Paint

Scratches and chips are one of the most common issues for cars that are driven very regularly, often caused by loose gravel, grit, or overgrown roadside bushes. But knowing it’s a regular occurrence doesn’t make spoiled paintwork any less frustrating. Depending on your DIY experience and the extent of the damage, a professional garage is always an option. If you want to remove the scratches from your car at home though, there are several top-quality kits specially designed for the purpose. These kits are easy to use, particularly for lighter scratches and smaller touch-up jobs. Here, we’ll run through the ideal techniques to buff out and fill light-to-deep scratches and repair paint chips at home, including advice from BTCC racing driving and car expert, Josh Cook. How To Remove Light Scratches For minor scratches, Josh recommends the Autoglym Scratch Removal Kit. Watch the video below or follow these steps for simple scratch repair: Step 1: Check How Deep The Scratch Goes You can do this by running your fingernail over the scratch. If it feels deep – that is, if your nail catches on it – this kit isn’t for you. If it doesn’t, it’s likely that the scratch is surface level, so the Autoglym set should be ideal. Step 2: Prepare The Compound Squeeze two pea-sized blobs of scratch removal compound onto the applicator sponge. Step 3: Apply To The Scratch Use the applicator sponge to rub up and down and side to side, covering the full length and width of the scratch, for around 30 seconds. For light scratches, this should work to completely remove them or significantly reduce their appearance. Step 4: Wipe And Polish Use the microfibre cloth to wipe away any residue and polish your car to its normal shine. How To Fix Deeper Scratches and Chips If your fingernail catches on the scratch when you run over it, the damage probably goes further than the clear topcoat - through the base coat to the primer, or even to the metal bodywork. For deeper scratches like these, you can tackle them in the same way as you would a chip. You’ll need: 220-grade sandpaper A rust treatment A primer Your correct paint A couple of very small brushes Safety glasses A dust mask to cover your nose and mouth Safety gloves Step 1: Identify The Correct Paint Colour Before fixing any deep scratches or chips, you can find the colour code for your vehicle highlighted on a small plate, in either the firewall inside the glove box, or in the spare-tyre wheel well. If your car’s paint colour has faded, it’s a savvy idea to get some scrap metal and apply the touch-up paint to it; you can then compare this to your car's paintwork. Step 2: Sand The Surface Area Start by buffing the area around the scratch or chip (using your 220-grade sandpaper) to minimise rough edges and help you apply the touch-up paint evenly. Step 3: Take Precautions Against Rust Check for rust where the damage is located and apply your chosen rust treatment to protect against further corrosion. Make sure to follow the product guidance on drying times before moving to the next step. Step 4: Wash The Area Thoroughly Take time to wash the surface, making sure any dust or dirt is removed, along with any dried rust-treatment residue. Step 5: Prime For Paint Primer ensures that the paint sticks to your car’s bodywork. Delicately apply your primer with a small brush – or even a toothpick – making sure it doesn't cover any of the original paint, only the scratched or chipped area. Again, it’s important to follow product guidance on primer drying times before starting to paint the area. Step 6: Start Painting Ensure that your paint has been mixed well before applying. As with the primer, use a small brush or matchstick-sized item to touch up the paintwork. If you have a tiny chip in your car paint, you can consider cutting down the matchstick to give yourself more control. Applying the paint by hand lets you make sure it isn’t thicker than the rest of the paint on your vehicle. It also helps to guard against any blotches and bubbles, while ensuring the paint doesn’t run. Step 7: Leave It To Dry Once you’ve gently touched up the paint on your car, you mustn’t drive it for a few hours, so the paint has time to dry. If not left, the paint can run, and the scratch or chip may reappear, meaning you’ll have to start the process again. Step 8: Lightly Sand (if Required) and Seal After the paint has dried completely, you can assess the area to check if it has blended well. If you have been left with an uneven finish, very lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth. Finish with a layer or two of clear topcoat to give it a flawless finish. Once your chip or scratch is fixed, get your car gleaming with our guide to valeting your car at home.