Fixing An Automotive Paint Scratch Yourself At Home

It is always disappointing when an inconsiderate person allows their shopping cart get away from them and scratch your car's paint. The good news is that you can either fix the paint scratch yourself at home or inexpensively have your local automotive paint and body shop to do the paint repair for you.

If you would like to fix your car's scratch, then you can purchase a paint touch-up kit at your local auto parts store. While the exact procedure to fix the scratch will depend upon the kit that you purchase, the general process is as follows:

Prepare the Metal for New Paint Adherence

Using the sanding stick provided in the paint touch-up kit, sand the metal inside the center of the scratched area. Bare metal will oxidize and rust, and this will prevent the new paint from adhering to the metal. If the new paint does not adhere well, then your scratch repair will eventually fail.

When the metal is visible and all of the oxidization has been removed, then rub the area with a tacky cloth to remove any surface dust or dirt.

Apply the Touch-Up Paint to the Scratch

Once the scratch is sanded and cleaned, apply the touch-up paint to the scratched area. Start in the center of the scratch and build up the paint in layers until it is flush with the old paint. Allow the paint to dry between layers, following the instructions on the packaging.

Sand the New Paint Flush with the Old Paint

Once the new paint has had time to adequately dry, then you need to sand the paint so that it is flat and completely flush with the old paint on your car. Use a special wet and dry sandpaper that you can purchase at your local auto supply or hardware store. Use a very small grit sandpaper to prevent scratching the surrounding paint, and use it wet by dipping it into clean water before using it. When you are finished sanding, then wipe down the area once again with the tacky cloth.

Clear Coat Seal the New Paint

Once the touch-up paint has been sanded, then apply the clear coat sealant contained in your scratch repair kit according to its instructions. Try not to apply the clear coat too thickly, as this will lead to an area which will appear raised in the sunshine.

Wash and Wax Your Car Using a Paste Wax

Finally, once the clear coat layer of paint has had plenty of time to dry, then you should wash and wax your car. To best protect the newly painted area, you should use a high-quality, paste-style car wax. Apply the wax according to the manufacturer's instructions and the area you repaired should be unnoticeable. 

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