Where to Repair Car Paint Scratches?
2 Answers
You can go to a paint touch-up center that offers quick scratch repair services. Alternatively, car beauty shops, repair shops, or 4S stores are also viable options. The methods for handling scratches are as follows: 1. Hairline Scratches: For hairline scratches, polishing or applying a rubbing compound is usually sufficient to remove them. A gentle wipe is often enough to make the hairline scratches disappear. 2. Light Scratches: For light scratches, just a tube of toothpaste is needed. Toothpaste is highly effective for shallow scratches that haven't damaged the car's primer. It works particularly well on marks left by other vehicles' paint during minor collisions or residues from sticky products like adhesive tapes, most of which can be completely wiped away. 3. Moderate to Deep Scratches: Moderate and deep scratches cannot be repaired by rubbing. For small dents with a depth not exceeding 5mm, filling with putty to level the surface followed by paint touch-up is recommended.
Last time my car got scratched by a tree branch, which was quite distressing. First, I checked the depth of the scratch. For shallow ones that don’t expose the primer, a touch-up pen bought from Taobao can do the trick—just match the color code to your car model. If unsure about the depth, try scraping across it with your fingernail; if it catches, it’s time to visit a professional shop. Nowadays, many quick repair chains like Tuhu are quite convenient, offering scratch repairs starting at 200 RMB with appointment options, which is 30-40% cheaper than dealerships. For new or luxury cars, it’s safer to go to a dealership for original paint, as the color match is best, even if it’s more expensive. My neighbor tried to save money by going to a roadside stall for a paint job, and it started bubbling within six months. So, it’s important to check if the repair shop’s paint booth meets standards—UV light curing is much more durable than air drying.
