Scratches are always the worst thing that happens to some car enthusiasts. No matter how hard you try to save your car from un-inevitable scratches. Still, in the end, you will notice that you have failed. Car scratches come from mistakes like wrong parking, a naughty child trick, accidents, and vandalism.
Luckily, you don’t need to pay a high fee and hire a professional retailer to fix car scratches. As of now, you can fix scratches on your own. Even if you don’t know how to do it, I am here to help you.
So, let’s get started with tricks and tips to fix scratches on the car. Hang on!!
Table of Contents
Types Of Car Scratches
Four types of car scratches can get in and damage the premium look of your car. These scratches are:
Clear Coat Scratch:
Evident coat scratches are the most dangerous type of scratches as this type of scratches appears on the top layer of the car. So, your car’s look and detailing become entirely ruined. Also, the clear coat is meant to protect the underneath paint.
But if your coat is destroyed, you will notice Fadness and dull paint over time. That’s why you need to see a detailer immediately to get these types of scratches fixed.
Removal:
You can try using the sanding method before moving toward the polishing part. Using the sanding method, you will notice that all rough scratches are gone. So it will be easier to apply the polishing compound lately.
Primer Scratches:
After the clear coat, there comes the primer coat. In the paint of a car, many different layers combine to get your car’s look in shape. The primer layer assists in preventing the car from corrosion and rusting.
In case there is a scratch in the primer layer of the car. It would help if you took quick action, so there is no chance of rusting.
Removal:
The perfect way to treat these types of scratches is to take help from a professional detailer if you are new. The professional will help you sand the area and apply a new primer layer.
Paint Scratches:
One always tries hard enough to avoid these scratches. But in the end, you might get them. The paint layer comes after the primer. If your scratches go inside them, removing them as they go through your paint becomes tough.
When you notice paint scratches on the surface, you can also see the car’s metal body. You can consider these scratches as the toughest.
Removal:
You must have a scratch repair kit to remove these types of scratches. If you are a newbie, it may not be possible and recommended that you treat them independently. You need to contact a professional detailer that can help you with fixation. As a pro, I always know how to treat the damage without worsening it.
Glass Scratch:
Other than just paint job scratches and metal body scratches, other parts of cars can also get scratched badly. One other type of scratch is glass scratches. Your glass and windows can also get scratched badly. These types of scratches appear when you use a harsh cloth or tool while cleaning car windows and glass. It can also occur due to key or sharp things.
Removal:
You can quickly fix these types of scratches at home with the help of simple household products. All you need to do is to take a glass cleaner and a microfiber towel. Now apply some toothpaste to the affected area. Fix it around with the help of cotton and rub it on the scratches. After some time, clean it with the help of a damp microfiber cloth.
How To Fix Car Scratches Step By Step
1. Toothpaste Method
The toothpaste method is commonly used. You can use it to fix any type of surface scratches.
Notice Scratches:
Firstly, look at the scratch type and make sure your scratches are deep or surface. You can begin with the toothpaste removal method if they are on the surface.
Treating the Area:
Before applying toothpaste, you need to wash and dry the scratched area. Use a hose and apply water over the affected area. You need to make sure that no dirt and debris remain behind. Now, take out your sponge and apply cleaner over the area.
Let the soap settle in the area. After that, use a hose and spray the cleaner off. Dry the area using a clean microfiber towel.
Applying Toothpaste:
Take the damp microfiber towel and apply toothpaste on it equal to the size of the scratch. You can use any available toothpaste. But it will be better if you use whitening toothpaste. Now rub it on the scratches lightly.
Use Circular Motion:
For rubbing toothpaste, you need to use a circular motion. Buff, the area, smoothly and ensure that toothpaste is scattered over the scratch. Apply a little pressure.
Removing The Product:
Once you notice no more scratches, your car is treated, and you can remove the excess product from the surface. Use a clean damp microfiber towel. In a circular motion, run the towel through the scratches. You need to wipe off the product.
