How To Repair A Car Scratch

It is quite maddening when you walk up to your car while in a parking lot and notice that in the brief time you were gone, someone managed to scratch your beautiful car!  Want to fix those scratches before they become rust spots, or maybe you just can’t stand having the scratches on your car?  Here are some tips that we have used successfully in the past that should help you out.

1)  The most important thing is to find the exact paint color match.  One way to do this is to take your VIN number to an auto shop so they can set you up with the correct paint.  While you are there, be sure to ask if your vehicle’s paint is enamel-based.  If it is, get the right kind of primer too.

2)  Wash the scratched area with appropriate car-wash fluid and dry with a clean, soft cloth.  Cotton is best. 

3)  Keep in mind that nobody can actually “remove” a scratch, but instead we sanding down the paint that surrounds it until the two areas are even.  Sand the area with a 2000 grit sandpaper, higher if you want (you can find this at almost any auto parts store).  It helps to make the sandpaper slightly wet.  Use light, short strokes and be careful not to sand too far.  We prefer to go along the length of the scratch.  Very delicately, brush away all of the dust from your sanding activity.  Be sure the brush is soft.  You might even need to wash the area off again with water. 

4)  Carefully spray primer onto the scratch the day before you plan on doing the paint.  Don't let primer get on any other part of the car.  Let it dry overnight.

5)  You can either spray the affected area with the touch-up paint you picked up earlier, or you can even try a tiny paintbrush to apply a little bit of paint.   Of course, the last step is to let it dry completely.

6)  If you are satisfied with the results, it would be best to seal the paint job with car wax.

That's it!  Hopefully you won't be able to see any evidence of that horrible scratch.