How to fix a car Scratch With Paint
It could happen to any of us: You're leaving work and notice that your car has a scratch in the side that was not there before. Depending on how deep the scratch is or how long it is, you might be able to repair it with some touch-up paint without repainting the entire side panel. Anyone can touch up a minor car scratch themselves; it just takes a little effort to have your ride looking nearly new again.
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Things You'll Need
- Vehicle touch-up paint
- Primer paint
- Body compound
- Soap (car safe)
- Fine-grain sandpaper
- Tape
- Newspaper
Instructions
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1
Find out if your car's paint is enameled or not. If it is enameled, it might not combine well with certain touch-up paints, and it might be best to have a professional repair it.
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2
Take your vehicle's VIN--vehicle identification number--to an auto parts store to find a touch-up paint color that specifically matches your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard on the driver's side. Purchase a light colored primer to use underneath the touch up paint. and it usually comes in a spray can. Also, buy a body compound to fill in the scratch if it is deep.
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3
Clean the scratch and the area around it with a soap that is safe to use on the car to remove any wax or debris from the surface.
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4
Sand the scratch with fine-grain sandpaper, and remove any particles left over. Tape newspaper around the scratch to protect the area around it, but leave enough space to work. Make sure the tape is safe to use on your car and will not peel the paint off.
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5
Apply body compound to the scratch with a plastic knife to avoid making more scratches. Let the compound harden, and sand the area. Clean away any dust.
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6
Cover the scratch with a small amount of primer paint, letting it dry overnight.
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7
Use the applicator brush provided to apply the touch-up paint, and let it dry overnight.
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