Introduction: How to Touch Up a Deep Paint Scratch in Your Car.

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Here's how to get the best possible do-it-yourself result and perhaps avoid paying a body shop $1000s to fix minor paint damage.

What you'll need:
1.  A small bottle of paint that matches your car.
2.  A fine-tipped touch up brush (hobbyist stores have these).
3.  3M Glazing & Spot putty (from most automotive stores).
4.  Paper towels or a rag.
5.  Excess paint and putty remover.
6.  Squeegee for spreading putty (credit card will work too).

Materials costs:  about $40.

Step 1: Apply Putty

Spread a dab of putty into the scratch with a squeegee or credit card.

Step 2: Remove Putty

Wet a paper towel or rag with excess paint remover.  With gentle pressure, wipe over the red putty to remove excess.  Stop when the scratch is full with red putty.

Step 3: Apply Paint

Clean the repair area, then apply paint.  "Connect the dots" from left to right, keeping a steady hand to avoid creating ugly brush strokes.

Step 4: Done!

Paint is dry in 5 minutes.  You can wash or wax your car if you like. 

Should you make a mistake, the putty or paint can be removed with nail polish remover and you can try again.

Expect BETTER results on dark colors than light colors.