What to Do When Car Paint Gets Scratched Off?

[DelRhett]

When car paint gets scratched off, the steps to take are: 1. Clean the scratched area thoroughly; 2. Soak sandpaper in water, wrap it with a hard cotton cloth, and then sand the scratched area smooth with the wrapped sandpaper; 3. Use prepared tape and cloth to cover areas that do not need touch-up paint; 4. Shake the touch-up paint bottle up and down to apply the paint. Methods for maintaining the car paint surface include: 1. Remove dust from the car body promptly to minimize the adsorption of dust by static electricity; 2. Rinse off rain stains with clean water as soon as possible after rain to avoid damaging the paint surface; 3. Avoid washing the car under direct sunlight or high temperatures; 4. Use clean, soft cloths or sponges for wiping the car to prevent mixing in metal shavings and sand particles, which could leave scratches.

[StGia]

It's quite common to accidentally scratch off car paint while driving, and I've encountered it several times myself. For minor scratches, you can buy a touch-up paint pen from an auto parts store as a temporary fix. First, clean the damaged area with a damp cloth, wait until it's completely dry, and then apply a few thin layers. If the area is large, don't attempt a DIY fix—especially if the bare metal is exposed, as it's prone to rust. Check for yellow spots during your next car wash. It's best to visit a professional auto repair shop as soon as possible. The workers will first sand down the rough edges, apply a rust-proof primer, then spray on the topcoat, and finally bake and polish it. The repair will be nearly invisible afterward. When parking, try to avoid being too close to hedges or bushes, as branches can severely scratch the car paint.

[SanJoy]

Last week my front bumper scraped against a wall corner, losing a nail-sized patch of paint. For an obsessive-compulsive like me, heading straight to the 4S dealership was inevitable. Their process is quite standardized: first assessing the damage depth - any exposed metal requires rustproofing treatment. Then the paint mixing room precisely matches colors based on the vehicle model and year. The spraying process involves three layers: primer, basecoat, and clearcoat, with each layer requiring baking in a paint booth. Modern high-temperature baking technology has significantly improved, achieving hardness nearly matching factory standards. However, special attention must be paid to the feathering transition at repair edges - novice technicians often create abrupt lines. Avoid car washes and highway driving for several days post-repair, as the new paint hasn't fully cured yet.

[Anthony]

The most annoying thing about scratched car paint is the color difference issue! Last time, I had a small scratch on my car door and opted for a cheap touch-up at a roadside shop, only to find it looked noticeably gray under sunlight. Original factory paint is baked at high temperatures, and touch-ups often can't reach the same temperature, leading to color discrepancies. If the damage is on a plastic bumper, it's less of a concern, but if it's on a metal part exposing the primer, you must fix it promptly to prevent rainwater from seeping in and causing rust from the inside. Lighter-colored paints are relatively easier to match, while pearlescent white or metallic paints are the hardest to replicate. Before touching up, ask the shop to test the color on the door frame with a color chart—natural light provides the most accurate comparison. After the touch-up, regular waxing can slow down the aging of the new paint. Avoid parking under air conditioner drain pipes—those water stains are a nightmare to clean.