Does the Scratch on Your Car Need New Paint?

Tony Mers • July 11, 2024

A man running both his hands along the door of a white sedan. There is an unsightly, long, horizontal scratch in the paint.

Nobody wants to deal with a big scratch on their car. Not only are scratches a massive eyesore, but they can hurt the resale value if you ever plan to put your car on the market. So what are you supposed to do? Can you buff it out? Does the scratch on your car need new paint? River North Collision Repair is here with a bit of helpful information about what you can do with those unsightly scratches.

Understanding Different Types of Scratches

There are many different types of scratches, and they can vary in length, width, and depth. Some scratches are superficial and only affect the clear coat, while others dig deeper into the paint and primer layers.

Identifying the type of scratch on your car is the first step in deciding whether you need a new paint job. Surface scratches usually look like thin white lines on the paintwork. Thankfully, you can usually get rid of these without professional assistance.

Do You Need a Professional Paint Job?

There are instances when a professional paint job is the best course of action. Bringing your vehicle in for a car painting repair treatment at your local body shop may be a good idea if you’re dealing with a deep scratch that exposes the metal.

Exposed metal makes your car far more susceptible to rust and can lead to expensive damage sooner rather than later. Professional painters use specialized equipment and high-quality paints that match your car’s original color, ensuring a seamless finish.

DIY Solutions for Minor Scratches

It’s easy to wonder if the scratch on your car needs new paint, but you can get rid of minor scratches in a way that’s both satisfying and cost-effective. Start by washing and drying the affected area to remove any dirt and debris.

Use a scratch remover or a polishing compound from your local hardware or auto parts shop to gently buff out the scratch. Follow the instructions on the product carefully and use a microfiber cloth to avoid further scratching. If the scratch is slightly deeper but still within the clear coat, consider using touch-up paint. Many car manufacturers offer touch-up kits that match your car's color.

If you're dealing with a scratch that requires expert attention, don't hesitate to reach out to River North Collision Repair. Our team of professionals specializes in paint and bodywork, ensuring that your vehicle looks as good as new. Whether you need a minor touch-up or a comprehensive paint job, we have the tools and expertise to handle it all.

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Why Ignoring Small Dents Can Lead to Bigger Problems

January 30, 2026

It is an awful feeling when you walk out to your car after a long day and see a small dent on your passenger door. While it may appear to be just a cosmetic issue, you should still get it fixed, because ignoring small dents can lead to bigger problems for your vehicle. Don’t let small dents on your car go untreated; let's talk about why you need to tackle these issues ASAP. Rust Loves Chicago Winters We all know the drill here in the Windy City. We have beautiful summers, sure, but we also pay the price with brutal winters. And what comes with winter? Salt. Tons of it. Your car’s paint job acts as a suit of armor protecting the metal body underneath. Even a minor dent often comes with microscopic cracks in the paint—sometimes too small to see with the naked eye. Once that seal is broken, moisture and road salt sneak in. They settle against the bare metal and start a chemical party you definitely don’t want to host. Oxidation begins immediately. By the time you notice bubbling paint or that tell-tale orange stain a few months later, the rust has already been eating away at your door panel from the inside out. Resale Value Takes a Nosedive For many people, maintaining their car is a valuable part of purchasing a new vehicle. When that day comes, curb appeal is everything. Used car buyers (and dealership appraisers) will judge your car by its exterior appearance. If they see a vehicle riddled with door dings, bumper scrapes, and ignored scratches, they see a car that wasn't cared for. They assume that if you didn't care enough to fix the outside, you probably didn't care about the rest of it either. It lowers the perceived value instantly. Maintaining your car’s body and its paint is an investment in your future trade-in value. Paint Damage Spreads Like a Virus When a dent or scrape compromises the integrity of the paint, the surrounding paint loses its grip. High-pressure car washes, wind, and temperature fluctuations cause the paint to flake away from the initial injury site. A scratch the size of a quarter can grow into a patch the size of a softball over a couple of seasons. It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think Here is the good news: fixing these things early is surprisingly affordable. Modern body shop technology is amazing. For many small dings where the paint isn't cracked, we can use techniques that massage the metal back into place without spraying a drop of paint. River North Collision Repair offers paintless dent repair in Chicago to fix minor dents. Regardless of what nicked your door, we can help remove the dents and maintain a seamless look for your vehicle. Don’t Wait for Problems Don't let minor dents turn into a big nightmare. Save your future self the headache (and the cash). Swing by River North Collision Repair for your quick and easy repairs. Because driving a car you’re proud of? That’s a feeling you can’t put a price on.