Repairing Car Door Scratches

Scratches on your car door are a common occurrence, especially for older cars that still use physical keys. Luckily, there are several ways to repair these scratches, ranging from simple home remedies to more complex procedures requiring specialised kits.

For minor scratches, a paint touch-up kit, toothpaste, sandpaper, or shoe polish can be used to fill in and buff out the scratch. Alternatively, one can use a plunger, boiling water, or a vacuum cleaner and bucket to fix dents.

For deeper scratches, a careful repair job is required, and there are various DIY scratch repair kits available on the market. These kits typically include sandpaper, primer, paint, and a clear coat sealant. The process involves cleaning and drying the scratched area, applying the primer, sanding, and then painting over the scratch. Finally, a clear coat of sealant is applied, and the area is polished to restore the shine.

For the most severe scratches, it is recommended to seek professional help to ensure the scratch is properly repaired without causing further damage to the paintwork.

Identify the scratch type and depth

Identifying the type and depth of a scratch is crucial to determine the best repair approach. Car scratches can be classified into four basic types based on depth and the affected paint layers: clear coat scratches, primer level scratches, paint level scratches, and metal level scratches.

Clear coat scratches are the most common and typically the easiest to fix. These scratches only affect the outermost layer of paint and can often be addressed with a scratch remover or polish. To identify a clear coat scratch, run your fingernail over the scratch; if it doesn't catch, it's likely a clear coat scratch.

Primer level scratches penetrate deeper, affecting both the clear coat and the primer layer. These scratches may require touch-up paint or spray paint for repair. If your fingernail catches and feels a depression in the scratch, it has likely reached the primer layer.

Paint level scratches are even deeper, extending through the clear coat, primer, and paint layer. These scratches expose the metal underneath and may require professional repair, especially if they are deep or cover a large area.

Metal level scratches are the deepest and most severe, penetrating all layers down to the metal body. These scratches will always require professional repair as they can lead to rust and further damage if left untreated.

Additionally, scratches can be categorised as minor, deep, and deeper. Minor scratches are typically clear coat scratches, while deep and deeper scratches penetrate the colour coat and primer layers, often requiring professional attention.

Clean the scratch and surrounding area

Before you begin to repair the scratch on your car door, it is important to clean the area to ensure the best results. Firstly, identify the scratch by using a soft damp cloth to clean around the area. This will help you determine whether it is a real scratch or just a stain. If it is a scratch, you will then need to establish its depth, as this will inform the next steps you take.

Once you have identified the scratch, rinse the area with a specialised cleaning solution and a soft cloth. Avoid using old, dirty towels, as these can cause further damage. Dry the area with another soft towel. Regular car washes are also important, as a build-up of dirt on the surface of your car can contribute to deep scratches.

Use a paint touch-up kit

Repairing a scratch on your car door can be done in a few simple steps using a paint touch-up kit. This is a great option if you don't want to spend a lot of money on repairs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a paint touch-up kit to repair a scratch on your car door:

Step 1: Locate Your Vehicle's Colour Code

The first step is to find your vehicle's exact colour code. This is important to ensure that the paint in your touch-up kit matches your car's colour. The colour code can usually be found on your vehicle identification plate. The location of this plate varies depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Common locations include inside the driver's door jam, under the hood, or in the glove box. If you're having trouble locating the colour code, you can consult a colour selector at an automotive store.

Step 2: Clean the Scratch

Before applying any paint, it's important to clean the scratched area. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the damaged area. If there is any buildup, you can use a wax and grease remover. Make sure the surface is as smooth as possible before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Surface

Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape away any flaking paint or loose debris in and around the scratch. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don't want to create new scratches. After removing loose paint, use sandpaper to smooth out the area. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 150-grit) and then switch to a finer grit (600-grit) to feather the edges around the scratch.

