Expert: Gary - 3/11/2008

Question
I have a 2007 Toyota Matrix and recently some jerk hit my door hard enough to leave a small dent and scratched the paint down to the primer.  There is about a 1/4" scratch and the primer is showing for most of the entire length.  The dent is maybe 1/16".

I'm not going to do anything about the small dent, but I do want to repair the paint so the primer is covered.  After I go to the dealer and get some touchup paint, how should I try and repair the paint?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Eric,

Sorry to hear about your car. This is the way I would repair it. Clean the surface good with a grease and wax remover or acetone. Isolate the touch-up paint just inside the scratch. Apply the paint until it builds just slightly high than the original paint around the scratch. After the touch-up paint has dried for a couple of days you can come back with a super-fine(2000 grit)sand paper and sand the touch-up paint until it matches the level of the original paint. If you need sandpaper or wax and grease remover check out this website:
http://www.repaintsupply.com/

For the dent you might check out these videos: http://www.wisebread.com/remove-car-dents-quickly-and-cheaply

I'm not sure how well it works but it sure looks interesting and it might just do the job. I think I like the second video the best. I hope this helps you. If you have any other questions just let me know.

Gary