How to Remove Scratches on Car

Your car is much more than just a mode of transportation. It’s an investment, a reflection of your personal style, and a source of pride. So when scratches appear on its surface, it can be frustrating and disheartening. However, there’s no need to let a scratch ruin the look of your car. With the right tools and techniques, you can remove any scratch on your car.

There are several ways to fix scratches on your car and restore its appearance. In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of scratches and how to remove scratches on cars effectively.

Tools You May Need For Techniques Described Below:

• 1000-grit and 2000-grit sandpaper – 1000-grit and 2000-grit sandpaper are types of automotive sandpaper that are used in the process of removing scratches and imperfections from a car’s paint. The grit number refers to the coarseness of the sandpaper, with higher numbers indicating finer grits that are less abrasive.
  
• Car polish – Car polish is formulated with abrasive particles that help to remove minor scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections from the surface of the paint. It is often used after washing and drying the car to remove any remaining contaminants and to restore the shine to the paint.
  
• Car wash soap – Car wash soap is specially formulated to effectively remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface of the car without damaging the paint or leaving streaks or spots.
  
• Microfiber cloth – Microfiber cloths are very absorbent, which means they can hold onto dirt and grime without smearing it around or scratching the surface. By using a microfiber cloth, you can clean your car effectively without risking damage to the paint job.
  
• Rubbing compound – This is a high-performance compound that is formulated with abrasive particles that are very effective at cutting through the clear coat of the paint to remove scratches and other blemishes. It is typically used by professional auto detailers, but it can also be used by car enthusiasts who want to achieve a showroom-quality finish on their vehicles.
  
• Touch-up paint – Touch-up paint is a type of automotive paint that is used to cover up small scratches, chips, or other minor imperfections on a car’s exterior. The goal is to apply a thin layer of paint that fills in the scratch or chip and blends seamlessly with the surrounding paint, creating a smooth and even finish.
  

Types of Car Scratches:

There are three main types of scratches that can occur on your car: clear coat scratches, primer scratches, and deep scratches.

1. Clear Coat Scratches

This type of scratch is the most common and is only found in the clear coat layer of your car’s paint. Clear coat scratches are usually caused by minor scrapes, small rocks, or other debris. These scratches are usually shallow and can be easily removed with the right tools and techniques.

2. Base Coat Scratches

Base scratches go a little deeper than clear coat scratches, penetrating through the clear coat layer and into the color layer beneath. These types of scratches are usually caused by larger rocks or debris. These scratches are typically deeper than clear coat scratches and may require more extensive repairs to fix.

3. Primer Coat Scratches

Those scratches are also known as deep scratches, since they are the most severe type of scratch, penetrating through the clear coat, paint, and into the primer layer of the car. These types of scratches are usually caused by accidents or other serious impacts. These scratches are the most difficult to repair and may require professional help to fix.

How to Identify What Scratch You Have?

To properly remove scratches on your car, it’s important to identify the type of scratch you have. One way to do this is by running your fingernail over the scratch. If your fingernail catches on the scratch, it’s a clear indication that it’s a deep scratch. If your fingernail does not catch, you likely have a clear coat or primer scratch.

Another way to identify the type of scratch is by using a microfiber cloth and a good quality car polish. Apply the polish to the microfiber cloth and rub it onto the scratched area. If the scratch disappears, it’s a clear coat scratch. If it remains, you may have a primer or deep scratch.

Steps to follow when removing scratches on a car:

There are several types of car scratches, and the steps for repairing them may vary. Keep on reading to find detailed steps that you can follow for removing specific car scratch types!

• Clear Coat Scratches –

These are scratches that are only on the surface of the paint and can be easily fixed. To fix surface scratches, follow these steps:

Step 1: Clean the Area

Use car wash soap and water to clean the area around the scratch. Dry the area thoroughly before proceeding. Here are some car cleaning hacks that you can follow for an effective cleaning.

Step 2: Apply Scratch Remover

Apply a small amount of scratch remover compound to a microfiber cloth. Rub the compound into the scratch using a circular motion. Apply light pressure and continue buffing the area until the scratch disappears.

Step 3: Apply Car Polish

Once the scratch is gone, apply a small amount of car polish to a clean microfiber cloth and buff the area to restore the shine. Find out more about cleaning with polish here.

• Base Coat Scratches –

These are scratches that are more significant and have gone through the clear coat and into the paint. To fix these scratches, you will need to be attentive and use some specific tools. Here are the steps we recommend you take:

Step 1: Clean the Area

Use car wash soap and water to clean the area around the scratch. Dry the area thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 2: Apply Touch-Up Paint

Apply a small amount of touch-up paint to the scratch using a toothpick or small brush. Allow the touch-up paint to dry completely. Visit this article to know how to apply touch up paint.

