Car Scratch Removal: Our Best Tips And Tricks

When you first observe a nasty scratch on your car, your heart takes a sharp dive. Maybe someone felt artistic with their key, or a rogue shopping cart made contact in the parking lot. No matter how it got there, you're left with an unsightly blemish that seems impossible to remove.

 

Don't despair! In most cases, you can fix a superficial scratch at home with little effort. If the laceration is severe, you may need to take it to a professional. Keep reading for tips on how to remove scratches from your car.

 

Are All Scatches the Same?

There are different car scratches, each requiring a different removal method. The three main types of car scratches are:

 
1. Clear Coat Scratches: These scratches only affect the clear coat, the final layer of paint applied to the car. Clear coat scratches are usually light and don't require much effort.

2. Paint Scratches: These scratches go through the clear coat and into the paint. Paint scratches are usually more difficult to remove than clear coat scratches.

 
3. Deep Scratches: Deep scratches go through the paint and into the car's metal. These scratches are the most difficult to remove and usually require professional assistance.

 

Removing Car Scratches:

Regardless of the size, severity, or type of scratch, you must remove it before it adds to the depreciation value of your car. If you're trying to save money, you can try a few DIY methods.

 

1. Use Toothpaste:

Toothpaste is a gentle abrasive that you can use to remove light scratches. Apply some toothpaste to a clean, soft cloth and rub it into the scratch in a circular motion. Once the toothpaste dries, wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry your car with a clean towel.

 

2. Use Nail Polish:

If you don't have toothpaste on hand, you can also use nail polish to disguise light scratches. Pick the nail polish color that best matches your car's paint job and apply it to the scratch with a small brush. If necessary, allow the nail polish to dry completely before applying a second coat. Once the nail polish is dry, apply a clear top coat to protect it from chipping.

 

3. Wax Your Car:

Waxing your car will make it look shiny and new. It will also help fill in minor scratches. Use a quality car wax and apply it to your car, following the instructions on the packaging. If you don't have car wax, you can use a furniture polish like Pledge. Apply the wax or polish to the scratch using a soft cloth and buff it until the scratch disappears.

 

4. Get a Scratch Remover:

Scratch removers are mild abrasives and work like cutting compounds. They remove a skinny layer of the top-most clear coat, making the scratch appear level with the surrounding.

 

Light surface flaws are removed using special scratch remover chemicals, including abrasive polishing agents. A tiny amount of filler within the scratch remover also goes into the scratch to reduce its visibility.

 

Conclusion:

You can try various methods, but the truth is, some scratches are just too deep and need professional help. If your car's paint is severely damaged, bring it to Johnson Volvo, serving Saxapahaw, NC.

 

We can help maintain your car's paint and keep it looking new for years to come. Check our service specials now!