What is the process for repairing paint scratches?

[MaddoxLee]

The process for repairing paint scratches can be handled using products like gloss wax, soft wax, liquid wax, or even toothpaste. Here are the detailed steps: For minor scratches: Wipe the area twice with a damp cloth and then apply wax directly. Even gloss wax without abrasives can yield good results. For visible scratches: First, clean the paint surface, then use a soft cloth dampened with toothpaste to rub back and forth, followed by wiping it off with a clean cloth. After cleaning, apply wax and polish immediately. Liquid wax or soft wax is recommended—repeat if necessary. For scratches that reach the primer: After cleaning, use a touch-up pen (scratch repair pen) to cover the exposed metal completely. Let it dry before applying wax and polishing. For large areas with exposed primer: A full repaint is recommended. If insurance concerns delay repairs, perform rust prevention (using toothpaste) first, then apply a layer of wax to fix what you can. In this case, choose coarse wax with the largest abrasive particles or liquid wax.

[LaLilah]

I just finished dealing with scratches on my car, and the process is actually quite meticulous. First, use a cleaning wax to thoroughly wipe the area around the scratches, otherwise dust getting mixed in would make the effort pointless. For shallow scratches, you can lightly wet-sand them with 2000-grit sandpaper, using a touch as gentle as petting a kitten. Once the scratches become less noticeable, apply coarse wax with a polisher, and the paint will gradually regain its shine. Finally, apply a sealant for protection. My white Civic had a branch scratch last time, and it took me half an hour to smooth it out. Remember not to wash the car for three days after finishing, allowing the protective layer to fully cure. If the scratch reaches the primer and exposes bare metal, it's best to take it to a professional shop for repainting, as DIY fixes could lead to rust.

[Stuart]

Last week my neighbor asked me how to repair scratches, and I told him it depends on the severity. For superficial hairline scratches, just use a polishing compound and buff them out by hand. For slightly deeper ones, a touch-up pen is needed: first clean the scratched area thoroughly, mask the surrounding area with painter's tape like you're performing surgery. Then apply three or four thin coats of paint, letting each layer dry for about ten minutes. Finally, lightly sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper and water, then polish. When I fixed scratches from my garage door, I found that the paint color must be matched precisely, otherwise it looks patched. Weather is also crucial—high humidity on rainy days can cause the paint to turn milky. This kind of DIY repair can last two or three years, which is still better than leaving the primer exposed.

[BradyMarie]

That day when dropping off my child at school, I noticed a white mark on the car door. The mechanic said it's called a clear coat scratch. The key to repair lies in sanding, using three types of sandpaper from coarse to fine, finishing with 3000-grit paper to gently polish it like jade. As he worked, he explained: if the scratch is deeper than a hair strand, it requires filler putty for repair. After it dries, spray matching paint and then bake it for five minutes under an infrared lamp. The whole process took less than an hour and cost 300 yuan. Later, I learned to keep an original touch-up paint pen handy for emergencies—just dab it a few times for minor scratches, avoiding frequent trips to the repair shop. However, the effect of professional paint baking is indeed long-lasting, with no fading even after five years.