Picture this: you come home after getting a car wash and step out to admire your squeaky clean vehicle. But then you notice a long scratch on your driver’s side door. What’s that? Where did it come from?
If you find yourself in this situation, the first thing you’ll want to do is see how deep the scratch is and decide if you can remove it yourself. But how should you go about it? Read on for the best tips to remove scratches from your car.
What Products Do You Need to Remove Scratches from Your Car?
There are generally two products you’ll want to consider when trying to get rid of scratches on the car and imperfections on your car. One is Scratch and Swirl Remover, and the other is Rubbing and Polishing Compounds.
The formulations and instructions for Scratch and Swirl Remover products are tailored for repairing blemishes on the finish and small areas of scuffs and scratches.
If you want to address oxidation and dull finish instead, you should opt for a Rubbing and Polishing Compound.
The last item you need is a soft, high-quality towel to buff in these products.
How to Remove Light Scratches & Blemishes From Your Car
The task of getting rid of scratches on the car can be quite stressful depending on how deep the scratch or swirl is. Examples of minor surface blemishes that can be removed with Scratch and Swirl Remover are light marks from fingernails around door handles, light scuffs, or a finish that has lost its gloss. This product can also remove general road film and swirl marks from automatic car washes.
Removing Light Scratches
- Wash and dry your car.
- If you can, mark the scratch with masking tape one inch above and one inch below the scratch to help you apply the product in the right spot.
- Apply a Scratch and Swirl Remover with a soft towel in a back-and-forth motion for 30 seconds with firm pressure.
- Wipe dry with a clean towel and inspect the area to see if the scratch has been removed.
- Reapply the Scratch and Swirl Remover until you achieve your desired results or the scratch becomes clear or invisible
- Repeat the process up to five times
- Apply the Scratch and Swirl Remover to the larger surrounding area to blend in the repair
How to Remove Stubborn Scratches & Blemishes?
If you’ve followed the above steps and the scratch is still there, you can use a Rubbing and Polishing Compound and use a heavier grit to buff it in. Paste compounds are more aggressive than liquid ones, so on new, darker paint finishes you should use a liquid compound. On older, oxidized paint finishes you should use paste compounds.
Removing Deep Scratches
Stone chips, paint transfer, and deeper abrasions may require sanding and polishing or paint repair. For this kind of damage, it is recommended to visit a professional auto repair shop.
How to Buff Car After Removing Scratches?
The process of working a Scratch and Swirl Remover or Rubbing and Polishing Compound into your car removes wax, which is much needed to protect your paint from UV damage, dirt, and more. After polishing or treating scratches, you should clean the area and wait until it’s dry to reapply wax. Gently buff the wax in with a soft towel to restore shine and help protect against future scratches and swirl marks.