How to Repair a Small Scratch on the Car Paint?
3 Answers
This type of scratch can be completely removed through polishing. Here are the relevant details: 1. Smooth and glossy paint surface: Polishing utilizes the physical method of cutting, combined with abrasive compounds as the medium, to remove unevenness on the paint surface, thereby achieving a smooth and glossy finish. 2. Polishing: Polishing is a process that removes surface irregularities from the paint. To achieve a more even surface, a portion of the paint is removed, allowing the paint to reflect light at greater angles, making it appear shinier and brighter. Avoid frequent waxing, especially polishing. The number of times a car is polished should not exceed five, and waxing should also be done in moderation.
I enjoy working on my car myself. Last time, when there was a small scratch that didn't reach the metal, I dealt with it immediately: first, I cleaned off the dust and grease with dedicated car wash soap, dried it thoroughly with a soft cloth, and waited a few minutes until it was completely dry. Then, I bought a touch-up pen that matched the original car paint—the paint code can be found in the manual or by checking the VIN—and applied two light coats, waiting half an hour between each to let it dry and avoid clumping. Once dry, I gently smoothed it out with 2000-grit sandpaper dipped in water, and finally polished it with car wax to bring out the shine. The whole process took me just over an hour and cost less than 50 yuan, with results that were almost unnoticeable. Just a reminder: tools are easy to find at auto shops or online. DIY works well for shallow scratches, but if it's deep enough to expose bare metal for rust prevention, you should definitely take it to a professional.
From a car repair perspective, minor paint scratches require surface cleaning first: ensuring no water stains or grease is key, otherwise the touch-up paint may peel. Then choose the method: for shallow scratches, evenly applying a touch-up pen is sufficient, with color matching done via a test card; deeper scratches require a spray can, with masking tape needed to protect surrounding areas before operation. A toolkit including sandpaper and wax is essential—sanding followed by polishing restores the gloss. I recommend fixing scratches early; delaying or allowing moisture to penetrate can rust the metal, increasing repair difficulty and cost. Parking away from hedges can prevent most minor incidents. DIY fixes for small scratches save hundreds, but for major issues, don’t skimp—consult a technician directly.
