What to Do If the Car Paint Gets Scratched?
2 Answers
For minor scratches on a car, they can be repaired by waxing. If the scratch has reached the body paint and some of it has peeled off, you can try to repair it by touching up the paint yourself. If the scratch has damaged the car's primer or even caused deformation, the paint on the corresponding area needs to be sanded off, followed by body repair, and finally, repainting with various layers of paint. Before repairing any paint scratches, the car body should be cleaned thoroughly to avoid new damage caused by dust and sand particles during the repair process. For fine scratches on the paint, toothpaste can be used for repair. Apply toothpaste to a cleaning cloth, dampen it, and gently rub the scratched area repeatedly to remove small scratches. The fine particles in toothpaste, similar to protecting teeth, can provide some repair and protection to the car paint. For larger scratches, a touch-up pen can be used. Before using it, shake the touch-up pen back and forth, apply it to the scratched area, carefully cover the area that needs repair, and after the touch-up dries, apply a layer of wax to make the paint shine like new, just like a brand-new car.
Having driven for over 20 years, I've encountered paint scratches far too often, usually caused by tree branches or minor bumps while parking. For light scratches, you can handle them yourself: clean the surface with car wash soap, let it air dry, then gently sand the scratched area with fine sandpaper. Next, apply a touch-up pen matching the original color, and finally polish it with a rubbing compound. Don't delay when deep scratches expose the primer, as this can lead to rust and body damage—take it to a professional auto shop for touch-up or repainting. I recommend regular waxing to protect the paint and parking away from narrow lanes or cluttered areas whenever possible. DIY fixes may save money, but lacking proper tools can leave imperfections; if you can't manage it, expect to spend a few hundred to over a thousand for professional repair. Take your time with the process—proceeding step by step is the reliable way to avoid further damaging the paint.
