Scratches on car paint can be an incredibly frustrating sight for a car owner. Not only does it make the vehicle look unkempt and worn, but it can also be an expensive fix if the damage is severe enough.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of vehicle owners to keep their cars looking brand new, scratches are inevitable. Whether it is from a rogue shopping cart, an errant key or even just the weather, these unsightly marks can quickly accumulate on your vehicle.
Fortunately, there are ways to address minor scratch damage without having to pay for costly repairs. However, if the damage is beyond your DIY capabilities, it may be best to consult Attention Detailing. They specialize in paint correction.
1) Wash & Dry the Car
Before you start any kind of repair, the surface area must be clean and free of dirt and debris. Use a mild cleaner specifically designed for cars to wipe down the affected area. Make sure to rinse the area with water and then dry it thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
2) Use Fine Sandpaper
For light scratches, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to gently buff out the marks. Start with coarse sandpaper and work up to finer grits until the scratch is no longer visible.
3) Apply Touch-Up Paint
If the scratch is still visible, you can use a touch-up paint kit to fill in the blemish. Make sure that the shade of paint matches your vehicle’s colour as closely as possible for the best results. Carefully apply the paint in thin layers until you build up the surface area to match the surrounding paint.
4) Apply Clear Coat
Once you are satisfied with the results, use a clear coat of sealant to protect your work and keep it looking good for years to come.
15 Quick DIYs to Fix a Scratch on Your Car
With a few simple supplies, you can restore your car’s paint to a nearly flawless state.
- Use a toothpick to apply some toothpaste to the scratch and then rub it in with a cloth.
- Pour some vinegar over the scratch and wipe it off with a cloth.
- Apply some olive oil to the scratch and then wipe it off with a cloth.
- Dab some baking soda onto the scratch and then wet your finger and rub it in until it forms a paste. Leave it on for 30 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 1/2 teaspoon of ammonia-free dish detergent, and apply this mixture to the scratch using a cotton ball or Q-tip. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing off with water and drying thoroughly.
- Wet your car’s surface, sprinkle some baking soda over the scratch, and use a wet brush to work the baking soda into the paintwork, taking care not to damage the surrounding paintwork in the process! Rinse off completely after wards using clean water, then dry thoroughly using a soft towel or chamois leather.
- Use a dab of rubbing alcohol on the scratch and then rub it in using a cloth.
- Make a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and white toothpaste, apply this to the scratch and leave for 15 minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth.
- Apply some nail polish remover to the cotton wool ball and gently rub the scratch, again taking care not to damage any surrounding paintwork.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of water together into a paste, and then apply this directly to the scratch with a cotton wool ball. Let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
- Buy some car touch-up paint and apply this directly to the scratch using a thin brush.
- Apply some clear nail polish to the scratch, let it dry and then buff it with a soft cloth.
- Use a furniture marker and carefully color in the scratch to help match it up with your car’s existing paintwork.
- Apply some shoe polish in a color matching the existing paintwork on your car and then buff off with a soft cloth.
- Make a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda, apple cider vinegar and white toothpaste. Apply this to the scratch using a cotton wool ball and leave for 10 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
When it comes to scratches on your car’s paint, the best approach is usually to try and remove Then as soon as possible. This is because they can become a problem and may lead to rust or other damage that will be more difficult and expensive to fix.
When in doubt about fixing car paint scratches, it may be best to contact your trusted car detailers on the Gold Cost.
