Small scratches on the paintwork up to a depth of base layer (not affecting the soil or metal) can be eliminated independently using a special car enamels in cans or bottles - subject to the correct selection of shade and application technology. For example, on Toyota Corolla 2020+ with color code 1G3 (Super White II) acrylic paint is suitable Mobihel with an exact match of pigment, and for Volkswagen Golf colors LC9Z (Deep Black Pearl) will require a three-layer system with a pearlescent effect. The main mistake of beginners is ignoring paint code from the car nameplate, which is why even high-quality enamel gives a noticeable color imbalance after drying.

In 80% of cases, scratches appear from mechanical influences: branches, keys, gravel or careless washing. If the defect has not reached the metal, it is enough local repairs using pencil paint, aerosol or liquid enamel. Deep damage (with rust or dents) requires a complete repainting of the body element at a service center. In this article we will look at how to choose paint according to VIN code or shade table, which brands give the best grip on factory coatings, and why cheap “universal” sets often peel off after a month.

1. Types of scratches on the body and suitable types of paint

Before buying paint, determine depth of damage — the choice of composition and repair technology depends on this. Use the nail method: run your fingernail across the scratch:

  • 🔍 Superficial scratch (does not cling with a fingernail) - only the varnish is damaged. Just polishing or applying wax pencil.
  • 🎨 Medium scratch (it catches on the nail, but does not reach the metal) - the varnish and base coat of paint are damaged. Need spray paint or brush followed by varnishing.
  • 🛠️ Deep scratch (metal or primer is visible) - full processing is required: putty, primer, paint and varnish.

For small and medium scratches (most common case) suitable:

  • 🖌️ Pencil paint (for example, Touch-Up Paint Pen) - convenient for spot repairs, but not suitable for large areas.
  • 🎨 Aerosol paint (for example, Motip or Duplicolor) - optimal for scratches 10–30 cm long.
  • 🧴 Liquid paint in a bottle (for example, Appolon) - requires a brush, but allows for more precise application.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use nitro paints for local repairs - they are aggressive to the factory varnish and can cause clouding. For modern cars (after 2010) only suitable acrylic or water-soluble enamels.

2. How to choose paint by code: step-by-step instructions

An error in choosing a shade will result in the patch standing out even after varnishing. To avoid this, follow the algorithm:

  1. Find the paint code on the car plate. It is usually located:
    • 🚗 On the driver's door pillar (most foreign cars).
    • 🚙 Under the hood (many Korean and Japanese models).
    • 📄 In the service book (if the car is under warranty).

The code might look like 3L5 (for Ford Focus Race Red) or B54 (for Skoda Octavia Candy White color).

  • Check the code in the paint manufacturer's database. For example, on the site Mobihel or PPG Enter the make, model and year of the car - the system will select the exact shade.
  • Compare samples. Order test bottle (many stores offer mini-kits of 50 ml) and apply paint to invisible area (for example, the inside of the trunk lid).

    • Found a color code on the body or in documents|

    The shade was checked in the manufacturer's database (not from photos on the Internet) |

    Test sample ordered for trial application|

    The type of paint is taken into account (metallic, pearl, matte)|

    Compatibility with factory varnish has been tested -->

    If the paint code is erased or missing, use spectrophotometer (available at most car service centers). The device reads the color from the body and gives a recipe for tinting. The cost of the service is from 500 to 1500 rubles.

    3. Top 7 anti-scratch body paints: comparison and prices

    We tested popular brands for adhesion (adhesion to the surface), color rendering and fortitude to the sink. The table contains only those paints that have been tested on real cars (including Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris and Lada Vesta).

    Brand Type Average price (per 150 ml) Benefits Disadvantages
    Mobihel Acrylic (aerosol) 800–1200 ₽ Exact code match, quick drying, UV resistant More expensive than analogues, requires metallic varnish
    Motip Acrylic (aerosol/brush) 600–900 ₽ Good adhesion, wide range of shades May crack without primer on deep scratches
    Duplicolor Acrylic (aerosol) 700–1100 ₽ Convenient sprayer, suitable for metallic paints Color may vary 5-10% from the original
    Appolon Liquid (bottle) 400–700 ₽ Low price, good for small areas Requires a brush, takes a long time to dry
    Kudo Acrylic (aerosol) 500–800 ₽ Fast drying, chemical resistant Limited palette for rare colors

    Critical point: For vehicles with mother-of-pearl or chameleon-like coating (for example Mazda CX-5 colors 46V Machine Gray) regular paint will not work. Need three-layer system: base layer + mother of pearl + varnish. The cost of such a set starts from 2500 rubles.

    Mobihel|

    Motype|

    Duplicolor|

    Apollo|

    Another one (I’ll write in the comments) -->

    4. Step-by-step instructions: how to paint scratches yourself

    The repair technology depends on the depth of the scratch. Let's consider a universal algorithm for medium damage (no exposed metal):

    1. Cleaning and degreasing

      Rinse the area car shampoo (for example, Karcher), then wipe degreaser (will do White spirit or Antisil). Don't use acetone — it corrodes the factory varnish.

