Car scratch repair pen - worth buying?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Wrichik Basu
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effectiveness of scratch repair pens for minor car scratches on a Toyota Etios Liva. The user, a new driver, has multiple small scratches and is considering using a repair pen instead of professional services due to the hassle of insurance claims. Recommendations include assessing the depth of scratches by feeling for ridges and using inexpensive scratch removers if the scratches are smooth. The consensus is that for minor scratches, using a repair pen is a viable option to conceal imperfections temporarily.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of car paint types and finishes
  • Familiarity with assessing scratch depth and severity
  • Knowledge of DIY car maintenance techniques
  • Experience with using automotive touch-up products
NEXT STEPS
  • Research different brands of scratch repair pens, such as those available on Amazon
  • Learn about the application techniques for automotive touch-up paint
  • Investigate the effectiveness of various scratch removers available at auto parts stores
  • Watch tutorials on YouTube, particularly from channels like ChrisFix, for DIY scratch repair tips
USEFUL FOR

New drivers, car owners looking to maintain their vehicle's appearance, and DIY enthusiasts interested in automotive repairs.

Wrichik Basu
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I am learning driving. As a learner, I couldn't avoid two small scratches on one side of our car (a Toyota Etios Liva, about 3 years and 6 months old). The scratch on the door is about the length of your little finger on the hand, and the width is so small that you won't find it unless you go near it (only the surface paint has been ripped off). Another one, near and above the front tire, is a bit larger, but the paint hasn't been ripped off fully.

In addition to these, there are two more scratches, one in front, and one at the back. Those two were due to the carelessness of drivers. The one at the front is small, but the other one is a bit large. But no dents, only the surface paint is lost.

I was considering options about repairing. Generally we don't do the repairs from anywhere but the authorised service center. But if I give them the car, I have to claim an insurance, and that is a lot of trouble. In addition, having received my license only very recently, I am not an experienced driver, so some scratches might add to this. So doing a full body paint is perhaps not a very good option at this moment.

What if I buy a scratch repair pen, something like https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NS6T9LO/?tag=pfamazon01-20 or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R559KGP/?tag=pfamazon01-20? I learned from the ChrisFix channel on YouTube that scratches can be repaired at home, but I am not going to do all that tricky stuff. I was thinking about just lightly painting the scratches with the pen, so that they are not visible from a distance. Maybe after one or two years, when I am confident enough, I can take the car for a full body paint and claim the insurance.

What do you say?
 
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It depends upon how deep the scratch is. Run your fingernail across the scratch perpendicular to it. If you can feel a ridge, it’s tough to remove the scratch. If it’s relatively smooth, get an inexpensive scratch remover at an auto parts store and give it a shot. Don’t spend a lot of money looking for the perfect remover.
 
PhanthomJay said:
It depends upon how deep the scratch is. Run your fingernail across the scratch perpendicular to it. If you can feel a ridge, it’s tough to remove the scratch. If it’s relatively smooth, get an inexpensive scratch remover at an auto parts store and give it a shot. Don’t spend a lot of money looking for the perfect remover.
The scratches are small ones, so there is no question of buying anything costly. I will just cover them with paints so as to "hide" them. I cannot (and will not) repair the scratches, as that is quite tricky.

Has anyone used these pens, and can certify that the colour stays on the car even after washing?
 

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