How to Repair Scratched Paint on an Electric Vehicle?
3 Answers
Depending on the severity of the collision or scratch, it can generally be divided into three levels. Here are the details: 1. Minor scratches on the body: Minor scratches usually affect only the surface layer of the paint and are not deep. These can be completely repaired by waxing without leaving any noticeable damage. 2. Damage to the body's topcoat: If the scratch is deeper, even partially removing the topcoat, but without damaging the primer or causing severe deformation, waxing can still restore the paint surface quite well. 3. Damage to the body's primer or deformation: If the vehicle is not white, observe the color of the scratch. If the scratch color differs from the vehicle's paint color, it indicates that the primer has been damaged. To repair this type of paint damage, the corresponding area's paint must be sanded off, followed by bodywork repair, and finally, repainting with all layers of paint.
Seeing the paint scratched off my electric car really stresses me out, as the exterior appearance is crucial. For minor scratches, you can try a touch-up pen, which is easy to buy online and simple to use: first, clean the damaged area with an alcohol wipe to remove dust, then gently apply the paint with the pen, letting it dry for an hour or two until it hardens. Electric car paint colors can be tricky to match, so note down the chassis number or paint code beforehand to find the right shade online and avoid mismatches. If the damage reaches the metal or involves large areas of paint loss, I’d advise against DIY fixes—especially near the battery to avoid damaging wiring—and recommend going to a professional repair shop for sanding and respraying, usually costing a few hundred bucks. Parking farther from curbs or installing door sill protectors can also reduce damage. Regular car washing and waxing can prevent paint aging and keep it looking shiny and new.
DIY scratch repair isn't actually difficult, I've handled it several times. The first step is assessing the damage: surface scratches can be fixed with touch-up paint, while deep paint chips require filler putty. Prepare gloves and masks - safety comes first. After cleaning the area, minor damage can be covered with paint; for more severe cases, sand it smooth first, apply filler, then finish with protective spray paint. For lightweight electric vehicle bodies, avoid strong solvents that might damage underlying layers. Ensure proper ventilation during drying, and color matching is crucial - check your vehicle manual for paint codes. If unsure, partial spray paint kits are a good option. For prevention, parking away from narrow spaces or applying anti-scratch tape can save trouble. Always do a small test first and prioritize personal protection before starting.
