Quickly Fix Your Subaru Forester's Scraped Paint

If your Subaru Forester has a small scrape, there are a few ways to fix it. Firstly, you can use a touch-up kit, which can be purchased online or from a Subaru dealer. This involves cleaning the area with alcohol or another cleaner, such as lighter fluid, and then using a small brush or toothpick to apply the paint. You can also use a paint pen, which can be purchased from a car paint supply shop or a Subaru dealer. If you want to avoid painting, you can cover the scratch with an OEM bumper cover, which can be attached with double-sided tape. If the scrape has caused rust, you can apply a rust converter to stop the rust from spreading before touching up the paint.

Using touch-up paint

If you have exposed metal from a scrape on your Subaru Forester, you can use touch-up paint to fix it. Touch-up paint can be purchased from a Subaru dealer or online. You can also use a paint pen from the parts counter of a Subaru dealer.

Before applying the touch-up paint, wash the area with a high concentration of dawn dish soap and water. This will remove any waxes or oils that may prevent the paint from adhering. Dry the area with a microfiber towel. Then, rub the area with 91% alcohol on a microfiber cloth to ensure the area is perfectly clean. Make sure the area is completely dry before painting.

If you have rust, you should apply a rust converter first. This will turn the rust black, indicating that it is no longer active. Then, dab on some touch-up paint, filling the chip without overfilling it. You can use a very thin touch-up brush or a toothpick for very small chips.

Touch-up paint dries very quickly, so only apply it to cool panels out of the sun. Use a flashlight to closely inspect your work. After 48 hours, you can clean and lightly buff the area. You can also use a cleaner wax to increase the gloss of the touch-up paint and help it blend in.

Removing rust

To fix small scraped paint on a Subaru Forester, you can use touch-up paint. However, if there is rust in the scratch, you will need to take extra steps to treat the rust before applying the touch-up paint. Here is a guide on how to remove rust and restore the paint on your Subaru Forester:

If you notice rust on your Subaru Forester, it is important to address it promptly to prevent further corrosion and damage. Here are the steps you can take to remove rust and restore the affected area:

• Assess the Damage: Determine the extent of the rust. Look for any exposed metal or bare metal that has started to rust. Small paint chips or scratches can lead to rusting if left untreated.
• Prepare the Area: Start by removing any loose particles or debris from the rusty area. Use a wire brush or a scuff pad to gently scrape away loose rust. Be careful not to go too aggressively, as you don't want to damage the surrounding paint or underlying metal.
• Clean the Area: Ensure the rusty area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any wax, oils, or dirt that may impede the adhesion of the primer or touch-up paint. You can use alcohol, lighter fluid, or a mild cleaning solution to wipe down the affected area.
• Apply a Rust Converter: If the rust is actively spreading, consider using a rust converter. These products react with the rust, turning it into a dark colour and preventing further corrosion. Apply the rust converter according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually by dabbing or brushing it onto the rusty area.
• Use Primer: Primer will help create a smooth base for the touch-up paint to adhere to. You can use a spray primer, such as Rust-Oleum, and apply it with a toothpick or a small disposable paintbrush. Ensure the primer fills in any deep chips or scratches, building up multiple layers if needed.
• Let the Primer Dry: Before moving on to the next step, make sure the primer is completely dry. Follow the instructions on the primer's packaging for the recommended drying time.

Restoring Paint

Once the rust has been treated and the primer is dry, you can proceed with restoring the paint:

• Choose the Right Paint: Use touch-up paint that matches the colour of your Subaru Forester. You can purchase OEM touch-up paint from a Subaru dealer or choose an aftermarket option, especially if your Forester is a common colour like white.
• Prepare the Paint Surface: Wash the area to be treated with a solution of mild soap and water to remove any remaining dirt or contaminants. Towel dry the area with a microfiber cloth. You can also use alcohol on a microfiber towel to ensure the area is perfectly clean.
• Apply the Touch-up Paint: Use a very thin brush to apply the touch-up paint. Work in small sections, ensuring the paint doesn't clump or lump. Avoid applying paint to warm panels, as it will dry too quickly and may not blend seamlessly.
• Allow the Paint to Dry: Give the paint sufficient time to dry. Usually, 48 hours is enough for the paint to harden.
• Buff and Wax (Optional): After the paint has dried, you can lightly buff the area to smooth out any imperfections. You can also use a cleaner wax on a sponge pad to increase the gloss and help the touch-up paint blend in even better.

