Introduction
Scratches on a car can be a real eyesore. Whether it’s from a fender bender or just an innocent brush against a rough surface, scratches can diminish the aesthetic appeal of your car. Leaving them unaddressed can even lead to rusting and damage to your car’s body. In this article, we’ll explain how you can easily fix scratches on your car without breaking the bank or seeking professional help.
How to Remove Scratches on a Car with Toothpaste and Baking Soda
Before we delve into more advanced methods, it’s worth giving the simple home remedies a shot. Toothpaste and baking soda are two common household items that can help remove superficial scratches from your car. Here’s how:
Materials Needed:
- Toothpaste (not gel)
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloth
- Water
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Cleaning the affected area: Start by cleaning the scratched area with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Applying the toothpaste/baking soda mixture: Mix a small amount of toothpaste and baking soda in a bowl until you have a consistent paste. Apply the mixture to the microfiber cloth.
- Buffing out the scratch: Gently rub the mixture-covered cloth in a circular motion over the scratch for a few minutes. Use another clean microfiber cloth to wipe off the toothpaste residue.
Tips and Tricks for Optimal Results:
- Be gentle, not too much pressure can end up creating deeper scratches.
- For deeper scratches, the toothpaste and baking soda mix will not completely remove them, but it can definitely help to blend the scratch with the rest of the paintwork.
- If you don’t have baking soda, toothpaste alone can be effective for removing minor scratches.
Using a Car Scratch Removal Kit
Car scratch removal kits are readily available in the market and are an affordable option for removing scratches. Let’s take a look at how to use them:
Types of Scratch Removal Kits
Before choosing a car scratch removal kit, you need to understand the multiple types that are available in the market. The 3 primary types are:
- Pen
- Liquid
- Kit
How to Choose the Right One for Your Car
Each of these types works better on different types of scratches. Here’s what we recommend:
- Pen: Best for shallow scratches that haven’t gone through the clear coat. Great for fine scratches.
- Liquid: Best for minor scratches that have gone through the clear coat. A good option if you are looking for something easy to use.
- Kit: Best for deep or long scratches that require filling. This will likely require sanding and polishing such as using touch-up paint in addition to using a kit.
Step-by-step Instructions on How to Use the Kit:
- Cleaning the affected area: Again, start by cleaning the scratched area with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Applying the solution: Open the pen, liquid or kit and follow the instructions provided. Apply carefully to the affected area of the car.
- Buffing out the scratch: Use a microfiber cloth to buff out the affected area gently. If the scratch requires extensive work, then consider using a polishing compound and washing your car again prior to waxing if necessary.
Tips and Tricks for Optimal Results:
- If your car has metallic paint, then it is best to consult with experts before using any type of home remedy.
- Avoid using the pen or liquid on deeper scratches.
- Be patient! Scratch removal requires time and attention to detail.
Fixing Deep Scratches with Touch-up Paint
Touch-up paint is a great option to fix deeper scratches. Here’s how to use it:
Materials Needed:
- Touch-up paint
- Primer
- Wax and grease remover
- Sandpaper (2000-grit)
- Microfiber cloth
- Clean and dry rag
- Rubbing compound
How to Choose the Right Touch-up Paint?
The first step is to ensure that you have the right color. Check your car’s color by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the color code near the driver’s door.
Step-by-step Instructions on How to Apply Touch-up Paint:
- Cleaning the affected area: Start by using a wax and grease remover to clean the area around the scratch. Wipe with a microfiber cloth and let dry.
- Applying the paint: Apply a small amount of primer followed by the touch-up paint using a toothpick. Fill the scratch in completely.
- Sanding and buffing out the scratch: Sand the touch-up paint by using a 2000-grit sandpaper and buff until smooth using a rubbing compound.
Tips and Tricks for Optimal Results:
- Apply the paint in thin layers, instead of one thick coat.
- Be gentle when sanding, and use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the surrounding area.
- If you have a larger and deeper area to fix or feel unsure about which touch-up paint or primer to use, then consider seeking professional help.
Buffing Out Minor Scratches with a Polishing Compound
If the scratches on your car are minor, then a polishing compound may be all you need to restore your car’s shine.
Materials Needed:
- Polishing compound
- A dual-action polisher
- Microfiber detailing pad
- Water
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Cleaning the affected area: Start by washing your car with water and soap. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Applying the polishing compound: Apply some polishing compound directly to the car’s body or onto a microfiber detailing pad. Apply the small amount of the compound to the affected area.
- Buffing out the scratch: Use a dual-action polisher to buff out the affected area. Apply moderate pressure but don’t overdo it. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe until the scratch is no longer visible.
Tips and Tricks for Optimal Results:
- Never use a rotary buffer since it would damage the paint of your car by producing swirly holograms all over the scratched area.
- Never buff for a long time, especially when using a dual-action polisher cause it can overheat the paintwork.
- Be patient and repeat steps 2 and 3 if the scratch doesn’t disappear at first.
Seeking Professional Help
Whilst fixing scratches on your own can be done, sometimes it’s best to trust a professional to do the job right. Here are some things to keep in mind when seeking professional help:
When to Seek Professional Help?
Seek professional help when:
- Scratches are too deep
- The sherry of the car has been stripped off
- Scratches are over a large area
- Scratches are in difficult to reach areas
How to Choose the Right Professional?
Make sure the technician is:
- A licensed auto body repair specialist
- Has experience working with cars similar to yours
- Uses high-quality materials and equipment
- Provides a written estimate and zero-damage warranty
What to Expect from a Professional Repair?
Professional paint touch-up and repair is a five-step process that typically takes place over several days:
- Preparation
- Sand-down
- filler application
- Paint application
- Buffing process
Tips and Tricks for Optimal Results:
- Ensure that the repair specialist color-matches your car, fills in all scratches completely and repaints without leaving any bubbles, smears, or imperfections.
- After the repair, survey the repaired area carefully for any missed paint and scratches and confirm the warranty.
Conclusion
Now you know how to fix scratches on your car in various ways, both DIY and by seeking professional car repair services. We recommend that you start with the simplest methods before diving into complex, potentially dangerous ones. Remember, small scratches are bound to happen, and by taking care of them, you ensure that your car continues to look its best for longer.
Feel free to drop more tips and tricks for fixing scratches on cars in the comment section.