How to Remove Scratches from a Car

While you try to protect your car and keep it in the best condition possible, it’s inevitable that damage will happen. One of the most common is getting a scratch on the car. This certainly won’t hamper the car’s performance, but scratches are unsightly and could lead to worse damage if not repaired.

If you’re wondering how you can buff out small scratches on your car, then read on.

Why it’s important to repair scratches

To understand why it’s important to remove these scratches, let’s first take a closer look at how a car’s paint job functions. The car’s paint contains three layers: a primer, a base paint and a topcoat. When your car is scratched, the paint job is compromised. For every layer of paint that’s removed, dirt, water and debris can burrow in and cause additional damage to the car’s exterior.

In cases where a scratch is deep enough to penetrate the primer and strike the car’s metal body, then rust will soon develop. When this happens, you have a new and expensive problem to deal with. Rust is difficult to get rid of once it forms, and you’ll definitely need the help of professionals.

Even just a surface-level scratch can devalue your car, so you’ll want to buff out those scratches to ensure the car retains its value and to avoid problems down the road.

Removing scratches from my car

First, you want to inspect the scratch to see just how bad it is. Simply run your fingernail along the paintwork. When you cross the scratch, consider how deep it is. If the scratch is thinner than a sheet of paper or if your nail doesn’t register the scratch at all, then it’s likely only a topcoat scratch.

Fortunately, it’s easy and affordable to fix any light scratches or blemishes on your car. Scratch removers allow for a single application for dealing with these imperfections.

Here’s how the process works:

  • Wash and thoroughly dry the vehicle
  • Add scratch remover onto a microfiber towel; then apply the product on a 2-foot square space
  • Use pressure, and rub the area for a full minute
  • Allow it to dry
  • Remove any remaining product using the microfiber towel
  • Repeat the process until the area appears clean

If the scratch is deeper than the topcoat level, then you’ll need to do more work. Repairing these deeper scratches involves sanding, using a paint sprayer, adding primer and more. This is the kind of involved work that’s best left to the pros. The fact is that your car’s paint job is more complex than it appears—and you want it in tip-top shape to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Crystal Clear Detail is here for car enthusiasts who want to keep their vehicles looking in mint condition. Whether you want to protect the paint on an exotic car or you are looking for high-quality interior detailing, we’re here to help. Give us a call right now to set up an appointment and request a free quote.