Reapply:
You can use the same process again if you don’t get results in a one-time application. But remember that don’t try to repeat the process more than 2 times as you can damage the paint.
2. Scratch Removal Product For Treating Scratches
Wash And Dry:
Before progressing towards the actual method, you must wash and dry the area. By washing the area, you ensure that all the dirt and debris are completely gone. Use water and soap to wash the scratched area. Now, dry the area using a clean towel.
Use Scratch Removal Kit
Scratch removal kits are present easily at any local store. You can purchase it from there. Buy a scratch removal product. Now use a clean microfiber towel and buff the scratched area. Dry the area thoroughly.
Apply Product:
Apply the product over the scratches. You need to use a buffing pad or clean microfiber cloth. Firstly apply the product to the towel. Afterward, you need to distribute the product over the surface evenly.
Circular Motion:
You need to work in a circular motion and work on the area. You can also go in a back-and-forth motion. Apply a little pressure and let the product settle in the area. After 4-5 minutes, you can catch up with the next step.
Cleaning the Excess Product:
Once you are done with the buffing step, you must wash off the extra product from the surface. Take out a clean microfiber towel. Clean the area where you buffed the product. Do this step carefully, as you don’t want to make scratches worse.
Repeat if required:
If you don’t get the desired results, you can try doing the process again. Make sure not to repeat the whole procedure more than 2-3 times, as you can end up damaging the car’s clear coat.
3. Painting
The painting process is used to fix challenging scratches on the car.
Washing:
Start by washing the damaged area of the car. You need to use a hose, a clean microfiber towel, and a detergent. Clean the dirt, dust, and debris off the surface.
Sanding:
There comes the sanding process after the washing. Use dry sandpaper and start sanding the area around the scratch. Do the process for about 5-10 seconds and note if you need to continue or exit. Rinse the area with water and note the progress. Avoid having dirt and debris between the sandpaper and the vehicle.
Wash and Dry The Area:
Now use a clean microfiber towel and clean the surface. Make sure not to use old sandpapers, as you can get more scratches over the area.
Use Primer:
Take a sandable primer in a can. Spray the primer on the sanded part of the car. Use back-to-forth movement. Now, wait for 5 to 10 minutes until the primer is thoroughly dried. You need to put on another layer. Do this step 3-4 times.
Paint:
After the primer, you need to paint the surface. So, take out the exact color of paint matching your car’s surface. Start doing it in the desired area smoothly. Let it settle for some time.
Waxing To Seal The Paint:
After the paint, you need to apply carnauba wax to the treated area of the car. Once the wax is applied, you can buff the area with a buffer pad or a clean cloth once the wax is applied. You can also do this step with the help of a waxing kit. Use circular motion while applying the wax.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to buff out scratches on a black car?
Wash your car. Now catch any BLACK wax for making your black surface stand out. Shake the product and then apply. Let the product dry. Now rinse it off and use a clean towel/ hose.
How much to fix scratch on car?
It costs about $150- $300. Most car scratches, including rough touchups, cost you low on the pocket. But when it comes to deep scratches, you need to pay a reasonable amount depending on the person you selected for work.
Can you buff out scratches on car?
Buffing your car surface with polishing compounds removes scratches and odds along with the wax. You can then clean the area and reapply the wax. Use wax and get lost glamour and shine of the car back.
Where to fix car scratches?
Suppose you have any experience treating scratches on your own. You can do it at home. But if you are a newbie and don’t have any idea about treating car scratches, you can go to a professional and make him help you out.
How can I fix a deep scratch on my car?
For deep scratches, you can use the paint method. Deep scratches are tough to deal with. So, you need to visit a professional and make him help you. Don’t try doing it at home if you have no experience.
Conclusion:
In this article, I have enlisted every type of scratch with the possible solution you can do and get quick results. Suppose you want to know more about the homemade products used for removing car scratches. You can use shoe polish, wax, sandpaper, nail polish, glue, a magical eraser, and candle wax for the treatment. I hope you have made up your mind to start doing your work. In case of any queries, you can ping me. Thanks!!