Each car has a paint coating, which is necessary to protect the metal surface and to give the car a presentable appearance. However, the paint layer wears out, becomes damaged and scratched during the operation of the car, even if the car owner drives his car very carefully and carefully. When damage occurs, the question arises: how to paint over a scratch on a car, what products are used for this? This article discusses several scratch repair products.
Removing scratches on cars
Damage and chips on the surface of the car will inevitably appear sooner or later. All of them can be divided into certain categories, according to certain criteria:
- minor scratches that affect only the paint layer;
- medium damage affecting varnish, paint and even the primer layer;
- deep scratches that damage all of your paint and varnish material, as well as metal.
To understand how to paint over a scratch on a car with your own hands, the first thing you need to do is find out what kind of scratches there are. To independently repair damage of different categories, different tools and means are used - paints, spray cans, repair kits.
All methods of painting over scratches on a car are divided into the following categories:
- polishing;
- point;
- using a special brush;
- using a dye bottle;
- carrying out full repair work.
Removing most scratches does not require labor-intensive procedures, and more often than not, there is no need to contact a specialized auto repair shop. In a large percentage of cases, painting scratches can be done at home, with your own hands; all you need to do is use suitable paint.
Comparative table of the presented funds
In order to compare the presented products, we recommend taking a look at the table with their characteristics.
| Means | Solution | Application area | Weight (g) | Color | Price, rub) |
| Bullsone "Scratch Remover" | ready | body | 185 | white | from 348 to 370 |
| Liqui Moly | ready | body | 160 | lilac | from 570 to 678 |
| Doctor Wax | ready | body | 160 | transparent | from 360 to 400 |
| Runway (scratch remover) | ready | body | 115 | white | from 136 to 167 |
| Nekker | ready | body | 140 | transparent | from 200 to 250 |
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Spot painting of damage
This type of paint application is called retouching by many. This technique includes several options for restoring the paintwork of a car with your own hands. The specific type of retouching is selected depending on how severe the scratches and damage to the car's surface are.
Typically, spot application of paint is used to eliminate small scratches that only affected the paintwork material. Before starting retouching, the car body is carefully inspected to determine where exactly the scratches are, after which paint is applied. Retouching is not suitable for deep scratches; regular paint will not be able to cover the damage down to the metal. Retouching is done with your own hands in the garage; a special pencil or marker is used for this; it allows you to paint over shallow scratches very quickly and effortlessly.
But if there are scratches on the car body down to the ground that have damaged both the primer and the paint layer, then you need to use special products that have a local effect. These products include polymer pencils and brushes with special paint contained in a small bottle. Experts recommend applying these products in several layers, in which case the paint will completely cover the damage.
Attention! Before painting over a scratch, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and dry the surface of the car. Once the first coat of paint has been applied, it is important to allow it to dry completely before applying the next coat of paint.
Indelible marker for repairing chips HALOYiVGO (20 colors)
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Delivery within Russia: free!
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Review #3: Delivery time is a month. The seller responded immediately. The color is beautiful, metallic, I only tried it on paper, I think the color is not bad. I think the paint will stick well. Sufficient for minor scratches. Everything is wrapped in film, everything is fine).
Price: from 78.65 rub. (check price and discount)
Polishing scratches on cars
Not in all cases it is possible to paint over scratches; sometimes it is enough to polish the surface. This method is great when you need to remove not deep scratches, but only superficial damage or abrasions. To see exactly where they are, the surface of the car is wetted, after which you need to wait until it is completely dry, so the abrasions will be clearly visible.
To remove scratches from a car door or other parts of the body, polishing is done in a car repair shop or in a garage, with your own hands. For polishing you will need a special wax solution; this product fills all scuffs and scratches. As a result, they become completely invisible. However, it is important to remember that such polishing gives only temporary results. Therefore, in order for the paint layer to continue to look beautiful, the car will need to be polished from time to time.
In auto repair shops, professional polishing is performed as follows. The top covering of the damaged area is removed, and only after that the area is restored. In this case, the polishing procedure is not repeated. It is very difficult to achieve such a result on your own.
