ntroduction
Small scratches can be fixed with touch-up paint. Larger ones may require the use of paint sprayers and professional help.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Steps
1
Step One
Determine whether your car's paint is enameled; if it isn't, proceed (see Warning).
2
Step Two
Obtain body compound and primer paint. Primer is usually in spray-can form, comes in several colors and is generally labeled for automobile use. It's best to pick a light primer color that your touch-up paint will cover easily in one coat.
3
Step Three
Wash the scratch and surrounding area with a mild laundry detergent. This removes any wax or coatings that would otherwise affect the new paint you'll apply.
4
Step Four
Sand along the scratch with fine-grained sandpaper, being sure to sand away any rust that has accumulated.
5
Step Five
Blow away all dust from the sanding, or use a soft brush.
6
Step Six
Use masking tape and newspaper to isolate the scratch, leaving about a half-inch of working room around the scratch.
7
Step Seven
Using a putty knife, apply body compound to a scratch that's deep into the metal. The knife should be made of plastic to avoid adding more scratches.
8
Step Eight
Let the body compound harden according to label instructions.
9
Step Nine
Sand the body compound flat.
10
Step Ten
Blow or brush away all dust.
11
Step Eleven
Spray a small amount of primer paint to the scratch. Let the area dry overnight.
12
Step Twelve
Identify the touch-up paint color you need by first checking your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is stamped into a small metal plate located on the dashboard on the driver's side.
13
Step Thirteen
Provide this number to an auto parts store or an online site selling small bottles of touch-up paint. The VIN describes your car right down to its particular shade of paint, so matching your color is a breeze.
14
Step Fourteen
Use the touch-up's applicator brush to paint the area.
15
Step Fifteen
Let dry overnight.
http://www.ehow.com/how_3378_fix-scratch-car.html
