scratch repair question

[rh71]

Wife's car has 2 scratched spots on the rear left fender area (above wheel well) that are slightly bigger than a quarter and the white is completely gone. It's black (not from the other car) and I'm guessing it's down to the metal? Thankfully it's not dented. I'm guessing it's too big a spot for touch-up paint. Will do-it-yourself paint kits work (recommendations)? Or is a body shop recommended even for a small job? This is a commuter car and we don't want to spend too much money on it since it may happen again (looks like whoever it was sucked at parking) but at the same time we have to take care of it (rust).

 

[Raizinman]

First, it appears you are speaking about the quarter panel of the vehicle. Cars don’t have rear fenders.

You have a few options depending on how much money you want to spend.

#1 – If you just want to prevent rust, you can clean the wound, apply a few coats of some antirust paint, wax, and you are on your way. Total cost = $10

#2 – If you want to prevent the rust and want to make it cosmetically better. Clean the wound with steel wool, apply primer, apply duplicolor color specific paint (2x), wax, and you are done. Total cost = $25

I have seen many scratches, (both big and wide) repaired with touchup paint. Yes, it might take you some time, and many coats, but often, with enough patience and fortitude, you can make it look reasonable for under $10.

#3 – Take to body shop. Total cost $200

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Year/make/model?

I would avoid taking it to a body shop, they usually have to 'blend' the paint, which means painting a large area just to cover a scratch. It opens up the potential for peeling and misc paint issues down the road.

I've seen people use the paint pens and thick gel touchup paint and make things look excellent. It might take a bunch of coats, but it's better than spraying the car IMHO.

 

[sontakke]

We need pictures! That will show your car, the condition, and the damage. Depending upon how the rest of the car looks like, your mechanical aptitude, your budget and your tolerance, there will be different solutions.