How To Touch Up Scratches

Scratches and dents make a car look scruffy and damage its resale value. Scratches which have gone through to the metal can cause rusting, but repair is easy with a little patience and the right materials.


We can only show you a few of the possible steps here, for full details get a copy of the Haynes Bodywork Manual.


You will need the following:

Touch-up paint and primer, wax / silicone remover, wet & dry abrasive paper, anti-rust primer, fine filler, polish.



Step 1:

If the scratch hasn't gone through to the metal, things are simple. Remove all traces of wax and silicone polish. Remove all traces of wax or silicone polish with a suitable solvent.

Step 2:

Apply touch-up paint with a fine brush, or as instructed by the paint manufacturer. Several thin coats are better than one thick one.

Step 3:

Allow the paint to dry, then trim off excess with a razor blade.

Step 4:

After a few days, blend the repair into the surrounding area using a mild cutting polish.

Step 5:

Deeper scratches and small dents must be treated against rust and filled, then sanded absolutely smooth with abrasive paper.

Step 6:

Allow a couple of coats of primer, following the instructions on the can, and allow them to dry.

Step 7:

Using fine abrasive paper dipped in water, sand the sprayed area to remove any imperfections. Apply more primer and repeat if necessary.

Step 8:

Apply the top coat, again following the instructions. Several (thin) coats may be necessary. Again, blend the repair into the surrounding area with cutting polish after it has dried for a few days.