Step 3: Sand the Area

Sand the area lightly with 2000-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

Step 4: Apply Rubbing Compound

Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to a microfiber cloth. Rub the compound into the scratch using a circular motion, applying light pressure. Continue buffing the area until the scratch disappears.

Step 5: Apply Car Polish

Once the scratch is gone, apply a small amount of car polish to a clean microfiber cloth and buff the area to restore the shine.

• Primer Coat Scratches –

As we already mentioned, these are deeper scratches that have gone through the two previous coat layers, straight into the primer coat. Repairing these requires either great care and patience, or a professional’s touch – keep on reading to see how you can attend to it:

Step 1: Clean the Area

Use car wash soap and water to clean the area around the scratch. Dry the area thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 2: Sand the Area

Sand the area with 1000-grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges. Sand the area again with 2000-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

Step 3: Apply Touch-Up Paint

Apply a small amount of touch-up paint to the scratch using a toothpick or small brush. Allow the touch-up paint to dry completely.

Step 4: Sand the Area

Sand the area lightly with 2000-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

Step 5: Apply Rubbing Compound

Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to a microfiber cloth. Rub the compound into the scratch using a circular motion, applying light pressure. Continue buffing the area until the scratch disappears.

Step 6: Apply Car Polish

Once the scratch is gone, apply a small amount of car polish to a clean microfiber cloth and buff the area to restore the shine.

Note: If the scratch is too deep to be removed with these steps, you may need to take your car to a professional detailing shop to have it repaired.

Tips for Preventing Scratches on Your Car

Preventing scratches on your car is essential to maintaining its appearance and value. While it’s impossible to avoid all scratches, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your car’s paint. Here are a few ways to prevent scratches on your car:

1. Always have a fresh coat of wax on your car.

Make sure your car always has a fresh coat of wax on it. This reinforces the clear coat, which is the most important layer of paint when it comes to protection. If you want to know more about car wax, follow this article.

2. To protect your car from the elements, park in a garage or under a carport.

If you have access to a garage or carport, use it to protect your car from the elements. Parking your car in a covered area can help to shield it from the sun, rain, snow, and other weather conditions that can damage the paint and cause scratches.

3. Avoid parking your car near trees or bushes that could scratch the paint.

Parking your car near trees, bushes, or other plants can put your car at risk of scratches from branches, leaves, and other debris. Try to park your car in a clear, open area to reduce the risk of scratches from vegetation.

4. Wash your car regularly to remove dirt and debris that can cause scratches.

Regular car washing is essential to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that can scratch your car’s paint. When washing your car, use a high-quality car wash soap, a soft sponge or mitt, and a gentle touch to avoid causing scratches while washing your car.

5. Use a microfiber cloth to wash and dry your car to avoid damaging the paint.

When washing or drying your car, use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the paint. Microfiber cloths are soft and absorbent, which makes them ideal for cleaning without causing scratches or swirls.

6. Avoid using automatic car washes, as the brushes can cause scratches.

While convenient, automatic car washes can be harsh on your car’s paint and can cause scratches and other damage. If possible, wash your car by hand or use a touchless car wash that uses high-pressure water jets instead of brushes.

7. Use a car cover to protect your car from scratches and other damage when it is parked outside.

If you’re parking your car outside, consider using a car cover to protect it from the elements and prevent scratches caused by wind-blown debris, dust, and other contaminants. Make sure to use a cover designed for your specific make and model of car to ensure a proper fit and maximum protection.

Final Thoughts

Removing scratches on your car is a simple process that can be done at home with the right tools and products. By following these tips and taking good care of your car, you can keep it looking new and increase its value.

While removing scratches on your car can be a DIY project, it can be time-consuming and require some level of skill and expertise. If you don’t have the time, patience or expertise to do it yourself, or you simply don’t feel like doing it, then you can opt for an auto detailing service for your business.

If you wish to hire a mobile auto detailing company in California or Washington, Big’s Mobile Detailing is here to help. We use high-quality products to give your car the perfect finish it deserves. Our team of experienced technicians has the expertise to handle scratch removal, paint correction, paint protection, and much more.

Hiring a professional auto detailing service like Big’s Mobile Detailing not only saves you time but also ensures that your car is getting the best care possible. For the best detailing of your car, you can always give us a call at 425-243-9155, send us an email, or simply schedule an online appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!