What are the methods for repairing car paint scratches?
4 Answers
Methods for repairing car paint scratches: 1. Light scratch repair: The repair method is very simple. Just use a compound to wipe along the scratch lines until the scratch disappears, then repeat with a fine compound and apply wax. 2. Minor scratch repair: Slightly deeper than light scratches but without exposing the metal surface. Simply dip a soft brush tip in paint and dab it on, then let it dry. 3. Deep scratch repair: Usually involves exposed metal, especially for thin and deep scratches. Use putty for repair. Sand the scratched area with sandpaper, being careful not to expand the damaged area. Ensure the scratched area is thoroughly cleaned. Apply the putty carefully to completely fill the gaps, then apply the compound and wax.
I often think about car paint scratch repair. For light scratches, it's simple to handle it myself: first, clean the surface with soapy water, avoiding rough materials to prevent further damage; then apply some specialized scratch wax or polishing compound, rubbing in circles with a soft cloth for a few minutes, and rinse clean. For moderate scratches that involve the paint layer, I've tried using touch-up pens, which cost just a few dozen yuan on Taobao—find the right color code for your car model, apply it thinly, wait for it to dry, and repeat a few times. Finally, wet sand with 1500-grit or finer sandpaper to smooth it out, then finish with wax. For deep scratches that reach the metal, professional treatment is needed: take it to a repair shop for sanding and repainting, costing a few hundred to a thousand yuan. Don’t just pick any tools—I recommend using a UV-curing pen for quick fixes. For daily prevention, avoid parking under trees with lots of falling fruit, and use warm water and a soft brush when washing to reduce scratches. Before starting, watch tutorials and don’t rush into scraping haphazardly.
I drive a lot, so fixing minor scratches at home saves time. After washing the car and drying it, check the depth of the scratches—use scratch repair paste on a cloth and rub lightly for shallow ones, then rinse off; for deeper ones, try a touch-up pen. You can buy a kit online for just a few dozen yuan, which includes sandpaper—apply the paint, let it dry, then lightly sand it smooth. DIY is all about saving money, so don’t overspend on tools; a basic kit for a few dozen yuan is enough. However, if the metal is exposed, it’s best to take it to a shop to avoid further damage. For daily protection, consider dust-proof film or a car cover, and park in a garage to reduce sun exposure. Work carefully—avoid doing it under direct sunlight on hot days, as it’s prone to failure. I usually do it on weekends when I have time. After each repair, apply some wax to protect the paint. Over the years, this has saved me a lot on maintenance costs.
If you find scratches on your car, start with the minor ones first. After washing the car thoroughly, use a soft cloth dipped in toothpaste to temporarily cover small scratches—don’t expect it to last long. For proper repair, buy dedicated scratch wax, polish for a few minutes, and then buff it clean. For deeper scratches, apply two coats of touch-up paint and wait for it to dry—avoid rushing and scraping aggressively. Cheap tools bought online will do the job. After the repair, wash your car regularly to prevent new scratches. If the primer is fully exposed, don’t force it—take it to a professional shop for safety. Simple fixes aren’t hard to learn.
