What is the best way to repair car paint scratches?
3 Answers
The main methods for repairing car paint scratches are as follows: 1. Use a car paint scratch repair agent, which can quickly repair the damaged part of the paint, but it is only suitable for minor scratches. 2. Use toothpaste to repair the scratches. Toothpaste has a polishing function, which is equivalent to applying a layer of wax to the car, providing a good repair effect. However, toothpaste can only be used for minor scratches. 3. Use a touch-up pen to cover the scratches, making them less noticeable. However, the result is not as good as the original factory paint, and the durability is also inferior. It is only suitable for local touch-ups.
I'm a DIY car enthusiast. When I got a small scratch on my car paint before, I tried using a touch-up pen directly. First, I cleaned the scratch with a wet cloth, sprayed some alcohol for disinfection, waited for it to dry, and then applied the touch-up paint, making sure it matched the original car color to avoid looking more obvious. After applying, I let it dry for a day, then gently smoothed it with fine sandpaper, and finally polished it with some car wax. The result was decent, but it only works for shallow scratches; deeper ones will show the primer. I recommend beginners start with a kit, like those pens that come with clear coat, costing just a few dozen bucks. However, for larger scratches or structural damage, it's better to go to a professional shop—DIY can leave imperfections and waste time. Always drive carefully, avoid parking too close to walls, and regularly wash and wax your car to prevent scratches.
I've had a car for over ten years, and scratches are common. The success of repairs depends entirely on the depth of the scratches. For shallow scratches, I just use repair wax—clean the surface first, making sure it's free of moisture, then apply the wax with a soft cloth, rubbing in circles until it heats up. Wait a few minutes before wiping it off, and it looks as good as new, saving both time and money. For deeper scratches that expose the primer, don't attempt DIY fixes. I once tested the depth by scraping with a fingernail—if it shows white, it means a professional paint job is needed, costing anywhere from a hundred to several hundred yuan at a shop, with long-lasting results and no damage to the paint. The key is to address it promptly; otherwise, rainwater can seep in and cause rust, making repairs much harder. When choosing a repair method, consider the car's age and value—minor scratches on an old car can be ignored, but for a new car, it's best to fix them properly for safety and aesthetics.
