Fill deeper scratches with color-matched touch-up paint

When a scratch goes through the clear coat to the primer or bare metal -- meaning your fingernail catches on it -- touch-up paint is needed to prevent rust and restore appearance. Use paint matched to your car's paint code (found on a sticker in the doorjamb or under the hood) and build up thin layers.

Steps

1. Clean the scratch with isopropyl alcohol or wax-and-grease remover. Treat any visible rust with a rust converter first.
2. Shake the touch-up paint pen well. Apply a thin layer of paint directly into the scratch using the pen tip or a fine brush.
3. Let each layer dry per the product instructions, then add another thin layer. Two to three coats typically provide good coverage.
4. Once the color coat is fully dry, apply the included clear coat over the paint to seal it.
5. After the clear coat cures fully (several days), optionally wet-sand with 2000+ grit sandpaper and polish to level the repair with the surrounding paint.

Tips

• Build thin layers rather than one thick coat -- thick applications pool, sag, and look worse than the scratch.
• The optional wet-sanding step requires practice; skip it if you're unsure, as the touch-up alone still prevents rust.
• Dealerships and auto parts stores both carry paint-code-matched touch-up kits.