Car Fix DIY Videos

http://ford-trucks.com/how-tos is the leading Ford F-150 and Super Duty resource for technical DIY guides. Need to repair unsightly blemishes on your truck’s paint? Watch this helpful video and visit http://ford-trucks.com/how-tos/a/ford-f150-f250-how-to-repair-a-paint-scratch-361731 for the full step-by-step guide.

Fixing a paint scratch on your Ford F-150 or Super Duty is not a difficult task.
With the right tools and a little patience, you can have your truck looking its best once again.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to remove those unfavorable scratches from your truck.

This easy job takes a few hours and costs from thirty to fifty dollars. A professional may charge up to four-hundred dollars to repair a paint scratch.

To complete this job you’ll need matching paint or a paint pen, painter’s tape, a soft sponge, a small cup of water, wet or dry sandpaper, primer, and clear coat paint.

Step One – Find your Ford truck’s paint color

You can find your Ford truck paint color in the owner’s manual or on the informational sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. Most auto parts stores will carry all Ford colors but you can also order them online.

If it is a small scratch, a paint pen is the best and least expensive option.

Pro Tip: It’s preferable to repair paint scratches in well-ventilated environment above 70 degrees fahrenheit.

Step Two – Wash the damaged area

With a soft sponge and soapy water, clean the damaged area and let it dry.

Step Three – Place tape around the scratch

Use painter’s tape to isolate the damaged area and prevent any additional scratches or marks during the repair.

Step Four – Apply the primer

If there is any exposed metal or plastic, apply several coats of the primer with a clean sponge, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

Step Five – Use sandpaper to remove excess dirt

Even if your repair did not require primer, use 1200 wet or dry sandpaper to remove excess dirt, rust, or overhanging primer from the repair region to ensure a clean and precise working area.

Step Six – Apply the paint

Use a small painter’s brush or paint pen to apply the paint to the damaged area. Wait for each layer to dry, then apply another coat as needed. You will generally want to wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying each coat. Be careful not to glob the paint on the scratch; this will leave an uneven surface.

Step Seven – Apply a clear coat

Wait an hour or so for the paint to dry, then apply the clear coat to the damaged to match the finish of the truck. Wait for each layer of clear coat to dry before applying the next. Two to three layers are sufficient.