Car scratches are an unavoidable part of vehicle ownership. Whether it’s a stray shopping cart, a bush too close to the parking spot, or just everyday wear and tear, these blemishes can detract from your car’s appearance. Fortunately, you don’t always need to rush to an expensive body shop to fix minor scratches. There are several effective DIY methods you can try at home using common household items to remove scratches and restore your car’s shine. This guide will walk you through six easy and practical ways to get scratches off your car yourself.
6 Hacks To Remove Scratches From A Car
DIY Car Scratch Removal Methods
These methods are best suited for minor surface scratches, often referred to as clear coat scratches. Deeper scratches that penetrate the paint and primer may require more professional attention.
1) Toothpaste for Minor Scratches
Believe it or not, toothpaste can be an effective, readily available solution for removing light scratches. The mild abrasives in many kinds of toothpaste work to gently buff out the scratch, leveling the clear coat around it.
How to use toothpaste to remove car scratches:
- Ensure the area around the scratch is clean and dry. Wash the area with car wash soap and water if necessary.
- Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste (white toothpaste is generally recommended) to a clean, soft microfiber cloth.
- Using a circular motion, gently rub the toothpaste into the scratch. Apply light pressure.
- Continue rubbing for a minute or two.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove all toothpaste residue.
- Dry the area with a clean microfiber towel.
- Inspect the scratch. You may need to repeat the process for slightly deeper scratches.
2) Clear Nail Polish for Deep Scratch Protection
For deeper scratches that haven’t reached the metal but are still noticeable, clear nail polish can act as a sealant to prevent rust and make the scratch less visible. This is more of a temporary fix and a protective measure.
Using clear nail polish on car scratches:
- Clean and dry the scratched area completely.
- Apply a very thin layer of clear nail polish directly into the scratch, using the brush in the nail polish bottle. The goal is to fill the scratch, not to paint over a large area.
- Allow the nail polish to dry completely. This may take a couple of hours depending on the thickness of the application and the weather conditions.
- Once fully dry, use a very fine polishing compound or car wax and a clean microfiber cloth to gently buff away any excess nail polish and level it with the surrounding paint. Be careful not to scratch the paint further during this step.
3) Baking Soda Paste for Light Abrasion
Similar to toothpaste, a paste made from baking soda and water can act as a mild abrasive to buff out minor scratches. Baking soda is a gentle cleaning agent and can be effective for surface-level imperfections.
How to make and use a baking soda scratch removal paste:
- Mix baking soda and water in a bowl to create a thick paste. A 1:1 ratio is usually a good starting point.
- Clean the area around the car scratch and ensure it’s dry.
- Apply the baking soda paste to a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
- Gently rub the paste onto the scratch using circular motions.
- Continue for a few minutes, applying light pressure.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove all baking soda paste.
- Dry with a clean microfiber towel and assess the results. Repeat if necessary.
4) Vinegar Solution for Minor Blemishes
While not as abrasive as toothpaste or baking soda, a vinegar and water solution can help clean and potentially minimize the appearance of very light surface scratches and scuff marks. Vinegar’s mild acidity can help remove grime and smooth out minor clear coat imperfections.
Using a vinegar solution for car scratch touch-up:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle or bowl.
- Clean the scratched area of your car and dry it.
- Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the vinegar solution or spray the solution onto the cloth.
- Gently rub the cloth over the scratch in a circular motion.
- Wipe the area clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Check if the scratch has improved. This method is best for very minor surface issues.
5) Commercial Car Scratch Removers
For more stubborn or slightly deeper clear coat scratches, commercial scratch removal products are specifically formulated to effectively address these issues. These products often contain fine abrasives and fillers that work to level the clear coat and minimize the scratch’s appearance.
Using commercial scratch removal products:
- Purchase a quality car scratch remover from an auto parts store. Choose a product suited for the type of scratch you have (light, medium, etc.).
- Read and carefully follow the instructions provided on the product packaging. Instructions can vary between products.
- Generally, you will apply a small amount of the product to a foam applicator pad or microfiber cloth.
- Rub the product into the scratch using firm, circular motions as instructed.
- Buff away excess product with a clean microfiber cloth as directed.
- Inspect the result and repeat application if necessary, according to the product instructions.
When to Consult a Professional for Car Scratch Repair
While DIY methods can be effective for minor scratches, deeper scratches that penetrate the clear coat, base coat, and primer require professional attention. If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, it’s likely too deep for DIY fixes to be fully effective.
Signs you need professional car scratch repair:
- Deep scratches: Scratches that go beyond the clear coat and reach the color or metal of your car.
- Large scratched areas: Extensive areas of scratching may be too much for DIY methods to handle efficiently and effectively.
- You’re unsure: If you are not comfortable attempting DIY scratch removal or are unsure of the scratch’s depth, it’s always best to consult with a professional auto body shop.
Professional car scratch repair services have the tools, expertise, and color-matching technology to seamlessly repair even significant car paint damage, ensuring a flawless finish and protecting your car’s value.
Taking care of car scratches promptly, whether through DIY methods or professional services, is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s appearance and preventing further damage like rust. By understanding these methods on How To Get Scratches Off Your Car, you can keep your car looking its best and address minor blemishes as they occur.
