Even if you are very careful with your car, it is likely that at some point its paint will get scratched. Whether the damage is done while driving down a gravel-filled road or because you happen to brush your car up against a tree limb or something else that leaves behind a scratch, the fact is you now want to get your car paint fixed as fast as possible. To make this happen, here are four quick and innovative ways to fix scratches in your car’s paint.
Toothpaste
Along with keeping your teeth looking their best, that tube of toothpaste in your medicine cabinet can also help remove scratches from your car’s paint. Most effective on scratches that are superficial and minor, you can start by applying toothpaste to a cloth, then rub it on the scratch in a circular motion. After doing so, rinse and dry the spot, then repeat if necessary. Before you know it, the scratch will disappear.
How it works
Toothpaste is an abrasive substance that can be used to buff out minor surface blemishes like scratches and scuffs. It works by gently sanding away the top layer of paint, which effectively removes the scratch or scuff mark. The abrasive particles in the toothpaste are small enough not to damage the paint job but powerful enough to achieve results.
Recommended toothpaste
Not all types of toothpaste will work for this project; you need something that is slightly abrasive in order to remove the scratch or scuff marks from your car’s paint job. Look for a paste with baking soda as one of its main ingredients—this will be mildly abrasive enough to do the trick without damaging your car’s finish. Avoid using anything with peroxide or bleach in it, as these substances can damage your car’s exterior and make the problem worse.
The process
To start, make sure you thoroughly clean and dry the area where you want to apply the toothpaste before you begin. Next, squeeze a pea-sized amount onto a damp cloth and rub it into the scratched area in a circular motion for about two minutes—or until you see results! Finally, rinse off any excess paste with water and let dry completely before applying wax or additional protection products if desired.
Baking Soda
Should you have deeper scratches on your car, you’ll probably need to let professionals from a local company use their skills so that your car once again looks like new. Yet for minor scratches, you can make a baking soda paste and get surprisingly effective results. Mix baking soda with water to create the paste, just rub it on your car with a cloth, let it set a few minutes, then rinse it off. Along with getting rid of the scratch, the baking soda can also clean that part of your car’s exterior.
What You’ll Need
Using baking soda and water to remove minor scratches from your car is an easy DIY job. All you’ll need is baking soda, water, and a clean rag or sponge. Start by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water until it forms a paste-like consistency. Once the paste is ready, apply it directly onto the scratched area of your car with the rag or sponge. Rub the paste in small circles over the scratch until it’s gone – but be sure not to use too much pressure as this could cause further damage to your vehicle’s paintwork.
After removing the scratch, take another clean cloth and wipe away any excess baking soda paste from your car’s surface. Once all traces of the paste have been removed, use a microfiber towel to buff out any remaining residue from the scratched area that may have been left behind after wiping away the paste.
For tougher Scratches
If you have deep scratches on your car that won’t come out with baking soda paste alone, then you may need to try using sandpaper instead. Start by wetting some 800-grit sandpaper with warm water and then gently rub it over the scratched area in small circles until it begins to fade away. Afterward, use 1000-grit sandpaper followed by 1500-grit paper to give the scratched area an extra polish until it looks good as new! Be sure not to press down too hard while sanding as this can cause further damage to your vehicle’s paintwork. Finally, buff out any remaining residue left behind after sanding with a microfiber towel before giving your car one last wax and shine!
Nail Polish
Although nail polish is often used to repair cracks in a car’s windshield, it is also very effective at fixing car paint scratches. Using the small application brush that comes with the nail polish, gently rub a small amount into the scratch. By applying a few coats and letting each one dry, the scratch will disappear before your very eyes. However, remember to make sure you use only clear nail polish on your car’s scratches.
Vinegar
One of the most effective household products in use today, vinegar can work wonders on minor as well as deeper scratches on your car. Using a mix of equal parts vinegar and water, you can rub it on your car or spray it on the scratches. Since vinegar is somewhat acidic, it can often eliminate a scratch without damaging the surrounding paint, so give this a try.
Work With a Pro
Removing scratches by yourself can be an expensive, time-consuming process. Working with a professional from a local company like Touch Up Pro to remove scratches from your car is actually a lot simpler than you think! Here’s what you can expect when working with a pro.
Assessment of Your Vehicle’s Condition
The first step in the scratch removal process is for the expert to assess your vehicle’s condition. You should explain any damage or issues that you have seen so that they can determine the best course of action. The technician will then be able to give you an accurate estimate of how long it will take and how much it will cost. This step helps ensure that all parties are on the same page before beginning the project.
Expertise and Equipment
When working with an experienced technician, they will be able to identify what type of scratch(es) your car has and determine the best way to remove them. They will also use specialized equipment and techniques that allow them to quickly and effectively get rid of any blemishes in your paint job. In most cases, these techniques are far superior to anything that can be done at home, resulting in better overall results.
Preparing for Removal
Once the technician has identified the type of scratches on your car, they will begin preparing for their removal by laying out any tools or materials needed for the job. This includes things like polishing compounds and waxes which help protect the car’s finish after it has been polished and buffed out. Additionally, they may need to cover up areas around where they are working so as not to damage any other parts of the vehicle during their work.
If you want to make your car quickly look like new once again, try any of these four quick-fix methods to bring your car’s exterior back to life.