How to Repair Scratches That Expose the Primer on a Car?
3 Answers
If the scratch on the car body has exposed the primer, it should be repaired at a scratch repair shop as soon as possible to prevent rusting and corrosion of the surrounding paint. 1. Minor scratches, polish to restore: If there are minor scratches accidentally, the brightness of the car paint can be restored by polishing. Use a polishing wheel with a polishing brightener to remove debris and oxidation layers attached to the car paint, smoothing out the fine scratches. 2. Deeper scratches, apply touch-up paint: If there are deeper scratches, first check if the metal surface is exposed. If the metal surface is not visible, rust will not occur, and you can carefully apply touch-up paint, dotting it with the tip of a brush, then wait for the paint to dry completely. 3. Deep and thin scratches, use colored putty: For very deep and long scratches, colored putty can be used for effective repair. Use sandpaper on the scratched area, being careful not to expand the scratched surface unnecessarily. It is important to clean the dirt thoroughly. Apply the putty carefully to ensure it fully penetrates, then apply a compound and wax.
I also encountered a situation where the car paint was scratched down to the primer last time. As someone who frequently does DIY car repairs, let me share the DIY method. First, thoroughly clean the scratched area to ensure there’s no dust or grease. Then, gently sand the exposed primer with fine sandpaper, being careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the surrounding paint. Next, purchase a touch-up pen that matches your car’s color and carefully apply a layer, letting it dry naturally for a few hours. After drying, apply a layer of clear coat for protection, and finally, polish it evenly with wax to restore the finish. The entire process takes about half an hour to an hour and costs less than 50 yuan. However, be cautious—if the scratch is deep, covers a large area, or shows signs of metal rusting, it’s best to skip the DIY and go to a professional shop to avoid worsening the damage later. When parking, try to avoid branches or road barriers to reduce the risk of such scratches. Regular waxing to maintain the car’s paint is also crucial—it keeps the shine and protects against minor scratches.
I was devastated when a branch scratched my car's front bumper, exposing the primer! As a car enthusiast, my first move was to take photos with my phone for insurance purposes. I rushed to the car wash to clean the scratched area, preventing dirt from sticking. Then, I bought a simple touch-up paint pen, followed the instructions, applied a thin layer, and waited for it to dry. The color might not be a perfect match, but it's acceptable at a glance. If it looks too noticeable, I recommend visiting an auto detailing shop for a minor repair—they use spray guns for more precise work, costing around 200 RMB, hassle-free and with a warranty. Once, I delayed treatment, leading to rust spreading, which cost me much more to fix later. Now, I regularly check the paint during car washes and keep a small bottle of protective wax handy for quick touch-ups.