Step 4: Apply the Paint

Now it's time to apply the paint from your touch-up kit. If the scratch is small, you can use a touch-up paint pen or a brush. For larger scratches, you may need to use a spray paint can. Start by shaking the paint to ensure it's well mixed. If using a pen, test it on a piece of scrap paper to get a feel for how the paint flows. Carefully apply the paint in thin, even layers, following the direction of the scratch. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. You may need to apply several coats to achieve the desired coverage.

Step 5: Apply a Clear Coat

Once the paint is dry, it's time to protect it with a clear coat. The clear coat will help seal the paint and give it a glossy finish. Apply the clear coat in the same way you applied the paint, using thin, even layers. Allow the clear coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 6: Buff and Polish (Optional)

If needed, you can use a rubbing compound or polishing compound to buff and polish the repaired area. This will help create a smooth, shiny finish that matches the rest of your car's paint.

Tips and Precautions:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection.
• Keep your expectations realistic. DIY touch-up paint jobs may not achieve the same results as a professional body shop, but they can significantly improve the appearance of the scratch.
• If the scratch is deep and has exposed the metal, you may need to apply a primer before applying the touch-up paint.
• If you're unsure about the colour match or the severity of the scratch, it's best to consult a professional for advice.

Apply toothpaste to the scratch

Applying Toothpaste to a Car Scratch

Toothpaste can be used to repair a scratch on a car door, but it is important to note that this method is only suitable for light scratches. Deeper scratches will require specialist attention.

Step 1: Clean Your Car

Firstly, you will need to clean your car. This will help to protect the paint from any further scratches when you apply the toothpaste, and it will also prevent dust from filling the scratch. It is best to use a bucket of water and a soft microfiber cloth to clean the car, rather than a water hose or pipe, as this will prevent water wastage.

Step 2: Apply Toothpaste to a Cloth

Take a dry, soft cloth and put some toothpaste on it. It is important to never put toothpaste directly onto the car body, as this could make the situation worse.

Step 3: Apply Toothpaste to the Scratch

Gently rub the toothpaste onto the scratch in a slow, circular motion, making sure to reach every corner. Try to fill every gap with the paste. Be sure to remove the toothpaste from the car body before it dries.

Limitations of Using Toothpaste

It is important to note that not all toothpaste is suitable for removing car scratches. It is recommended to use 'whitening' toothpaste, as this contains small abrasives that will help to fill in the gaps and make the surface shine. The RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) scale can be used to determine the suitability of a toothpaste, with medium to high RDA toothpaste (80-110 RDA) being the most effective.

Cover the scratch with duct tape

Covering a scratch on your car door with duct tape is a quick and easy way to prevent water from getting into the scratch and causing rust. It is a temporary solution that can be useful if you don't have time to repair the scratch right away.

• Choose the right duct tape: Select a duct tape that matches the colour of your car as closely as possible. Duct tape is available in various colours, so finding one that closely matches your car's paint colour should not be difficult.
• Clean the scratch: Before applying the duct tape, ensure that the scratched area is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the damaged area.
• Apply the duct tape: Start by positioning the duct tape over the scratch, ensuring that it covers the entire length of the scratch. Smoothly and carefully apply the duct tape, using light hands and trying to avoid creases and air-filled lines.
• Smooth out the duct tape: Once the duct tape is in place, use your hand to gently smooth out any creases or air bubbles. Start from the centre and work your way outwards to prevent air bubbles from forming.
• Check for visibility: After applying the duct tape, step back and inspect the area. Ensure that the duct tape is not too visible, especially in direct light. If necessary, remove the duct tape and repeat the process, ensuring that the tape is applied smoothly and evenly.
• Monitor and replace as needed: Duct tape is a temporary solution, so keep an eye on it and replace it if it starts to peel or lift at the edges. This will ensure that the scratch remains protected until you can schedule a proper paint job.

While duct tape is a quick fix, it is important to note that it is not a permanent solution. For a more durable and long-lasting repair, consider using a touch-up paint or a scratch repair kit specifically designed for car scratches. Additionally, if the scratch is deep or wide, duct tape may not be the best option, and a more comprehensive repair method should be considered.

Frequently asked questions