Do-it-Yourself Automotive Repair: Easy Scratch Removal at Home
Supplies:
� Body compound
� Primer Paint
� Plastic Knife
� Sandpaper
� Touch-up paint
� Paint Brush
1. Purchase body compound and primer paint from a local automotive store. For best results select a light colored primer. This way, when the touch-up paint is applied, the color will blend nicely.
2. Thoroughly wash the area of the automobile containing the scratch. The purpose of this step is to remove any type of wax or other coating.
3. Using a small piece of sand paper, sand the area containing the scratch.
4. Brush away any dust that accumulated from the sandpaper.
5. Apply body compound to the scratch. This is primarily used for deep scratches. However, some auto repair shops will apply a small amount of body compound on surface scratches.
6. Allow the body compound to harden. Upon hardening, sand the body compound.
7. Apply primer paint to the scratch. For easy use, select spray-on primer. Allow the primer paint to dry. This may take several hours.
8. Obtain touch-up paint that matches the color of your automobile exactly. Your vehicle’s color can be found by reading the VIN number. This is an important step because selecting the wrong color may make the scratch stand out. Thus, guessing a vehicle’s color should be avoided.
9. Touch-up paint can be purchased from automotive retailers. Simply supply the VIN, and a customer rep can easily locate the matching color. Some colors come equipped with applicators. If not, you will need to purchase an applicator before leaving the automotive store.
10. Finally, apply the touch-up paint to the scratch and allow the paint to dry. Avoid applying touch-up paint in the rain or snow.
