Car scratches are an unavoidable reality of vehicle ownership. Whether caused by shopping trolleys, flying pebbles, or the carelessness of others, chips and scratches can make your car look worn. Fortunately, touch-up paint offers a cost-effective and straightforward way to restore your car’s appearance without a trip to the body shop.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process for fixing scratches of all sizes, from shallow scuffs to deeper damage, using touch-up paint.
When Should You Use Touch-Up Paint?
Touch-up paint is a great solution when scratches go deeper than your car’s clear coat. Here’s how to assess the damage:
- For shallow scratches: If your finger doesn’t catch on the scratch, it’s likely only on the clear coat. Paint correction, rather than touch-up paint, may be sufficient.
- For deeper scratches: If your finger catches, the scratch has likely gone through the paint. This is where touch-up paint comes in.
For small areas, a touch-up paint pen works well, but for larger surface damage, you’ll need a more comprehensive approach.
How to Fix Small Scratches with a Touch-Up Paint Pen
Tools You’ll Need
- Touch-up paint pen
- Car wash soap
- Microfibre towels
- Clay bar
- 3,000-grit sandpaper
- Clear coat
Step-by-Step Process
1. Clean the Area
Wash the scratched area thoroughly with car wash soap and dry it with a microfibre towel.
2. Prep the Scratch
Use the pen’s abrasive tip or 3,000-grit sandpaper to remove any dirt or contaminants from the scratch.
3. Apply the Paint
Start at the top of the scratch and carefully apply the paint in thin layers. Let each layer dry according to the instructions.
4. Let It Dry
Ensure the paint dries completely between layers. Drying time will vary based on weather conditions and paint type.
5. Apply Clear Coat
If your paint pen doesn’t include a clear coat, apply a separate layer of clear coat to protect the paint and enhance its shine.
Fixing Larger Surface Areas with Touch-Up Paint
For bigger scratches or chipped paint covering a significant area, you’ll need more equipment and a slightly more detailed process.
What You’ll Need
- Touch-up paint
- Spray gun
- Clear coat
- Primer
- Orbital sander
- Clay bar
- Microfibre towels
- Car wash soap
- Rubbing alcohol
Step-by-Step Process
1. Wash and Sand the Area
Start by cleaning the area with car wash soap and a microfibre towel. Use progressively finer sandpaper (80-grit, 180-grit, and 320-grit) to remove old paint and prepare the surface.
2. Remove Rust
Check for rust. Sand away any discolouration, or use a clay bar to remove contaminants.
3. Degrease the Surface
Use rubbing alcohol to remove grease and wax, then clean the area with soap and water again.
4. Find Your Car’s Paint Code
Locate the paint code in the door jam or near the VIN. If it’s not visible, search online for your car’s model and colour.
5. Apply Primer
Apply 2–3 thin coats of primer using a spray gun, allowing each coat to dry before the next.
6. Apply Touch-Up Paint
Use a needle, syringe, or spray gun to apply 2–3 layers of paint, ensuring each layer dries fully before adding the next.
7. Finish with a Clear Coat
Apply thin layers of clear coat for protection and shine. A spray gun set to low pressure can help ensure an even application.
8. Polish the Car
Wait a few days for the paint and clear coat to harden, then polish the surface to blend the touched-up area with the rest of the car.
FAQs About Touch-Up Paint
How do I know if I need touch-up paint or paint correction?
Touch-up paint is for scratches deeper than the clear coat. Paint correction is suitable for shallow surface-level scratches.
Can I use touch-up paint on rusted areas?
No. You must remove rust before applying touch-up paint; otherwise, the rust will continue to spread under the new paint.
Where can I find the exact paint code for my car?
The paint code is typically located in the door jam near the VIN. You can also search online using your car’s make, model, and year.
How long does touch-up paint take to dry?
Drying times depend on the product and weather conditions but typically range from 30 minutes to a few hours for each coat.
Can I polish my car immediately after using touch-up paint?
No. Wait at least a few days for the paint and clear coat to harden fully before polishing.
Conclusion
Fixing car paint scratches with touch-up can be a simple and affordable solution to keep your vehicle looking good, without the added cost of repair. By following the steps above, you can handle both small and large repairs like a pro. For more significant damage or expert assistance, consider consulting a professional service to ensure flawless results.
If you are looking for a seamless scratch repair, click here to submit a free quote.
