5 Easy Ways to Repair Car Scratches Like a Pro

Vehicles often get scratches for various reasons, whether self-inflicted or caused by others. Repairing them at an auto shop is expensive, and new scratches appear soon after, so many owners simply leave them. However, with a few simple methods, you can easily remove scratches yourself without going to a repair shop. Here’s how to beautify and fix these small imperfections!

To repair deep scratches, first check their severity. If they are shallow and haven’t damaged the primer, you can sand them with sandpaper or abrasive paste, then polish the area. If the scratches are deeper or have hurt the primer, you may need to use spray paint to repair them.

Tiny scratches

First aid products: fine wax, coarse wax

Minor scratches only affect the topcoat and can be repaired by waxing. First, wipe in a straight line with a mixture, then apply coarse wax followed by fine wax, working from the inside out in the same direction to remove most scratches. A more cost-effective method is to use toothpaste: gently apply it to the scratch and wipe with a soft cotton cloth in a counterclockwise motion. After a few passes, scratches are reduced and the paint is protected from further damage. And the good thing about toothpaste is that this material can be found in almost everyone’s home. Simply follow the steps below to easily remove car scratches.

1. Wash the scratched area with water and dry it while removing any dirt or dust

2. Squeeze toothpaste on the scratches on your vehicle

3. Use a sponge to gently rub back and forth on the scratches

4. Rinse it off with water

5. Dry it with a cloth

Scratches that have dropped the primer

First aid products: fine wax, paint refinishing pens

Paint refinishing pens can be used for slightly larger scratches to save the day. Paint refill pens are available at most auto stores. After providing your car model and official color name, you can buy a matching pen, usually costing around 40–50 yuan. Before use, shake the pen well. Like applying nail polish, you can add some thinner to help the paint spray smoothly. Carefully spray the damaged area, let it dry, then apply fine wax for a better finish.

Scratches that have seen the primer

First aid products: mark removal and rust inhibitor, self-spray paint

For serious scratches that expose the primer, check the affected part. Bumpers, mirrors, and plastic wheel arches won’t rust, so repainting depends on the owner’s preference. But if the damage is on metal body parts, repainting is necessary to prevent rust. Even a small break can cause rust that’s hard to fix later. Car owners should wash and dry the car first, apply rust remover to the scratch, wait 10–15 minutes, then wipe it off with tissue to stop further rusting.

Scratch and dent treatment

First aid products: dent repair technology

If a collision leaves scratches and dents on the car surface without peeling or paint loss, you can achieve perfect repairs using dent repair technology. This process usually takes about 20–40 minutes, cuts costs by around 50% compared to traditional sheet metal and painting, and prevents deformation or fading. To repair dents, you mainly use a pry bar to push the recessed steel plate outward from the inside. This technique requires delicate, gradual adjustments. Then, you use a rubber hammer to gently tap from the outside toward the inside to restore the overall shape. Finally, you use a pencil-like tool to fine-tune and remove any small raised marks on the surface.

How to deal with bumper scars

First aid products: special chemical compounds

If the bumper is only lightly scratched, it may not be a big problem, but a bumper full of scars looks unsightly and needs repair. Car owners can use a special chemical composite agent to fix it easily. First, cut off the burrs on the bumper with a knife and smooth the surface. Then, apply putty to the damaged areas to even them out. Mix putty close in color to the bumper by combining the gray base agent and hardener. Use a scraper to apply the putty, pressing it firmly into the scratches. After letting the putty harden for 2–3 hours, sand it with water sandpaper. One week later, you can spray paint to finish the repair.

Be a Diligent and Responsible Car Owner

You have probably spent thousands of dollars on your car. Therefore, it is all the more important for you to take care of your car to ensure that it always remains beautiful and shiny. Hopefully, the methods shared above will make it simple for you to fix the scratches on your car and restore your car to its former glory.

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