Remember, while touch-up paint can improve the appearance and protect the exposed metal, it will not look as flawless as a professional respray. Always take your time, work in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from chemicals.

Using a paint pen

If you have a scratch on your Subaru Forester that has exposed bare metal, you may want to consider using a paint pen to fix it. Paint repair pens are a good option for small scratches and can be colour-matched to your vehicle.

First, you will need to clean the area with alcohol or another cleaner to remove any wax or oils. You can use a high concentration of dawn dish soap and water, ensuring you towel the area dry with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a small amount of 91% alcohol on a microfiber cloth to ensure the area is perfectly clean.

Once the area is clean and dry, you can apply the paint pen. Swipe the pen over the area that needs it and it will cover the scratch. You may need to use a toothpick to transfer the paint to the scratch if the pen applicator is too large. Be sure not to overfill the scratch, just fill it enough so that it is level with the surrounding painted surface.

After applying the paint, you will need to let it dry completely. This may take a few hours. Once it is dry, you can use a fine grit sandpaper (2000-2500 grit) to lightly sand the area. Then, use a rubbing compound and a microfiber cloth to buff the area until the scratch is no longer visible. Finally, polish the area with car polish using circular motions.

It is important to note that a touch-up paint pen repair will never look as good as a professional respray. It is also a good idea to check that the scratch is not too deep before attempting to repair it with a paint pen. If the scratch has penetrated the colour coat, you may need to seek professional help.

Sanding and polishing

If your Subaru Forester has been scratched, there are several steps you can take to repair the damage. Firstly, it is important to clean the area with a high concentration of dawn dish soap and water to remove any waxes or oils that may prevent paint adhesion. You can then use a small disposable paintbrush to apply a primer to the scratch, which will help to fill in any low spots.

If there is rust present, you should apply a rust converter to turn the rust black and prevent further corrosion. Once the scratch has been prepared, you can apply a touch-up paint using a very thin brush or a paint pen. It is important to work on cool panels out of direct sunlight, as touch-up paint dries rapidly and can clump if applied to warm surfaces. After 48 hours, you can clean and lightly buff the area to increase the gloss and help the paint blend in.

For deeper scratches, you may need to sand the area before applying paint. Wet sanding with fine-grit sandpaper can help to smooth out the scratch and create a more even surface for the paint to adhere to. However, it is important to note that sanding may remove the protective clear coat on your car, so it should be done carefully and only when necessary.

After sanding, you can apply a small amount of paint to the scratch, ensuring that you do not overfill the area. It is often recommended to seek professional help when dealing with deeper scratches, as improper repairs can make the damage more noticeable.

Visiting a professional detailer

If the scratch on your Subaru Forester is minor, you may be able to repair it yourself using a touch-up kit. However, if there are multiple scratches or the scratch is deep, it is recommended to seek professional help. Deep scratches require the removal of the clear coat and possibly the primer, and if not done properly, can lead to further paint damage and body rust.

Professional detailers will have different polishes, pads, and polishing machines at their disposal, allowing them to quickly and efficiently remove a thin top layer of the clear coat and level the area, leaving it blemish-free. They may also recommend a full respray if the damage is extensive, which can be costly but will leave your car looking shiny and new.

Before taking your car to a detailer, it is important to assess the extent of the damage. Check for paint transfer, which is common in parking garages, by looking for a different color on your bumper or another part of your car. Inspect for scratches by running your hand over the affected area, and if the paint feels rough or uneven, it likely requires touch-up paint. Look for dents or depressions in the body of your car, which can indicate a more significant impact. Finally, check for primer or plastic exposure, which indicates severe damage that will require professional repair.

If you decide to visit a professional detailer, be sure to choose a reputable shop with experienced professionals and the necessary equipment to handle your car's specific needs.

Frequently asked questions