The best products for removing deep small scratches from a car body, according to experts
After identifying the depth of the damage and determining the layer in which the defect occurred, they begin to choose a method for restoring the defective surface. Let's look at the most effective ones that have the best user reviews.
Abro “Scratch remover”, USA
The premium brand remover is produced by the American company Scratch Remover. Capable of removing small chips from paintwork. After application, it leaves a bright shine and forms a silicone protective film. Excellent restoration of silver, copper, chrome coatings.
Compound:
The structure contains the following components: glycerin, wax emulsion, petroleum distillates, calcined clay.
Apply by hand, then polish using a sponge or soft cloth. Shake before application. Consumption – 240 ml is enough for 5-10 treatments.
Abro polish for repairing small chips and scratches on the body will eliminate these defects and protect the car from external influences during further use for some time.
Cost - 300 ₽
Anti-scratch Meguiars Scratch X
Scratch X 2.0 is designed to get rid of mechanical stress from the paint surface, eliminate traces of rust, salt deposits, and other local imperfections. Leaves shine and restores paint color.
Meguiars Scratch X is water-based and has an improved formula.
Principle of use:
Apply with an applicator or terry cloth. Should not be used on vinyl or rubber flooring.
Meguiars Scratch X not only disguises, but completely removes them from the car and restores the paint layer.
Cost - 1500 ₽
Renumax, France
Renumax is a French development aimed at removing and eliminating imperfections, depressions, and “dents.” Renumax is able to merge with the surface, filling all the voids, so it is difficult to notice where exactly the gel has been applied.
The structure contains many nanoparticles, which is responsible for the positive effect of Renumax gel.
Application:
A sponge is already attached to the Renumax bottle, with which it is smeared directly onto the paint layer. The effect of Renumax is noticeable after the first use.
Video review of Renumax:
Real product test:
Cost — 790 ₽
Read the full review and reviews on Renumax:
Read the full Renumax review
Auto pencil Fix it! PRO, USA
Another American development is the Fix it! grout pencil. PRO. The marker contains a special colorless varnish. When applied in direct sunlight it turns into a solid substance. The damaged area disappears, the coating of the car is leveled.
Fix it! PRO consists of ultraviolet hardeners, due to which a positive effect is achieved.
Use only at temperatures above 10 0C. It has an applicator rod with which you apply Fix it! PRO.
Fix it! PRO has proven itself well in the car market, and is therefore highly valued by consumers.
Cost - 600-800 ₽
KratzerEntferner Set SONAX 305941, Germany
A set consisting of two tubes. Removes damage the depth of which does not reach the ground or base. Suitable for all non-ferrous and metallic coatings.
KratzerEntferner Set SONAX 305941 has a complex two-component formula. One kit contains two 25 ml tubes and a grinding device.
The principle of use is no different from the others. KratzerEntferner Set SONAX 305941 is applied to a sponge or soft cloth, then the car is polished.
Despite the original composition and reputable country of origin, consumers doubt the quality of the product.
Cost - 800-1300 ₽
Anti-scratch car polish Hi-Gear Products, USA
The declared US manufacturer Hi-Gear Products presented the polish-cleaner “Restorer”. Used for simple cleaning of cars, chrome coatings, and removal of shallow imperfections. After painting individual parts, it masks the resulting unevenness in the area of color transition.
Hi-Gear Products does not contain silicones or waxes. The main active ingredients are chemical and abrasive substances.
Application:
Apply with a soft cloth, then polish. The temperature at which the liquid should be used should be 15-25 0C. Do not use under direct sunlight.
Hi-Gear Products is valued by motorists because it perfectly restores the color of the top layer of the car, returns the original shine, and has a protective effect.
Cost - 300-350 ₽
Turtle Wax, Anti-scratch, England
Turtle Wax removes tarnish, dirt, and minor abrasions from the paint layer. The paste is used for manual or automatic polishing.
