Is It Necessary to Repair Paint When the Primer Is Exposed?

[SanAlexa]

It is best to repair the exposed primer as soon as possible. When the metal surface is exposed to air, it oxidizes and rusts. Most car body panels are relatively thin, and prolonged exposure can lead to rust penetration, causing more significant damage to the vehicle. If the area of exposed primer is small, you can purchase matching spray paint for your car from the market. However, if the area is large or the spray paint cannot cover it adequately, professional repair is required. It is also essential to choose a qualified and technically proficient auto body shop for paint repair. Without skilled painters or a dust-free high-temperature paint booth, satisfactory results cannot be achieved. Methods for car paint repair include using a touch-up pen and computer-mixed paint spraying. Using a Touch-Up Pen: A touch-up pen can handle minor scratches. If the rust is not severe, you can first use very fine wet sandpaper dipped in water to gently remove the rust spots. Avoid sanding randomly—always sand in straight, uniform strokes. After thoroughly cleaning the area, apply a layer of primer. Computer-Mixed Paint Spraying: Computer-mixed paint ensures precise color matching and high adhesion. After repair, the paint surface is less likely to peel due to air exposure, resulting in a better repair effect.

[VonSebastian]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've seen many friends regret neglecting minor scratches that expose the primer. Once the paint is broken down to bare metal, the exposed area becomes vulnerable to rust when exposed to rain or humidity. Rust spots can gradually spread, turning a small issue into a major problem. In coastal areas, for instance, salt accelerates corrosion, and rust can penetrate deep into the panel within months, requiring costly panel replacement during repairs—doubling the expense. I recommend promptly visiting a reliable repair shop for touch-up paint. Minor damage can be fixed for a few hundred bucks at a dealership or chain quick-service shop, with precise color matching and quality results. Don't skimp on these small costs now, or you'll pay much more later. The key to maintaining your car's body is addressing minor damage promptly to preserve overall health and resale value.

[MacSimon]

When I first bought my car, I also encountered scratches that exposed the primer, feeling heartbroken about the new car and reluctant to spend money on repairs. But after checking online, I found that if left untreated, the risk of rust is high, especially during the rainy season in the south where moisture is heavy, and the metal can easily corrode, making repair costs even higher. Eventually, I gritted my teeth and spent over 400 yuan at a quick repair shop to fix a small area, and the color match was quite good. If insurance covers it, you can claim a portion. Although DIY touch-up pens are cheap, they are not recommended for beginners as they can easily make a mess. In short, from a long-term perspective, repairing the paint is more cost-effective than ignoring it, whether it's a new or old car—maintaining appearance and preventing rust. Don't underestimate small damages; over time, they can become big troubles.

[EmmanuelRose]

Bare metal exposed? Don't delay, fix it now. Unprotected metal areas will rust when exposed to water and contaminants. Rust requires grinding or replacement, increasing costs. We've seen many car owners pay dearly for neglecting small issues - rust-through makes repairs far more difficult. Best visit a professional shop for paintwork. Small jobs cost a few hundred bucks with precise color matching and anti-corrosion protection. Don't wait until major problems emerge.