How to Simply Deal with Car Scratches?
1 Answers
Scratches on the car surface, whether deep or shallow, are common occurrences. The distinction between deep and shallow scratches is based on whether the primer is exposed. If the primer is visible, it is considered a deep scratch; otherwise, it is a shallow scratch. Deep scratches can lead to rust formation on the exposed metal, which can spread to the edges of the scratch, increasing the difficulty of repair. The basic methods for repairing paint scratches are as follows: 1. Minor scratches: Emergency products include fine wax and coarse wax. Minor scratches affect only the top layer of the paint and can be completely repaired by waxing. Use a compound, applying it in straight lines, followed by waxing—first coarse wax, then fine wax, moving from the inside out in the same direction. This can largely remove minor scratches. Another cost-effective method is using toothpaste. Apply it gently to the shallow scratch and wipe it off with a soft cloth in a counterclockwise motion. Repeating this process several times can reduce the scratch and prevent air from damaging the paint. 2. Scratches without exposed primer: Emergency products: fine wax and touch-up paint. For slightly larger scratches, a touch-up pen can be used as a quick fix. These pens are available at most auto shops. Provide your car model and official color name to get the right shade. Apply the touch-up paint like nail polish, adding a bit of thinner to the pen for smoother application. After the touch-up paint dries, apply fine wax. 3. Scratches with exposed primer: Emergency products: rust remover and spray paint. For more severe scratches where the primer is visible, the location of the damage matters. Bumpers, mirrors, and some wheel arches are made of engineering plastic and won’t rust, so repairs are optional. However, if these deep scratches appear on other parts of the car body, repainting is necessary to prevent rust, even on small damages. Wash and dry the car, apply rust remover to the scratch, wait 10–15 minutes, then wipe it off with a tissue to prevent further rusting.