The structure of Turtle Wax contains: emulsifier, petroleum products, mineral abrasive, water. No silicones.
Application:
Before application, the chips are tinted with a wax pencil. Cover the area with paste using a soft, damp cloth. Polish the car only after it has dried.
Despite its effective effect, the disadvantage of the paste is that it is used only in combination with others.
Cost — 200 ₽
DoctorWax DW8275, USA
An American brand that has proven itself, DoctorWax brand polish. Removes various stubborn contaminants, even rust, cleans oxidized elements, smoothes out microcracks, and removes shallow marks. The structure of the polish contains abrasive components.
Application:
Use on a clean surface. Apply with a special applicator or soft cloth for polishing.
Restores, adds shine, forms a protective film, thereby protecting the car for some time from the effects of fine dirt.
Cost - 400-500 ₽
Avtomark, Russia
Auto repair enamel from Avtomark is available in various shades, so it is easy to choose for any color of car. It has the shape of a felt-tip pen, two removable tips - in the form of a marker and a brush. Suitable for removing damage from all layers, including the ground layer.
The Avtomark structure includes:
Automotive enamel (varnish), organic solvents.
It can be applied in two ways – with a marker or a brush. The marker is intended for scratches and chips, the brush is for wider ones. Complete drying - 1 hour. Drying time between applications is 15 minutes, so the result will have to wait a little.
Avtomark auto enamel quickly eliminates abrasions, however, traces of the seal remain slightly visible.
Cost — 150 ₽
"Everest", wax pencil, Russia
The Everest wax pencil is capable of repairing deep and shallow cracks, chips, and risks. A distinctive feature of Russian manufacturers is that the camouflage tools are matched to the color of the car. "Everest" effectively renews, restores, and protects the coating from further destruction.
The structure contains polymer wax, kaolin, mineral oil, and dye. The kit includes a damp cloth for cleaning and a spatula.
Application: apply to a washed, cleaned area using a damp cloth from the kit. "Everest" is laid perpendicular to the damaged area until it is completely filled.
The effect of using Everest is effective, but not long-lasting, because after some time the imperfections become visible again.
Cost — 150 ₽
Nanox NX8303, USA
Nanox NX8303 polish is intended for grouting and eliminating small defects. Restores color, restores shine, transparency of the varnish surface, removes various traces - rust, oxidation, tar, salt formations.
Composition of Nanox NX8303:
Petroleum distillates, glycerin, white clay, kerosene, functioning additives (nanoparticles).
Use on a clean, dry surface. Apply directly to the car, spread with a special microfiber cloth.
Nanox NX8303 is excellent for all varnished body types, used on chrome and aluminum coatings.
Estimated price – 300-350 ₽
Turtle Wax Safe Cut FG 4994, England
Turtle Wax Safe Cut FG 4994 cleans the surface, restores rich color, shine, small chips, removes stubborn dirt, and cleans oxidized elements.
The special composition is represented by an innovative polymer composition and does not contain silicones.
Application: apply to a clean, dry surface with a soft cloth and leave to dry until a light coating forms, then polish with a dry, clean cloth. Do not use at temperatures below 5 0C.
Turtle Wax Safe Cut FG 4994 is effective and easy to apply.
Approximate price – 300 ₽
Paint with brush
Paints in small bottles with brushes are used to paint over scratches on a car when the damage affects the layer of varnish, paint and primer. High-quality compositions make it possible to paint over damage on the surface of the car that reaches the metal. To paint a scratch in this way, purchase a special paint from a car dealership; this dye contains fiberglass. When paint is applied, fiberglass provides added protection. Special paints with brushes have the following advantages:
- quite easy, simple and quick to apply, this painting of scratches is not a labor-intensive process;
- using the autoflower catalog, you can choose exactly the shade that best suits the tone of the car;
- The paints dry very quickly, so you don’t have to wait long to start driving the car.
Included with this paint is a thin brush, thanks to which you can paint over even the narrowest scratches formed on the surface of the car. It is important, before starting painting, to thoroughly remove dust, dirt and grease from the damaged area.
