How to Repair Car Door Scratches?

[AylaLee]

Methods for repairing car door scratches include: 1. For hairline scratches, simply use polishing or apply a rubbing compound to remove them; 2. For shallow scratches, applying toothpaste to the scratch is sufficient, as toothpaste is highly effective for minor scratches that haven't damaged the car's primer; 3. For small dents with a depth not exceeding 5mm, fill with putty to level the surface, then proceed with touch-up painting. If the scratch exposes bare metal, first clean the surface of any rust or welding residue, sand it smooth, apply a rust-preventing neutralizer, spray a primer, and repeat the painting, drying, and sanding process to complete the repair.

[GemmaLynn]

Speaking of car door scratches, I just dealt with a shallow one myself last week. If the scratch hasn't reached the primer and only the surface paint is affected, you can use toothpaste or scratch repair wax. Apply some toothpaste to a soft cloth and gently polish the scratched area in small circular motions. After rinsing with water, most fine scratches will fade. If the primer is exposed, don't panic—you can buy a touch-up kit online for just a few dozen yuan: first, use sandpaper with water to gently smooth out any rough edges, then apply filler of the same color to level the depression. Once dry, sand it with fine sandpaper and finally spray paint. Keep the spray can about 20 cm away and spray evenly in three thin coats for the most natural finish. However, if metal parts expose the primer, rust prevention should be a priority, while plastic bumpers aren't as urgent.

[MacLaura]

Dealing with car door scratches depends on the situation. I often remind my neighbors that superficial scratches like nail marks can be fixed by polishing a few times with repair wax and a sponge pad. For deeper scratches, a touch-up pen is needed—always match the color using the original factory color code under the door frame, never rely on guesswork. Cleaning is the first step before any repair; wipe off grease with alcohol before starting. Apply filler putty in thin layers, allowing at least half an hour to dry between coats. Shake spray cans for a full minute before use, hold the nozzle perpendicular to the door, and use short, sweeping sprays for even coverage. Avoid water contact for at least 48 hours after repair. If the scratch reaches the metal layer or has jagged edges, it's best to visit a professional paint shop—they have baking equipment to solve the problem permanently.

[VonJude]

When dealing with door scratches, I prioritize tool preparation. Test scratch depth by running your fingernail across it—if it catches, it's a deep scratch. For fine hairline scratches, a DA polisher with a finishing compound at a car detailing shop is most effective; DIY options include scratch repair creams containing abrasives. Moderate scratches require touch-up paint: use 2000-grit wet sandpaper for sanding, and apply body filler in three thin layers. When painting, shake the can for 30 seconds before spraying, and preheat the can if temperatures are below 15°C. Don’t delay fixing scratches on metal surfaces—apply rust-proof primer to exposed metal before color touch-up. Weekly waxing after repair helps prevent oxidation and color fading.

[OPaislee]

Last time when helping a novice driver deal with scratches, I mentioned that repair methods vary depending on the location. The flat surface of the door is the easiest to fix, while the edges and ridges are more challenging. Before touch-up painting, use masking tape to outline the repair area, and fold the tape at the edges to create a clean, hard line for a neat finish. The color difference after repair mainly depends on the clear coat layer. For cars with original pearl paint, you can purchase a two-component clear coat spray can. When repairing plastic parts, remember to use plastic primer; otherwise, the paint may peel off easily. For temporary treatment of deep scratches, a touch-up pen is recommended—though it may leave an orange peel texture, it prevents rust. The worst case I’ve seen was someone using a paint marker to outline the scratch, which ended up corroding the surrounding paint. If all else fails, consider applying a decorative car sticker as a temporary solution.