What to Do If the Car Paint Gets Scratched?
4 Answers
The solutions for scratched car paint are: 1. For scratches that haven't damaged the primer, you can use a touch-up pen and then polish and wax the area; 2. For deeper scratches that reach the primer, it's recommended to visit a professional repair shop to determine if repainting or panel beating is needed; 3. For shallow scratches on the surface paint, you can use a compound. Apply it in straight lines until the scratch disappears, then use a finer compound and wax the area; 4. Use ordinary toothpaste by gently applying it in circular motions on the scratch. Reapply after rain or car washing to reduce the scratch mark and provide a simple protective layer to prevent rust.
When I first bought my car, I also encountered this issue and was almost heartbroken. Actually, it depends on the depth of the scratch. For superficial ones, you can try rubbing hard with a wet towel—sometimes it's just dirt. If the base coat is really exposed, don't panic. If you want to DIY, you can buy a touch-up pen online that matches your car's color. The steps are simple: clean the scratched area, let it dry, then apply the paint along the scratch and wait for it to dry. However, DIY touch-ups can easily result in color mismatch. If it's a new car or you're particular about appearance, I recommend taking it to a professional paint shop. They use professional equipment to mix and spray the paint, achieving a result almost identical to the factory finish. Also, try not to park too close to trees when parking—branches are the most common cause of paint scratches, and prolonged outdoor parking can accelerate paint aging.
Last time my car got scratched, I took it to the repair shop for inspection and learned there are several scenarios. If only the car wrap or clear coat is scratched, polishing can restore the shine, which is the lowest cost option. However, if the base paint layer is damaged, it requires spot repainting—sanding down the affected area, respraying, and then drying. The most severe case is when the primer is exposed, necessitating a full panel repaint to prevent rust. The cost of paint repair depends on the area and technique, with minor scratches costing a few hundred yuan, while larger ones may run into thousands. It's best to wax your car regularly as a protective layer can reduce the chance of scratches. When driving, keep a safe distance from motorcycles and electric bikes, as they can easily cause scratches.
Don't rush to deal with scratched car paint, assess the situation first. For shallow scratches, there's no need to worry about rust - just rub them gently with toothpaste on a damp cloth and they'll become invisible. For deeper scratches, I usually use a touch-up pen as a temporary fix, though the results aren't ideal. A friend recommended using decorative car stickers to cover them, which is both economical and adds personality. Remember to contact your insurance company before repairs - small scratches aren't worth claiming for, but extensive damage may be covered. The key is to protect metal parts from rust, especially by drying them after rain. If parking outdoors, it's best to use a car cover to prevent bird droppings from corroding the paint.