Spray cans with dyes
Using a special can of paint, you can quickly remove scuffs and scratches from the surface of your car with minimal effort. However, to eliminate extensive damage, a can of spray paint will not help; the surface will need to be restored by other means. Automotive stores sell special cans of paint; they are small in size, similar to samples.
These canisters function as aerosols. There is a scratch on the surface of the car, and by pressing the cap of the can, paint is sprayed onto the damaged area. After application, the dye dries very quickly. To select the required shade, use autoflower catalogs.
Repair kits
The repair kit includes several products that allow you to effortlessly and quickly paint over scratches with your own hands. The kit includes a minimal set of devices that will allow you to remove even deep scratches. The repair kit usually includes varnish, a pencil and a special spray with an applicator. Some repair kits also contain a polishing compound that is applied to the surface of the machine using microfiber or a regular cloth.
The repair kit is selected depending on the shade of the car so that their color matches as much as possible. The pencil is used to restore the surface of the body, doors, bumpers and other car parts. Thanks to the repair kit, you can quickly and inexpensively restore the attractiveness of your car. In some cases, instead of a pencil, the kit comes with a container with a brush and paint, but such a set will cost much more. Any repair kit is designed to be used several times. Using the products included in the kit, you can paint scratches as soon as they appear in the future. By periodically painting over the damage, you can keep even an old car looking very attractive.
Kinds
Various types of products for minor vehicle repairs are on sale, both small jars or tubes and entire sets in plastic packaging. But they are very easy to understand.
According to the type of fillers, pencils are:
- full-fledged tinting kits;
- wax products;
- gels.
Gel
The molecular structure of gel pencils is similar to the structure of car varnish. These pencils come in tubes and are liquid products with a viscous consistency. It hardens for a long time.
It is usually colorless and matches the color of the bodywork well. Thanks to this property it is almost invisible.
The gel is designed to mask scratches of the top varnish layer that do not reach the paint. In fact, this is a simple touch-up of defects.
Wax
The wax pencil for cars contains a mixture of natural and synthetic waxes, which contains industrial oil as a binding component. Wax coating options contain corrosion inhibitors and a coloring pigment. Suitable for temporary filling of very small scratches.
Tools for restoration work
In addition to sandpaper, you must prepare the following list of tools and equipment before painting:
- grinding bar;
- automotive acrylic putty;
- primer mixture;
- varnish;
- dye.
All this will make it possible to hide scuffs and scratches from the surface of the car as much as possible, and these devices will help to completely remove damage of any size. It is important to use automotive paint rather than regular building paints.
Selection of paint and its application
It is important to select the paint, taking into account the shade of the car, so that after painting the area, it is no different in color from the car body. The shade is selected from a car catalogue. After choosing the appropriate color, paint is purchased:
- in an aerosol can;
- in a jar or bottle;
- in the form of a pencil.
Before you start painting, it is important to check for any contamination on the surface. It is important to apply the paint in a thin layer, without sagging or drips. When the first layer dries, the second coat is applied. It is recommended to paint in two or three layers.
How to apply varnish?
The product is applied to a completely dry surface. It is recommended to use varnishes in cans. Shake the bottle before starting work. The substance is filled with a spray gun that produces a pressure of up to 1.5 atm. Correct application of varnish helps to consolidate the paint result and give the body an attractive appearance. The varnish is applied in 3-4 layers, each of which should overlap the previous one with a margin. After repair, the car is kept in a warm box for 2 days.
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Source
Varnishing after painting
Layers of varnish may only be applied when the paint is completely dry. Experts recommend using an aerosol can for varnishing, which is shaken before use. If a spray gun is used, the varnish should be supplied under pressure of one and a half atmospheres. Applying varnish is the final stage of restoration work.
Experts recommend varnishing in two or three layers, waiting for each layer to dry before applying the next coat. After the final coat has been applied, you need to wait 24-48 hours for the varnish to dry completely, after which time you can start driving the car.
