Sudden scratches and swirls on your car can be frustrating, especially if you are a car guy and you love a neat and clean car. Scratches can also decrease your car’s resale value and your pride. To tackle these scratches, it’s important to know that they are not the same. Some are minor and can be removed easily but some are major and may penetrate the paint layer of your car.
However, the solution lies in understanding the type of scratch. In this disheartening situation, you need to know the right approach to remove the scratches and restore your car’s decent look.
In this article, you will learn about different DIY and professional ways to remove minor and severe scratches.
How to remove scratches from a car?
Assessing the Damage
When you have a scratch on your car, the first thing to do is understand the type of scratch. Car scratches come in different intensity levels and require a different approach.
Here are the four main types of car scratches.
Clear coat scratches
Clear coat scratches affect the car’s outermost layer, which protects the paint beneath. These are the least visible and the most common type of scratch and can be repaired easily.
Paint scratches
Paint scratches penetrate the clear coat, the outermost layer of the car surface, and reach the inner paint layer. They are more visible compared to clear coat scratches. However, they are still repairable with DIY solutions.
Primer scratches
Premier scratches go deeper and expose the primer layer beneath the paint. These are more noticeable than the other two types and are slightly difficult to repair.
Deep scratches
These are the most severe types of scratches that reach your car’s bare metal and create a chance of rust. They are beyond aesthetics and preserving value. The only solution to these scratches is a professional repair.
DIY Solutions for Minor Scratches
Scratches residing on the clear coat are less visible and easy to remove. You can also remove them with DIY solutions. You can choose between the following DIY solutions to repair minor scratches.
Toothpaste method
Normal toothpaste can be used to treat minor symptoms on a clear coat. Following are some quick steps to use it.
Here are some important steps to remove a scratch with toothpaste.
Chose right toothpaste
Take a non-abrasive toothpaste with zero gritty particles and ensure it’s not a whitening paste.
Clean the area
Dirt particles can worsen the scratch, so wash the scratched portion carefully with car soap and clean water. Then dry it with the help of a soft microfiber towel. Avoid working in direct sunlight because a heated car surface can make hurdles for you.
Apply toothpaste and buff it
Squeeze a small amount of paste onto a microfiber towel. Buff it on the scratched area in a circular motion using gentle pressure. Remember excessive pressure can damage the clear coat.
Rinse and check
Once you have buffed the paste properly, rinse the portion with clean water and dry it with a soft towel. Then check the scratch, if it is not removed, repeat the process with a minimal amount of extra paste.
Scratch removal kits and pens
Many types of scratch removal kits and pens are available in the markets, specially designed to repair car paint. You can buy one of them to repair your car’s scratches yourself.
Here is a step-by-step guide to properly use these tools.
Chose a reputable brand
Take time to research and choose a scratch-removal product from a reputable brand. This ensures quality and effectiveness.
Follow instructions
All the products come with specific instructions and you must follow them to get exceptional results. Normally, you should apply a small amount of compound on the applicator pad and buff the area in a circular motion with gentle pressure.
Work in sections
Identify all the scratches and work in small sections. It will be more controlled and effective.
DIY polishing
DIY polishing is the best option for deeper scratches penetrating the paint layer. However, this method requires a bit more effort but would be truly effective. For this process, you’ll need a high-quality polish compound from a reputable brand and a microfiber cloth.
Application
For the proper application of polish, you’ll wash the scratched area after frying it, and apply a small amount of polish on either a machine pad or cloth. Buff in a circular motion with gentle pressure. When the polish disappears, wash the area with clean water and check. If the scratches are not removed repeat the process.
How to remove paint scratches from a car
Paint scratches are usually deep and cannot be removed by DIY solutions. So to fix paint scratches you need to consult professional paint fixers.
Professional Scratch Repair Options
Professional scratch repairs are necessary when the scratches are deeper than the clear coat. Highly experienced professionals work with their expertise to remove deep scratches from your car.
Here are some common methods they use
Paint touch up
Deep scratches that breach clear coats are usually treated with paint touch-ups. Highly experienced professionals have a keen eye for color-matching. They ensure a seamless blend between the touch-up portion and the car’s original paint. This process restores the car’s decent look and protects the paint from further damage.
Wet sanding and buffing
Wet sanding and buffing is another effective solution to the deep scratches that reach the metal layer. In this process, the scratched portion is sanded carefully using fine grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. Then the area is buffed with a microfiber cloth or a machine.
Preventing Future Scratches
Now that you have learned all the techniques to tackle minor and major scratches, you need to avoid future scratches by adopting some protective measures. Here are some protective measures that would save your car from future scratches.
Washing and waxing
Daily washing and waxing of your car can minimize the risk of minor scratches caused by dirt and debris. Always clean dust and debris with clean water.
Parking Precautions
When parking your car, make sure that the location is safe and covered. You should choose a location where traffic is minimal.
Car Cover
Use car covers when you need to park your car for a long time. Car covers can protect the car from accidental scratches.
How to remove watermarks from car?
Sometimes watermarks on your car can be stubborn and cannot be removed through a normal wash. But there is nothing to worry about.
You can use these DIY techniques to remove stubborn water marks from a car
Vinegar solution
Make a vinegar solution by taking an equal amount of water and vinegar. Use a spray bottle to spray it on the watermark. Leave it for a few minutes. Scrub it with a microfiber towel and rinse it.
Baking soda paste
You can make a soda paste by taking 3 parts of baking soda and 1 part of water. Use it on the affected part. After applying, leave it for 15 minutes then scrub it with a microfiber towel. Afterward, rinse the affected part and dry it.
Water spot remover
For a stubborn watermark, a water spot remover may be necessary. Select a suitable one for your car’s paint and use it according to instructions. You can also add polish and wax afterward for extra protection and shine.
Conclusion
Car scratches can be a headache to car owners but when you understand different types of car scratches, you can easily manage them. You can repair minor scratches through DIY solutions like toothpaste or polishing compounds. But when the scratches go deeper, a professional repair is necessary. In addition, regular washing and wise parking habits can reduce the risk of scratches. With this little knowledge and a small effort, you can keep your car looking perfect.