Car Care & Auto Detailing Blog — Car paint damage levels

Scratches, chips, and scuffs are bound to happen, especially if you drive a lot. But even the smallest cracks can expose your car's metal to the elements, allowing rust to ruin its aesthetics. 

Preserve your car's look by following the DIY steps below to repair those annoying scuffs, scratches, and chipped surfaces.

What Are Scuffs, Scratches, and Chips?

These are all names for damage to your car’s surfaces. 

Scuffs are typically much more surface-level, usually caused by something, like a car door, rubbing against the exterior. 

Scratches are usually caused by a sharp object cutting through multiple paint layers. 

Chips refer to surfaces of paint that are entirely removed from the car’s surface, typically due to an impact. 

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Cleaning Supplies

The ideal cleaning supplies include a car wash soap appropriate for your car’s exterior. 

Additionally, multiple microfiber cloths are recommended, as the material allows for efficient cleaning without the risk of smearing and rubbing dirt and grime into the car surface. 

It should be noted that multiple microfiber cloths are advised, as each of the scuff and scratch removal processes uses them.

Scuff Removal Products

You can use toothpaste and baking soda to remove scuffs. While this might sound strange, these items work as light abrasives, eliminating surface imperfections and making the scuff less visible.

Scratch Repair Materials

For the lighter scratches, you’ll want a microfiber cloth ready with a scratch remover that can be used as a cleaner and polisher. 

For the far deeper scratches, a bit more elbow grease is required. You’ll want to have:

• 1,000 or 2,000 grit sandpaper (higher means much finer grits but less abrasive) 

• Undercoat

• Matching paint

• Lacquer thinner

• Polishing compound 

• Cotton swabs and cloth

Chip Repair Tools

While the damage from nicks might seem like a professional repair type of job, it's simpler than you think. The tools you’ll need include:

• 1000 grit sandpaper (wet or dry)

• Tweezers

• Rust remover

• Cotton Swabs (large chips)

• Matching paint

• Clear coat

• Rubbing compound (large chips)

• Isopropyl alcohol (large chips)

• Paint pen (minor chips)

How To Remove Scuffs

The process is pretty straightforward for minor scuffs:

1. Clean the surface by gently using both water and the appropriate car wash soap 

2. Dry the surface with a microfiber cloth

3. Apply the abrasive component (toothpaste, etc) to a wet microfiber cloth 

4. Using the cloth, rub in a circular motion, checking every minute or so

Repeat the process until step three for harsher paint scuffs, then:

1. Combine water and baking soda to create a paste

2. Using the paste, wipe off the paint scuffs, taking care not to take off any other paint. 

How To Fix Scratches

Scratches to your vehicle can range in depth. The depth of the scratch will determine the repair method. 

For smaller scratches:

1. Wash your car down using the appropriate soap, allowing it to dry afterwards

2. Apply scratch remover, using the microfiber cloth, directly to the scratched area

3. Rub in the remover for around a minute, and let it dry

4. Use the microfiber cloth to remove the product and repeat until the scratch is gone. 

For harsher, deeper scratches, the process is a bit more involved as the damage has breached far deeper into the paint:

1. Wash and dry your car 

2. Sand down one direction of the scratched area, continuing until you see the metal 

3. Use your tape to protect the rest of the car’s paint during the repair

4. Following the product directions, apply the undercoat by going from the center towards the edges of the scratched area

5. Allow the undercoat to dry completely

6. When the surface is dry, sand it down while staying clear of the surrounding clear coat

7. Apply a fresh coat to the affected area using the matching paint, and allow it to cure 

8. Once the paint is cured, use your polishing compound for final touches

How To Repair Chips

Repairing your car’s chipped surfaces can differ based on the severity of the chip. 

Let's start with minor chips:

1. Wash down your vehicle to get rid of any wax buildup, and then allow it to dry

2. Use a paint pen, applying enough to allow for shrinkage

3. If the chip is located on your hood, raise the hood horizontally to the ground, as this stops the paint from running

For medium-sized chips:

1. Use your tweezers to remove any debris that is stuck in the chipped area

2. Apply the undercoat following the directions on the product, and allow to cure

3. After the undercoat has cured, apply the new paint

4. Wet the sandpaper and then sand the surface

5. Apply the clear coat and sand the surface again

6. Finally, buff the new paint until the surface is completely smooth

For those large chipped surfaces:

1. Use your tweezers to remove any loose paint, preventing any flaking from occurring after the repair

2. With a cotton swab, apply the rust remover to clear off any corrosion, continuing until any corrosion is eliminated

3. Wash the remover with isopropyl alcohol

4. Sand down the chipped area while avoiding the surrounding paint

5. Using the matching paint, paint thin coats and wait till dry

6. Sand down the dry surface until it is completely smooth

7. Apply the clear coat

8. Clean and remove imperfections using your cotton cloth and rubbing compound

9. Finally, wash your car down, cleaning off the rubbing compound

*Wait at least seven days after your chip repair to give your vehicle a fresh wax. 

Prevention Tips To Avoid Future Damage

Whether cleaning up a small scratch or repairing a big chip on the surface, doing these repairs is never high on the chore list. These bits of damage don’t have to be a part of your car’s life, as there are plenty of ways to prevent future problems:

• Protect your vehicle from the elements (sun, foliage) by parking in sheltered areas like a garage.

• Wash your car routinely to remove dirt, dust, and debris—preferably by car wash, as manual brushes can damage paint.

• Utilize safe, high-quality cleaning products. Avoid potentially damaging components like sponges. 

• Use drying tools like a microfiber cloth to safely dry without affecting the paint.

• Give your car a fresh coat of wax to reinforce the clear coat and enhance its protection from elements like UV rays.

Enjoy a Smooth Ride With a Smoother Exterior

Fixing scratches, scuffs, and chips might seem like a hassle, but the payoff is well worth it. Beyond restoring your vehicle’s appearance, these repairs help protect it from more significant problems down the road, like rust and corrosion. While it may take time and attention to detail, a well-done repair can leave your car looking like it just rolled off the lot.

Give your vehicle a little care with the Absorber by CleanTools. This extra-absorbent towel is built using a unique material called Polyvinyl Alcohol, or PVA. This material creates a sponge-like pore structure that helps trap and dry water on car surfaces quickly. Keep car wash time quick and easy with the Absorber by CleanTools.