waterproofing. Working outdoors in summer is more convenient as the high temperature helps the paint dry faster. If you can’t handle it, just buy a sticker online to cover it up—choose a cartoon design to hide the flaw and add personality.
