What is the process for repairing paint scratches?
4 Answers
Paint scratch repair processes vary depending on the severity of the scratch, and can be addressed using products like polishing wax, soft wax, liquid wax, toothpaste, or touch-up paint pens. Here are the specific details: Minor scratches: Wipe the area twice with a damp towel, then apply wax directly. Even non-abrasive polishing wax works well. Visible scratches: First clean the paint surface, then use a soft towel dipped in toothpaste to rub back and forth, followed by wiping with a clean towel. After cleaning, apply wax and polish immediately, preferably using liquid wax or soft wax. Repeat if necessary. Scratches reaching the primer: After cleaning, use a touch-up paint pen (scratch repair pen) to cover the metal completely, let it dry, then apply wax and polish. Large areas with exposed primer: In such cases, repainting is recommended. If insurance considerations delay repairs, perform rust prevention (using toothpaste) first, then apply a layer of wax to repair as much as possible. Coarse wax with the largest abrasive particles or liquid wax can be used.
Last time my car got scratched by a tree branch, I tried to fix it myself. First, I lightly sanded the edges of the scratch with wet sandpaper to smooth out the burrs. Then, I applied putty to fill the depression, waited for it to dry completely, and finely sanded it smooth. After washing the car to remove dust, I applied the same-color touch-up paint pen in multiple layers, allowing each layer to dry for 10 minutes. I then lightly sprayed blending lacquer to connect the new and old paint surfaces. Finally, I used a polisher to wax and restore the shine. The whole process requires patience, as temperatures that are too high or too low can affect the results. DIY for minor scratches can save hundreds, but deep damage should be handled by a professional shop. Parking away from walls or tree trunks can help prevent such issues.
When I notice paint damage, I always take it to a professional shop. The technician will first wash the entire car and assess the scratch depth—surface scratches are directly polished out, while those exposing the primer require body panel repair first. The key lies in the painting process: surrounding areas are protected with masking film, a colorimeter matches the original factory color code, and then layered spraying is applied. Each layer is infrared-dried at 10-minute intervals. Finally, 2000-grit sandpaper is used to smooth the surface before applying glaze. The entire panel is treated without leaving blend lines, and this repair can last three to five years. A reminder: avoid washing the car or exposing it to rain for a few days after the repair to prevent affecting the paint film curing.
Minor scratch repairs are actually quite simple. My usual method is to apply toothpaste or polishing compound onto a sponge and gently buff the scratch in a circular motion. For shallow scratches, applying a layer of car wax can effectively conceal them, lasting for several months without issues. If it still bothers you, a quick visit to a repair shop for polishing costs less than a hundred. Daily precautions include: avoid using hard cloths when washing your car to prevent new scratches; apply wax or use a car cover to protect against UV damage; be extra cautious when parking in shopping mall garages, as shopping carts often scratch the rear bumper. Car paint is like a phone screen protector—minor scratches are normal.
