How to Repair Paint Chips & Deep Scratches
You would be hard pressed to find a car that doesn’t have paint chips on the ground. Some stains came from a parking lot incident!
Successful detailing techniques can not avoid nicks and scratches.
Too stressful? Indeed it is!
But here’s the good news: Good methods are available to patch cracks and slight paint scratches. Typically you can restore the “like new” appearance of your vehicle!
DIY Paint Chip and Scratch Repair
For most car enthusiasts, repairing the minor nicks and scratches is a practical task.
It’s not so hard!
A carefully applied tiny dab of touch-up paint will easily heal several nicks.
Many want more resources, more energy and more ability.
Deciding on what you should and shouldn’t tackle is very important. What’s your knowledge of paint, tools, wet sanding and refinishing?
Assessing The Situation (A Few Examples)
First off, the black and white are the simplest colors to restore (they appear to be very forgiving).
Do you have metallic paint of flakes of metal?
That can be hard to match exactly, but don’t let yourself be discouraged. It could be done. You just need to be following the directions below closely.
In general, minor nicks are easy to repair, again.
It’s a matter of painting up the nick, leveling the filled area. Then it’s buffing, because you need to blend and remove the luster of the paint.
Some tasks take much more time, such as fixing certain forms of minor scratches (such as from a key or shopping cart).
And sometimes it’s not an easy do – it-yourself job to patch a ding (a tiny crack that may or may not have put a nick in the paint), but it can be done.
Essential Tools For Removing Serious Scratches
Hand polishing isn’t very realistic. This is particularly true when fixing several chips or minor scratches of paint.
For your drill you’ll need a dual action car polisher or a spot pad kit.
Other things to consider:
- If possible, get a touch-up polish which matches the exact color. Look up the exact code in the owner’s manual, or ask your dealer.
- To apply touch-up paint, use an artist’s paintbrush (# 2 is ideal) or a plastic toothpick. A Touch-up Polish Pen is also perfect.
FYI: The 3M Scratch & Scuff Removal Kit has everything you need if the repair doesn’t need a color touch-up.
- Check the touch-up paint in an inconspicuous area for matching colour.
- The area to be patched must be clean to perfection. It means wax free, rust free and oils free. To do it use a prep solvent.
- If the temperature is below 60 degrees (Fahrenheit) don’t try touch-up.
Other Paint Chip & Scratch Touch-Up Supplies
Here’s what else you will need to repair nicks and scratches:
- Touch Up Primer (only required if you have exposed metal)
- Color Matched Touch Up Paint
- Touch Up Clearcoat
- Prep Solvent (Prepsol)
- Assorted wet sandpaper from 320 to 1500 grit
- Sanding pen (or other spot prep tool)
- Sanding block (a rectangular rubber school eraser makes a good sanding block for small touch-ups)
- Fine cut rubbing compound, such as Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound
- Artist’s paintbrush (#2) and round toothpicks (plastic)
- Lint-free cloths
- Painter’s masking tape (easy-release type)
At Apollo Auto Spa, we have one mission and one mission only: to protect your vehicle. Based in Walnut Creek, CA in a well-laid out 2000 sqft shop right off the 680 freeway. With great attention to detail, we protect your entire vehicle from bumper to bumper including the paint, plastics, glass, wheels, the interior and even the undercarriage. We have 3 distinct services: auto detailing and paint correction, paint coating and clear bra (PPF). The primary goals of our coatings is protection from the elements and reducing maintenance and time spent in making your vehicle look beautiful. Our clear bra (PPF) is an incredible solution for preventing rock chips and other larger debris. We are the best exterior car detailing service offering luxury services to all vehicles in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and the surrounding communities. Give us a call for our top certified ceramic pro services and you’ll be treated professionally and with our award-winning customer service.
