How to Fix a Big Scrape on Your Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Scrapes and scratches are unfortunately a common part of car ownership. Whether it’s a minor brush against a bush or a more noticeable scrape from an unknown source, these blemishes can detract from your vehicle’s appearance and potentially its value. Deep car scrapes, in particular, can be concerning, penetrating beyond the clear coat and base paint. But don’t worry, fixing a big scrape on your car is often achievable at home with the right tools and approach. This guide will walk you through the process of how to fix a big scrape on your car, saving you a potentially costly trip to the body shop and restoring your car’s finish.

Step 1: Thoroughly Clean the Scraped Area

Before you begin any repair work on a big scrape, meticulous cleaning is essential. Dirt and grime can worsen the scratch and interfere with the repair process. Start by washing your car, paying special attention to the scraped area. Use a car-specific soap and water solution and gently wash away any loose dirt or debris. After washing, thoroughly dry the area with a clean microfiber towel. Ensure no moisture remains, as this can hinder the adhesion of repair compounds. This clean surface will provide the best foundation for fixing your car’s big scrape effectively.

Step 2: Buff Out the Edges of the Scrape

Once the area is clean and dry, the next step in how to fix a big scrape on your car is to buff out the rough edges. For this, a car scratch repair kit is highly recommended. These kits typically include a polishing compound and buffing pads. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to a microfiber cloth or a buffing pad. Using gentle pressure, rub the compound onto the scrape using small, circular motions. The polishing compound acts as a mild abrasive, smoothing down the edges of the scrape and preparing the surface for filler. Continue buffing until the edges feel smoother to the touch. Wipe away any excess compound with a clean microfiber cloth to assess your progress. Repeat this buffing process if necessary until the scrape edges are no longer rough.

Step 3: Fill the Deep Scrape with Glazing Putty

For big scrapes that penetrate deeply, a filler is necessary to create a level surface before painting. Glazing putty is ideal for this purpose. Before applying the putty, clean the scraped area again with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining polish or contaminants. This ensures proper adhesion of the putty. Squeeze a small amount of glazing putty directly into the scrape. Use a spreader tool or even a plastic card to evenly distribute the putty across the scrape, applying firm and consistent pressure. The goal is to fill the scrape completely and create a smooth, even surface. Glazing putty dries relatively quickly. Once it’s cured (check the product instructions for drying time), apply a paint leveler or a specialized putty removal solution to a microfiber cloth. Gently rub the cloth over the filled scrape to remove any excess putty that may have spread beyond the scrape itself, leaving a clean, flush surface.

Step 4: Apply Touch-Up Paint to the Repaired Scrape

With the scrape filled and leveled, it’s time to restore the color. Locate your car’s paint color code, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Use this code to purchase matching touch-up paint. Touch-up paint kits usually come with a small brush or applicator. Apply thin, even coats of touch-up paint to the filled scrape, carefully covering the putty and blending into the surrounding paint. Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat, as they prevent drips and ensure even coverage. Let the final coat of touch-up paint cure completely for at least eight hours, or ideally overnight, before proceeding to the final buffing step. This curing time is crucial for the paint to harden properly and create a durable repair.

Step 5: Final Buff and Finish

After the touch-up paint is fully cured, the last step in how to fix a big scrape on your car is the final buffing. This step will blend the newly applied paint with the original car paint, creating a seamless finish. You can use the same polishing compound and buffing pad from Step 2. Apply a small amount of compound to the pad and gently buff the repaired area using circular motions. This will smooth out any imperfections and create a glossy, even surface. Once you are satisfied with the finish, thoroughly wash and wax your entire car. Waxing protects the repaired area and enhances the shine of your car’s paint, making your DIY big scrape repair virtually invisible.

Conclusion: DIY Big Scrape Repair is Achievable

Dealing with a big scrape on your car can be frustrating, but as you’ve seen, fixing it yourself is entirely possible. By following these five steps, you can effectively repair deep car scrapes at home, saving money and maintaining your car’s appearance. With patience and the right products, learning how to fix a big scrape on your car empowers you to keep your vehicle looking its best, addressing those unsightly blemishes and preserving its overall value.