Look for signs of bare metal or any rust that may have developed on the scratch. Scratches in the clear coat can be buffed out, whereas scratches through the paint will need new paint applied.
Heavily faded vehicles may not match with their original paint code, but this shouldn’t be an issue for small touch ups. You may also be able to find your car’s paint code inside the driver’s door on the same panel as the VIN number.
Use a hose to rinse the entire area and ensure there is no dirt or debris stuck to the car’s paint. Dry the area completely using a towel, or just wait for it to dry.
Remove all rust from the metal before repairing a scratch, otherwise the rust will continue to spread beneath the touch up paint. If the rust has penetrated the metal, that panel will need to be professionally repaired or replaced.
Allowing soap to dry on the paint will dull its finish and possibly damage the paint. Direct sunlight could make the metal on the car hot, which isn’t optimal for applying touch up paint.
Use a small brush to apply a thin layer of primer to any exposed paint. Be sure to apply the primer to any metal you sanded rust off of.
Dabbing the paint often yields the flattest finished product. A toothpick may work for thinner scratches. Most automotive touch up paints will not require multiple layers.
Unlike a nozzle, the hole in the cardboard will allow the clear coat to mist onto the surface of the paint, rather than striking it as a jet and dripping. Immediately dab up any dripping clear coat with a clean rag.
The rubbing compound will remove any small gaps in the paint and create a more professional finish. Stop polishing the area when the shiny paint is revealed by the polishing wheel.
The polishing process can remove some of the protective clear coat over your paint, so applying wax adds a layer of protection for your paint.
Bits of dirt could cause additional scratches in the clear coat as you buff the scratch out. Make sure the paint is dry if the scratch remover you purchased requires dry paint.
Read the instructions on the scratch remover your purchase, as some will have variations in their application methods. You can purchase scratch remover at your local auto parts store.
Make sure you to wipe the compound away completely.
Once the wax is dry, buff it off with a microfiber towel. The repaired scratch should be invisible once the wax is buffed off.
