Nobody likes to see a scratch on their vehicle. It's enough to make your heart sink as you think about the cost you might have to pay for a repair. However, you can learn how to remove scratches from a car by yourself. In this article, we will discuss how to remove scratches from a car at home to save you money.
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Different Types of Car Scratches (& Understanding the Layers of Paint)
The car paint is much like an onion, with many layers. By understanding each layer, you can determine the best way to fix a car scratch.
Clear Coat scratch (light scratch)
On top of the paint is a thin clear coat that protects the color from the environment. When a scratch infiltrates the clear coat, it's not difficult to learn how to remove small scratches from a car.
Paint/Color Scratch (medium scratch)
The scratches that take off the paint are a little more difficult to repair but not impossible. These happen when a key gets used on the paint, or another sharp object makes contact. By learning how to remove scratches from car paint, you can prevent further damage.
Primer Scratch (deep scratch)
If the scratch gets through the clear coat and the paint, it has made its way to the primer coating. If you don't quickly learn how to remove a deep scratch from a car, you could be dealing with rust soon.
Interior/exterior plastic scratches
Scratches don't just happen to the paint but also the plastic parts and interior aspects of a vehicle. With any of these, you can learn how to remove scratches from a car - home remedy options.
How Do Paint Scratch Removers Work? (Plus Tools You Need)
So, you want to know how to remove scratches from your car. First, you must understand the process. You can choose to use a scratch filler kit or you can take the more professional approach and sand it. Assuming you are going for the easier process, here is some equipment you want to have on hand.
You may not need all of this equipment, so it's best to determine how to remove surface scratches from a car and what method you want to use first.
How to Remove Scratches from Your Car (7 Easy Methods)
1. How to remove small or minor surface scratches from your car
It's easy to learn how to remove minor scratches from a car. Just grab a scratch repair kit and follow these steps.
- 1Wash and dry the vehicle.
- 2Mark your scratch with masking tape.
- 3Apply the scratch removal kit with a microfiber cloth, working back and forth for at least thirty seconds.
- 4Wipe the area clean and inspect it.
- 5Repeat until you achieve the results you are looking for.
2. How to remove deep scratches from your car's bodywork paint
You can also learn how to remove a deep scratch from a car at home
Simply follow the steps above, but after your scratch repair kit, follow these steps.
- 1Apply a rubbing compound.
- 2Touch up any necessary areas with automotive paint.
3. How to remove scratches from your car's windows or windshield
Do you know how to remove scratches from car windows or how to remove scratches from a car windshield? The process is slightly different, so follow these steps to learn how to remove deep scratches from car window glass.
- 1Inspect the glass to ensure the scratch isn't too deep. If so, it might require a professional.
- 2Use an auto glass repair kit and follow the directions.
4. How to remove scratches from cars bumper or plastic exterior
You also want to know how to remove scratches from a car bumper and how to remove scratches from plastic car exterior because these areas get damaged too. Follow these steps for success.
- 1Buff the scratch with some sandpaper.
- 2Remove any residue.
- 3Apply some polishing compound.
5. How to remove scratches from the car's plastic interior
Do you know how to remove scratches from plastic car interior? You have two options available to you.
- 1Purchase a kit that includes everything to remove the scratch.
- 2Perform sanding, painting, and heating methods to repair the scratch by hand.
6. How to remove scratches from a black or white car
Trying to learn how to remove scratches from a white car or figuring out how to remove scratches from a black car can prove to be more difficult. While you will follow the steps outlined above, you might need to take a little more time with the scratch. Of course, to learn how to remove scratches from black plastic car exterior, follow our steps on removing scratches from plastic instead.
7. Finish off with Clear Coat
Whatever you do, it's always best to protect the paint with a clear coat spray. This simple step helps you avoid further scratches down the road.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How can I remove key scratches from a car?
You can learn how to remove key scratches from a car by following the same basic practices we outlined. With a kit, you simply follow the instructions or use sandpaper to buff it out.
Does WD40 remove scratches from cars?
WD40 is helpful for removing scratches from the top layers of paint. It will do nothing to relieve issues that go beyond the first layers of paint.
Does toothpaste remove scratches?
If you want to get rid of surface scratches, the abrasive in toothpaste might act as a buffer when needed. Trying this method could save you money over expensive products.
What car scratches can be buffed out?
A professional detailer can buff out most minor and medium scratches to the automotive paint. You can also try it with a buffer attached to a power drill.
Does Magic Eraser (repair pens) remove car scratches?
Magic Eraser acts like a sandpaper, so it is helpful for removing minor scratches to the car. However, you must be careful how hard you use it.
Does petroleum jelly fix scratches?
You can use petroleum jelly to fill in a scratch, but this method isn't always reliable. While Vaseline works great for repairing discs, it might not be the best choice for your automotive paint.
Conclusion
We've touched on how to remove scratches from a car bumper at home and looked at ways to repair the car paint. Now, it's your turn to give it a try. See if you can restore your automotive paint and avoid costly bills from the body shop.