Repair a scratch or dint with these general steps.
Here are the general steps for repairing a scratch or ding:1. Clean and dry the area.
2. Assess how far the scratch or ding penetrates. If the abrasion isn’t very deep, applying a polish will most likely do the trick. You can also try a glaze (a glaze cleans, adds lubricating oils to the paint, and can also get rid of swirls and scratches). If the scratch goes all the way to the primer layer or covers a large area, you may want to have the repair done professionally.
3. If you want to attempt the fix, wet–sanding is probably your best choice for this repair. Using about a 1,500–grit sandpaper, carefully sand the damaged area. Use a light hand out toward the edges of the scratch, gently touching on the undamaged finish to blend.
4. If the scratch is all the way to the primer, apply primer first and let dry before applying the touch–up paint. Shake the paint can or bottle before you open it until it is well blended, and then apply it according to the directions. Some kits come with applicators. This may take patience. You want to go slowly with the application, making sure it is level with the other paint.
5. After the paint dries, apply clear coat. If you had to apply primer (that is, the scratch went all the way to the primer), first you will just add another step to the process of painting and allow to dry.
6. After the clear coat dries completely (you may want to wait a few days), wet–sand to smooth the new paint in with the rest of the car finish.
7. Apply polishing compound to blend the area in with the rest of the finish.
8. Wash the area, let it dry, and then apply wax to protect the new paint.