What can be used to deal with scratched car paint?

[JasonLee]

There are several methods to deal with scratched car paint: 1. If the scratch results in paint loss, you can first use a touch-up pen to repair the paint, which can prevent the metal body panels from rusting. After a simple touch-up, it is recommended to go to a professional paint repair shop or a 4S store for further paint restoration. 2. If the scratch does not damage the primer, no treatment is needed because without primer damage, the metal cannot come into contact with air and moisture, thus preventing rust on the metal body panels. Below is some relevant information: 1. A car's paint surface consists of four layers, from the inside out: the electrocoat layer, the primer layer, the basecoat layer, and the clearcoat layer. After the entire body is assembled, it is immersed in an electrocoating bath, forming an electrocoat layer on the surface. 2. The main function of the electrocoat layer is rust prevention. After the electrocoat layer is formed, robots spray the primer layer, whose main function is also rust prevention. This layer is commonly referred to as the primer. The primer layer also enhances adhesion to the next paint layer. Above the primer layer is the basecoat layer, whose main function is aesthetics. The various car colors we see are produced by the basecoat layer. The outermost layer is the clearcoat layer, a transparent paint that protects the basecoat layer and enhances the gloss of the car's paint surface. Most fine scratches also remain on the clearcoat layer.

[LeMiguel]

When dealing with car paint scratches myself, I rely heavily on some DIY tools, most commonly touch-up pens and spray cans, which can be easily purchased online or at auto parts stores. First, clean the scratched area to ensure it's dry and dust-free, then gently sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Next, apply a suitable primer to prevent rust—this is especially important if the scratch is deep enough to expose bare metal. Then, use a touch-up pen or small spray can with paint that matches your car’s color, which can be identified using the vehicle’s VIN to find the original factory code. After the paint dries, lightly polish the area with rubbing compound to smooth the surface, and finally, apply wax for better protection. The whole process isn’t difficult but requires some patience, costing around 100 yuan, making it ideal for hands-on people like me while also preventing rust issues. I regularly check my car’s paint and fix minor scratches promptly to prevent them from worsening.

[OAva]

To deal with car paint scratches, I prefer affordable and practical methods. Buying a touch-up paint pen for just a dozen or twenty bucks works great, especially for small areas of paint loss—just clean the scratch and apply it directly. If you don't have a touch-up pen, clear nail polish or rust-proof glue can serve as a temporary fix to prevent rainwater from seeping in and causing rust. For an even lower budget, covering the scratch with a creative decal or car sticker is also a clever solution. When doing DIY repairs, remember to choose a sunny day, ensure the surface is clean, and apply multiple thin coats for better results than a single thick one. Professional spray painting can cost over a thousand, so handling it yourself saves a lot, but for deep scratches that expose the primer, it's best to check for rust prevention first. Regular waxing during car washes can help reduce new scratches.

[DiSawyer]

The key to dealing with scratched car paint is preventing rust and corrosion, so immediate action is crucial. For minor paint chips, simply applying a touch-up pen will suffice. However, if bare metal is exposed, it must first be covered with rust-proof primer—car-specific rust inhibitors in spray cans are available online for quick application. Clean the scratch, apply the rust-proof paint, let it dry, and then apply the color coat. If you lack the tools, head to a professional shop promptly; spending a little now can save you from much costlier repairs later. With years of driving experience, I've seen cases where neglect led to rust-through. Adding a protective coating during regular maintenance can prevent such issues.