How to Use Touch-Up Paint on Big Scratches

Big scratches are unsightly and can allow moisture to penetrate the paint, causing rust and deterioration. Small scratches are simple to touch up since the repairs are not very noticeable, but large scratches might stand out much more. Use touch-up paint on big scratches and make the repair blend with the original paint, giving the car a more professional finish. Touch-up paint that matches your car can be found at dealerships and on the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Red scuff pad
• Gray scuff pad
• Touch-up paint
• Hobby brush
• Clear coat touch-up paint
• Car polish
• Cotton towel

Instructions

1. Use a red scuff pad, which are medium grade, to carefully scuff the metal in the scratch and along the very edges of the scratch. This smooths the edge where the paint has been scraped off and prepares the bare metal surface for paint.

2. Apply the touch-up paint on the scratch using a medium-size hobby paint brush, moving the brush along from one end of the scratch to the other, not side to side. The higher quality the brush, the better the end result will be. A higher quality brush does not leave brush marks as easily as cheaper, stiff brushes. Use thin coats so the paint does not run. Paint a total of three coats, letting each coat dry for 30 minutes before applying the next.

3. Scuff the dried touch-up paint using a gray scuff pad. Gently rub the area on and around the repaired scratch. Don't scuff hard enough to damage the new paint. The area may become slightly dull.

4. Apply three coats of clear coat touch-up paint over the area, waiting only a few minutes between each coat. Let the final coat dry for five hours.

5. Polish the area on and around the repaired scratch using car polish and cotton towel. Apply a quarter-size amount of polish to the towel and buff the area using small, circular motions. This will bring a shine to the surface and help blend in the new touch-up paint. For best results, polish the entire car.