Should I repaint the scratches on my new car door?
3 Answers
The decision to repaint depends on the severity of the scratches. Here are specific recommendations regarding repainting: 1. Minor damage: It's unavoidable that some hard objects may scratch the car paint during daily use. For such minor damage, besides passive acceptance, you can take preventive measures. Applying wax every 1-2 months or installing wear-resistant patches on frequently affected areas can help prevent minor scratches to some extent. 2. Light damage: In most cases, the scratches on the paint surface are clearly visible. For this situation, it's recommended to use a touch-up pen for treatment. 3. Moderate damage: When the paint shows obvious peeling, exposing the primer, immediate action is necessary. Repainting should be done as soon as possible to prevent the exposed steel plate from rusting due to rain or other factors.
Whether scratches on a new car door need immediate paint repair depends on their depth. If only the clear coat is damaged and the surface feels smooth without dents, you can try polishing with scratch wax first. If the base coat or even the metal is exposed, it's best to repaint as soon as possible to prevent rust. Last time my new car got scratched, I ignored it, and rainwater seeped in, causing a small rust spot—ending up costing more for a full respray. It's recommended to keep the original factory paint intact for the first two years of a new car; later, when there are more scratches, it's more cost-effective to repair them all at once.
New car scratches can be heartbreaking, but touch-up paint depends on the situation. If the fine scratches are only visible under sunlight, there's no need to treat them at all - the factory paint on a new car is of the highest quality, and touch-ups may result in noticeable color differences. For scratches that reveal the white primer, it's recommended to visit a professional shop for spot painting, as using a touch-up pen yourself can easily result in patchy applications. If the metal layer is already exposed, don't hesitate to get it repaired immediately, otherwise prolonged exposure may lead to rusting and more serious issues. Car paint is like a new phone screen - scratches hurt the most in the first year, but after a few years you'll become numb to them.
