Wondering how to get rid of scratches from your car on a tight budget? You don’t need to spend a lot of dollars because some solutions can be found in your home!
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of the scratch removal process, it’s important to identify what type of scratch you’re trying to get rid of. This can help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the best type of household item for the job.
Road debris, light bumps, and an aggressive car wash routine are some of the things that can lead to clear coat scratches.
The clear coat is the glossy layer that protects your car paint. When the coat gets scratched, you’ll notice a slight difference in how light bounces off the affected area.
Another way to spot a clear coat scratch is by running a fingernail through your vehicle’s body. If the scratch isn’t deep enough for your fingernail to get caught, then it’s likely a clear coat scratch.
Also known as base coat scratches, paint coat scratches are often the result of minor collision impact.
Unlike clear coat scratches, paint scratches are a bit easier to spot. In most cases, you’ll see white or discolored streaks along the car body that are visible under almost every lighting condition.
A deep scratch along your vehicle’s body is the last thing any driver wants to see. Deep scratches typically come from collision impacts that are strong enough to expose the car body’s bare metal panels.
Unlike other types of scratches, deep ones require immediate attention because the exposed metal can rust quickly.
Examine the scuff marks on your car and make sure they’re not deep enough that they would require more advanced repair. Wash the car panel with soap and water then dry it with soft cloth.
Make sure paint scratches are visible by using a shoe polish that has a darker color compared to your car paint. Use a piece of soft cloth to apply polish and rub it over the scratch. It will spread out and fill in the scratch.
Mix 2 drops of liquid detergent into a bowl of cold water. Dip 2000-3000 grit sandpaper into the bowl then start sanding the affected area. Continue sanding lightly until shoe polish has been removed. Do this carefully so as not to sand down too much and damage the next layer of paint.
Once you’re done sanding, you can smooth out the car paint surface. First, clean the damaged area with a soft brush. A rubbing compound is normally used for this but you can also remove car scratches with toothpaste as a budget alternative. Using a piece of moist cloth, apply the toothpaste on the scratched surface and rub it in circular strokes. Repeat until the scratch has completely disappeared.
Clean the area to prepare it for waxing. Use a soft cloth to apply car wax over the area. Do it in circular strokes to produce a shine. Car wax serves as a protective layer that prevents further scratches.
Nail polish can also be a car scratch remover. This may cover the scratches that sanding and buffing cannot remove.
For minor scratches on your car’s paint, candle wax can be an option. It’s not actually a scratch remover but it can cover up light scratches. Check first if the affected area is clean before gently rubbing the candle wax onto the damaged area.
Super glue’s ability to blend with the surrounding surface makes it a good car scratch cover up. This serves as a transparent material that levels the minor scratch with the rest of the surrounding area.
For some drivers, scratches might seem like a minor nuisance, but it’s important to address them as soon as possible to avoid dealing with more complicated body work.
Deep scratches, for example, can cause the exposed metal to rust, which can be a headache to remove.
If the solutions mentioned above don’t work, you might be better off using car wax instead. Fortunately, getting your hands on some high-quality car wax is easy with the help of CarParts.com.
The best part? You can get your hands on some wax without leaving your house. Place your order using our website, or you can also dial our toll-free hotline for further assistance. Our warehouses are strategically located across the US, so you can get what you need in as fast as two business days.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.