Our DIY guide to help you remove scratches from your car and make it look like new.
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Vehicle owners react to paint scratches and chips in different ways. Some fret, immediately break out the paint first-aid kit and get to work while others simply think “Meh, it’s just another commuting battlefield scar, why bother?” But should we really worry about minor scratches on our vehicles’ paintwork?
How do I tell what kind of scratch is on my car?
How to know if the scratch is deep?
If a scratch is longer than an inch or two, such as those that run the entire length of a fender or a door, touching it up with a paint-stick isn’t likely to produce an invisible repair no matter how skilled a Rembrandt might be. And if those longer marks show any signs of metal impression, you should be heading to the body shop for a professional estimate.
Preparing car for scratch removal
Start by finding a shady spot to work in. Direct sunlight on a warm day can cause paint adhesion and curing problems and when it comes time to smooth out your work with wax or a rubbing compound, well, they don’t like hot metal either. Thoroughly wash and rinse the area to remove any road grime. Grab some rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to ensure all traces of grime are removed as they will reduce the bonding strength of the paint leading to peeling.
Touch-Up Paint: What is the best way to use touch up paint?
Shake the paint stick thoroughly for at least two minutes to mix the contents via the ball bearing that’s inside. If you’re working on a deep chip or scratch, don’t try to fill the mark in one shot. Apply the paint in layers, letting each one set for twenty minutes or so before putting down the next one. The paint in these sticks is a unique formula which is thinner than the mix used by a professional body painter. It makes the paint flow easier into cracks and pockmarks but can require several applications to fill the mark to the surface. Let the paint cure for a day or two before the next step of levelling your work.
Polishing and Waxing
Pros will look down on using wax to level and smooth out a touch-up as they prefer rubbing compound or polish, but wax will smooth out paint that hasn’t completely hardened (a process that can take several weeks). More importantly, wax won’t damage areas that weren’t touched up, whereas rubbing compounds or polishes may. Avoid tinted waxes like the plague. I reviewed several different products in this line and haven’t seen one yet that doesn’t leave a coloured mess that you can spot from metres away, in the dark, on a foggy night.
If your wax job provided an acceptable finish, then get out the alcohol, not to celebrate, but to lightly remove any wax residue before applying the clear coat. Only a thin layer is needed and it shouldn’t require any levelling or waxing after.
How to avoid scratches on a car
If you want to prevent parking-lot scarring on your vehicle, consider a set of soft-touch, self-adhesive protective body side mouldings or door edge guards. These are readily available in most auto parts stores and can save you touch-up time.
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