Can Paint Scratches Be Easily Removed?
What's In This Post?
Just like scratches in the windshield, paint scratches are a common problem for car owners. The good news is that a scratch can be removed by a professional detailer, but you can also repair the paint yourself with the right tools and products. In this blog post, we’ll cover the top five ways to remove paint scratches and the best car wax to finish the repair so your vehicle looks new again! A black car’s surface is a bit tougher to work with and may need to be polished by a professional to avoid possibly leaving a new issue. Using the wrong product and incorrect pressure when detailing a black panel can produce visible levels of ultrafine webbing or swirls in the paint.
5 DIY Paint Scratch Removal Steps
The steps below will help eliminate shallow blemishes and renew the appearance of your automotive exterior.
Step One: Start by washing your vehicle with a pH-neutral soap to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse the car off and dry it thoroughly by hand. Follow up by checking the depth of the scratch. If the scratch is too deep and cannot be buffed out with a clay bar alone, consider having it repaired by your local collision shop. Removing scratches isn’t simple, but can be easily completed with a little elbow grease. This whole process can also be incredibly trying on your patience so be sure to allow plenty of time to prep and complete the steps and methods we’ll cover in this guide.
Step Two: Using a clay bar treatment for polishing or buffing out a minor scratch as well as small chips caused by rocks and other obstacles on the road can take time. This is an excellent solution for any surface that is oxidized and scratched. However, scratch repairs won’t be enough if the car’s bare metal layer has been exposed to excess damage. At this point, you may need to touch up the surface by painting it with a couple of coats of primer and touch-up to avoid rust.
Step Three: Take care of the surface scratch with a wax and grease remover. Use a high-quality wax to cover up the scratch, as well as make your vehicle shine like new again. Waxing will also protect against future oxidation from dirt, debris, or even rain! Apply it generously over the surface of the scratched area, let sit for two minutes, then wipe clean with a microfiber towel. If you have any leftover residue, we recommend using rubbing alcohol.
Step Four: For a deep scratch, you’ll need a spray bottle with some water and fine-grit sandpaper (1,000 grit or higher). Start by spraying some water on the scratch then take the fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool, fold it over at the middle and rub in light circular motions on the scratch for about two minutes. This will smooth out any deeper rough edges that may have been created.
Step Five: Use a high-speed electric buffer to warm up the finish, remove rubbing compound or polish, and smooth out any marks from the sandpaper. Continue applying polish and buffing until the car’s coat or finish is smooth and the scratch is gone. Be sure not to leave the buffer spinning in one spot too long or cause swirl marks, or worse, burn the surface, which could change the color. This is bad and can only be corrected by having the burned area painted which ultimately will cost a lot more for the correction.
Best Old School Method for Paint Scratch Removal
One of the best scratch removers is a paste made from baking soda and olive oil. Simply mix these two ingredients together in equal amounts, spread on the scratch, let it sit for about five minutes then rinse with water to remove residue. Repeat this process until gone! This quick and easy process eliminates sanding, the application of compounds or a polisher, and doesn’t typically cause swirls or additional imperfections in the body to remove a scratch.
Apply Auto Sealant for Protection
Consider using a sealant by applying it over your existing paintwork. This will help ensure the finish is protected properly.
Best Car Wax
Wax is the best protection is to avoid scratches in the first place. Carnauba wax or sealant provides a barrier between your car’s panel and potential road hazards like rocks, gravel, sand, and tar!
There are many car wax products on the market and it can be overwhelming to choose just one. Two of my personal favorites are Turtle Wax and Meguiar’s sealant because they do an excellent job at protecting your paint from future scratches while bringing back that beautiful factory shine!
Another type of wax is carnauba wax. This is a bit more expensive than the sealant, but it does an excellent job at producing a beautiful shine and protecting it from future scratches. Always use high-quality carnauba waxes! It’s also best to apply this type of wax in the sun as opposed to indoors or in the shade.
Say No To Abrasive Materials!
Always use quality liquid soap with a soft cotton cloth and car wax on your paint job because it’ll help provide the deepest shine and protect your vehicle from future paint scratches. It is also important to never wash the paint off with water and a cloth alone as it can cause noticeable scratches in the paint.
Most people think car paint care is a bit overwhelming, but car guys or ladies will tell you it’s worth it to maintain your ride!
