What are the methods for repairing car scratches?
4 Answers
Here are the methods for repairing car scratches: 1. If it's just a minor scratch on the car paint, you can use toothpaste to repair the scratch. 2. If the paint is deeply scratched, you can use polishing and waxing to restore the paint. 3. If the scratched area is large, then the only option is to repaint the area. 4. Car paint has excellent properties such as resistance to acid rain, high temperatures, UV rays, static electricity, dust, and corrosion. Unless there is a severe scratch or a traffic accident, repainting is not necessary, and it is easy to repair if the primer is not damaged. 5. For comprehensive protection of your car, you can choose a paint protection film (PPF). PPF is a thermoplastic polyurethane film containing UV-resistant polymers, anti-yellowing properties, and super toughness. It is wear-resistant, does not yellow, is easy to apply, resists collisions, and isolates the car paint from the air after application, protecting against acid rain and oxidation. The key benefit is that it can resist scratches of varying degrees.
When I first scratched my new car last year, I was quite nervous, but I tried fixing it myself with simple and cost-effective methods. For minor scratches like small surface marks, just rubbing them a few times with scratch wax can fade them away. For moderate scratches that expose the primer, using a touch-up paint pen works well—first lightly sand the uneven surface with sandpaper, clean it, then dab on the paint. Once dry, polish it, and it’ll be barely noticeable. For severe damage like dents, it’s best not to DIY. As for tools, a basic kit including sandpaper, wax, and a pen can be bought online for just a few dozen yuan. Keep the car surface clean and dry while working to avoid secondary damage. After the repair, apply a layer of car wax for protection, which can maintain the effect for several months. The key is patience—start with light repairs and gradually tackle deeper issues, and you’ll get the hang of it after a few tries.
My old car has been scratched multiple times, and each time it was repaired at a professional shop. The first step they take is to assess the depth of the scratches: light ones can be fixed with machine polishing, taking just about ten minutes; deeper ones that expose the bare metal require partial repainting, where color matching is crucial—it's not just about the surface appearance. The process includes sanding the entire area, rust removal, applying primer, topcoat, and a clear coat, followed by baking to strengthen the finish. The advantages are durability, resistance to fading, seamless color blending, and no traces left behind like with DIY repairs. Costs range from a few hundred to several thousand, and it takes one to two days. It's recommended to choose a reputable shop and discuss the expected results and guarantees beforehand. Although professional repairs are more expensive, they provide better long-term protection for the car body.
When dealing with car scratches, cost-effectiveness should be considered. DIY methods like using scratch wax or touch-up paint cost only a few dozen yuan in materials and take about half an hour to complete, making them suitable for minor issues or tight budgets. However, the results are temporary and may recur after six months. Professional spray painting starts at a few hundred yuan per session, comes with a warranty of several years, and saves time and effort. My suggestion: fix shallow scratches yourself to save money; for deep scratches exposing bare metal, always seek professional help to prevent rust and car depreciation. From a maintenance perspective, regular waxing after repairs can extend the lifespan. In short, don't sacrifice quality for cheap solutions.