    2. Protection of neighboring areas

      Paste masking tape and cover nearby parts with film. For smooth borders, use cardboard stencil.

    3. Applying paint

      For aerosol: keep the can at a distance 20–25 cm, apply in thin layers (2-3 passes) at 10 minute intervals. For the brush: use synthetic bristles and blend the paint from the center of the scratch to the edges.

    4. Varnishing (required for metallics!)

      Apply 1–2 hours after painting clear varnish (for example, Motip Clear Lacquer). This will protect the paint from fading and add shine.

    5. Polishing

      After 24 hours, polish the area abrasive paste (for example, 3M Rubbing Compound) to smooth out the texture.

    💡

    If there is a scratch on plastic bumper, first apply primer for plastic (for example, Plasti Dip). Without it, the paint will peel off after 1-2 washes.

    5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even high-quality paint can ruin the result if the technology is violated. Here top 5 mistakes newbies:

    • 🌡️ Low temperature painting (below +10°C) - the paint will lie unevenly and will take a long time to dry. Optimal range: +18…+25°C.
    • 💦 Application on a damp surface - leads to blistering and peeling. After washing, wait at least 30 minutes.
    • 🎨 Too thick layer of paint - smudges form. It is better to make 3 thin layers to dry.
    • 🔍 Ignoring primer on deep scratches, the paint will sag and the defect will become more noticeable.
    • ☀️ Drying in direct sunlight - Causes uneven drying and dull spots.
    ⚠️ Attention: If after painting there are matte stainsThis means that the varnish is applied too thickly or is not polished. This can be fixed restorative polish (for example, Sonax Profiline).

    6. When you shouldn’t paint scratches yourself

    Not all defects can be eliminated in a garage. Contact the service if:

    • 🚗 Scratch reached metal and rust has already appeared (needs sandblasting).
    • 🎨 The car is painted in complex color (for example, Mercedes Designo or BMW Individual) - selection of shade requires professional equipment.
    • 💥 The damage is on body bending (for example, on a wheel arch) - without experience it is difficult to avoid smudges.
    • 🔄 There are too many scratches (more than 5-7 on one element) - local repairs will look spotty.

    The cost of professional painting of a scratch 20 cm long at the service ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles (depending on the complexity of the color). For comparison: self-repair will cost 500–1500 rubles, but without a guarantee of an ideal result.

    How to check the quality of paint after repair?

    Compare the repaired area with the original color when different lighting (sun, shade, artificial light). Run your finger - if you feel a transition between the old and new paint, then you need to polish it further. Walk around the area microfiber cloth with polish: if the fabric does not cling, the surface is smooth.

    7. Caring for the body after painting: how to prolong the result

    To prevent the paint from peeling off in a month, follow the rules:

    • 🚿 First wash - no earlier than 7 days after painting. Use contactless car wash or a soft sponge.
    • 🧴 Avoid harsh chemicals (for example, funds from alkali or silicone) in the first 2 weeks.
    • 🌳 Avoid parking under trees — resin and bird droppings corrode fresh varnish.
    • 🚗 Apply protective wax (for example, Turtle Wax) 14 days after repair.

    If after 1–2 months the paint begins to peel off, the reason is one of three factors:

    1. Poor adhesion due to poor quality degreasing.
    2. Absence primers on deep scratches.
    3. Usage incompatible varnish (for example, nitro varnish on acrylic paint).
    💡

    The main rule: if the scratch has not reached the metal, you can paint it over yourself. If soil or rust is visible, contact service. Savings on primer or varnish will result in repeated repairs in 2-3 months.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about painting scratches

    Is it possible to paint scratches in an unheated garage in winter?

    No. At temperatures below +10°C, the paint will lie unevenly, and the drying time will increase by 2–3 times. If the garage is not heated, use infrared heater for local heating of the area (but do not point it directly at the fresh paint!).

    What is the difference between pencil paint and aerosol paint?

    The pencil is convenient for spot scratches (up to 5 cm), but not suitable for large areas. Aerosol provides a more even coating, but requires protection of adjacent areas. For metallics and mother of pearl It is better to use an aerosol followed by varnishing.

    What primer is needed for scratching to metal?

    For bare metal use epoxy primer (for example, Reoflex), and for plastic — adhesive primer (for example, Plasti Prime). Apply 1-2 coats with 15-20 minutes drying time between coats.

    How long does spray paint last?

    With proper application and care - 2–4 years. The period depends on:

    • Paint quality (brands) Mobihel and PPG last longer than cheap analogues).
    • Operating conditions (in a large city with reagents, paint wears out faster).
    • Availability protective varnish and regular polishing.
    Is it possible to mix paints from different brands?

    Not recommended. Different manufacturers use different solvents and pigments, which can lead to:

    • Uneven drying.
    • Change in shade after varnishing.
    • Peeling of layers.

    The exception is if both brands belong to the same company (for example, Duplicolor and Motip from Sherwin-Williams).