How to Quickly Deal with Car Paint Scratches?
4 Answers
Methods for quickly dealing with car paint scratches include: 1. Touch-up paint pen: Provides a simple filling effect for scratches, but it may wear off over time; 2. Car paint scratch repair agent: This is a paste-like repair agent similar to toothpaste, which can only repair minor scratches; 3. Toothpaste: A faster method to repair car paint scratches, but toothpaste can only reduce the appearance of scratches, the actual scratches will still remain. The main car paint processes include: 1. Electrophoretic paint: Functions to prevent rust and corrosion; 2. Primer paint: Functions to resist UV rays and stone chipping, providing a base for the color paint; 3. Color paint layer: Functions for aesthetics; 4. Clear coat layer: Functions to give the car body gloss and resistance to friction.
I've been driving for over a decade and have become quite expert at dealing with scratches. For minor scratches, you can first try using toothpaste or scratch wax yourself—dampen a soft cloth and gently rub in circular motions, then apply a coat of wax to protect the paint. If it's a deep scratch that exposes the primer, don't attempt to fix it yourself; take it to a professional shop for repainting. When parking, try to avoid roadside branches and shrubs, and don't use hard-bristle brushes when washing your car—these small habits can help reduce scratches. I always keep a scratch repair pen in my car; applying it immediately to new scratches can prevent rust. Remember, a polishing machine isn't a cure-all—overuse can thin the car's paint.
I just got my new car a month ago when it got scratched, and it broke my heart. A friend at the auto repair shop taught me to first clean it with detailing clay, then use my fingernail to judge the depth: if the nail doesn't catch, it's shallow and can be treated with a polishing compound; if it does catch, the primer is exposed, and you'll need to fill it with a touch-up pen before polishing. When handling it yourself, gently sand along the direction of the scratch—don't rub back and forth. Remember not to wash the car for three days after treatment to let the repair compound fully cure. Avoid doing this in low winter temperatures, as the results won't be as good.
As a professional in auto detailing, I recommend a three-step process. First, use a cleaning wax to remove surface stains and determine the scratch type: use a mirror glaze for hairline scratches, polishing compound for light scratches, and spot painting technique for deep scratches. Always apply a sealant or crystal coating after treatment—this protective layer acts like armor for the car paint. I've seen too many car owners try the internet-famous toothpaste method, only to damage the clear coat. Actually, professional scratch wax costs just a few dozen yuan, far more economical than a repaint.
