At Soapy Shark Car Wash, we love a car that gleams fresh out of the wash, but nothing ruins that shine faster than a scratch. Whether it is a light scuff from a shopping cart or a deep mark that catches your fingernail, scratches stand out more than you would like.
The good news? Many light scratches can be buffed out at home, while deeper ones may call for a professional repair.
In this guide, we will cover how to buff out scratches on car paint with simple DIY methods, when to seek professional fixes, and how regular washes and waxes at Soapy Shark can help your car keep that just-cleaned glow.
How to Fix Scratches on a Car
Before you start fixing those scratches, let’s break down the four main methods you can use to repair car scratch damage:
Buffing
For minor car scratches or surface blemishes, like fingernail marks around your door handles, buffing is an easy and inexpensive solution. Simply wash and dry the car, apply liquid scratch remover or another rubbing compound to a clean microfiber towel and rub against the affected section in a back-and-forth motion for about 60 seconds. Let it dry and buff off excess with another towel. It’s quick, easy and affordable.
Detailing
If you are looking for a more professional touch, a detailing job can make your vehicle look shiny and new, both inside and out. Professionals use specialized polishes, pads and machines to remove a thin top layer of the clear coat, leveling out the scratch and restoring the finish. Detailing is perfect for superficial scratches and will leave your car looking shiny and new in no time.
Car Scratch Repair Kits
For deeper scratches that kind you can feel with your fingernail, require more attention and care. A car scratch repair kit is a great option. Inside, you’ll find putty to fill the scratch, a liquid leveler to smooth out the surface, a clear coat applicator and ultrafine sandpaper for wet-sanding. After applying the putty and leveling it out, gently sand the area to smooth everything out, then finish by applying a clear coat to protect the repair. This method works wonders for deeper scratches that can’t be buffed out.
Paint Jobs
If the car scratches are deep or widespread, a full paint job of the panel might be necessary. While this is the most expensive option, it’s also the most thorough. A professional will strip away the existing paint and apply a fresh coat, matching the original color perfectly. This option is ideal for scratches that go beyond the surface or for multiple areas of damage.
Types of Car Scratches and How to Fix Them
Car scratches are categorized into three main types based on their depth: Clear Coat Scratches (superficial, affecting only the top protective layer), Paint Scratches (penetrate the color layer but not the primer), and Primer Scratches (most severe, exposing the underlying primer or bare metal and requiring professional repair).
Clear Coat Scratches (Surface Scratches)
Surface scratches are shallow and affect only the clear coat. These tiny scruffs are usually caused by brushes, tree branches, or small impacts and only affect the top layer of the car’s paint.
How to Buff Out Minor Scratches on Car: Grab some rubbing compound and a microfiber cloth. Apply the compound to the cloth and buff the scratch in small, circular motions. Wipe off excess and check for improvement. Repeat if needed.
Paint Scratches (Base Coat Scratches)
These scratches are deeper than clear coat scratches and affect the paint layer. Parking lot mishaps and minor bumps are common causes.
How to Buff Out Paint Scratches on Car: You’ll need touch-up paint that matches your car’s exact color. Use the fine tip to carefully apply the paint, then finish with a clear coat for that smooth, shiny finish.
The Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit works wonders for these. If the scratch still shows or it’s covering a larger area, you should consult a professional.
Primer Scratches (Deep Scratches)
Primer scratches are severe scratches that reach the primer or even the metal underneath the paint. If you’ve got one of these, you’ll need professional grade tools to fix them or better yet consult a professional to fix them.
How to Fix It: You could try sanding and repainting it yourself, but it can be tricky. You’ll need a dual-action polisher for sanding and the exact paint colour and skills for repainting the patch.
For deep scratches like these it’s better to call in the professionals. They’ll have the right tools to do a full repair and get it looking like new.
Windshield Scratches
Windshield scratches are usually caused by debris or rocks hitting your glass. Small chips or marks can mess with visibility and overall windshield integrity.
How to Buff Out Scratches on Car Windshield: Take some glass polish or windshield scratch remover. And apply it to the scratch and buff it out gently with a microfiber cloth.
The 3M Glass Polishing Compound works well for light to moderate scratches. If the scratch is deep or in your line of sight, have it fixed by a professional.
Bumper Scratches
Bumper scratches are pretty common. They generally happen from scraping against curbs, bumping into another car or just tight parking.
How to Buff Out Scratches on Car Bumper: For light scratches, try a bumper repair kit. These usually come with a touch-up paint and a clear coat. You can buff it out and restore that fresh look.
For deep scratches that cover a large area, a pro can fix it up with the right refinishing tools.
Simple DIY Methods to Clean Scratches
Not all scratches need fancy repair kits. Sometimes, you can use a simple household item to fix a light scratch.
- Toothpaste: Toothpaste can work wonders on light surface scratches. Just apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and rub gently in circular motions. It’s a quick and easy fix for minor scuffs.
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Gently rub it into the scratch and buff it out. It’s a simple DIY remedy that’s great for light surface scratches.
- Magic Eraser: The trusty magic eraser works on light scratches too. First test it on an inconspicuous area. Then dampen the eraser and rub it over the scratch.
How to Avoid Scratches in the Future
It’s always better to prevent a scratch than fix one. Here are a few smart tips to keep your car looking pristine:
Regular Car Washes: If you’ve been wondering, if car washes cause scratches? You are not alone. In fact, regular car washes can remove dirt and debris that can scratch your paint.
Keeping your car clean also prevents contaminants from sticking to the paint and causing scratches. Soapy Graphene or Ceramic treatments can help avoid minor scratches and keep your car looking new. Join The Wash Club and save up on regular car washes.
Use a Car Cover: When you’re parking outside or leaving your car unattended, a car cover can protect it from tree sap and branches, dirt and accidental brushes from pets or people.
Install Paint Protection Film: For extra peace of mind, apply paint protection film to high-risk areas like your bumper or side mirrors. It adds a layer of protection from small rocks and road debris.
Park Smart: Avoid parking too close to other cars, or in places with heavy foot traffic. Always look for a spot with enough space to keep your car safe from door dings and scratches.
Regular Waxing: Wax your car every few months to protect the paint and create a barrier that helps prevent scratches. It’s like giving your car an invisible shield against everyday wear and tear.
Conclusion
Buffing out car scratches doesn’t have to be a hassle, whether it’s a tiny scuff or a deep mark, with the right tools and a little patience, you can restore your car’s beauty.
We hope you now have a solid understanding of handling all types of scratches with this guide. For light scuffs you can try a mix of buffing compound or scratch repair kits. But remember, not every scratch can be fixed with a DIY method and some are better left to the professionals.
And for those times when you want to make sure your car looks pristine, visit Soapy Shark Car Wash for all your car washing needs. Your car will thank you!