How to Repair a Car Scratch?
3 Answers
Methods to repair a car scratch: 1. Toothpaste: Using toothpaste to repair scratched car paint is very effective because toothpaste itself has a grinding function, equivalent to applying a layer of wax to your car, thus achieving a good repair effect; 2. Touch-up pen: Using a touch-up pen can cover up some smaller and lighter scratches, making the marks less noticeable. Although there is still a certain gap compared to the original factory paint, and the durability is certainly not comparable to the original factory paint. When a car has a dent, you can use the principle of plastic softening when heated by applying hot water to the dented area to push it out. However, this step requires a relatively long time, as it needs to be heated to a certain degree before softening begins.
Last week, I accidentally scraped against a pillar while parking, leaving a few scratches on my car. First, observe the depth of the scratches: if they are fine surface marks, gently rubbing them with a soft cloth dipped in toothpaste or car scratch wax can help fade them, and the effect is quite good; if the dark primer is exposed and shows white, it's best to deal with it promptly to prevent rusting or further damage. For tools, you can use a car touch-up pen, matching the color with your license plate or manual before applying it slowly in layers and letting it dry. Be gentle when doing it yourself to avoid scratching more paint, and beginners can learn basic techniques from videos. Small-area repairs can cost just a few dozen bucks, but the results won’t last as long as professional spray painting. Paying attention to spatial awareness while driving can help prevent similar issues.
Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered countless minor scratches. The key is assessing the damage level: for small areas without exposed primer, regular polishing compound suffices; if metal is exposed, act fast to prevent rust from rain exposure. A budget-friendly approach is using online-purchased touch-up kits for DIY—steps like sanding smooth, applying primer, then color spray are manageable though time-consuming. However, manual repairs often result in color mismatch or unevenness, making a few hundred spent on machine-assisted spot repairs at quick-service shops more reliable. Especially for premium cars, visiting a 4S dealership ensures OEM color matching. Regular paint inspections during maintenance help detect issues early. Never procrastinate—minor damage can escalate, significantly increasing repair costs.
