Car Paint Scratch Repair
Tips for better results!

Like it or not but car paint scratch repair will come knocking on your door eventually! Life is a jungle and people suck wherever you go!

Yeah I said it!

Ask anyone who has ever gotten a door ding while parked at the market or mall on their brand new ride.

The reality is that door dings, scrapes, scratches, and miscellaneous damages to your car are just a matter of time; nobody is immune.

My experience in the world of professional auto detailing has taught me that most people do not realize the options available today; many of which were unavailable just a short time ago.

Even the most basic duties of car paint care can be an overwhelming task to many car owners.

With so many choices and conflicting opinions, often people choose to simply do nothing. Even a starting point can be difficult, never mind a viable solution to the many forms of paint damage that we can be faced with as car owners.

Not All Scratches Created Equal

As the saying goes, "Not all scratches are created equal". When it comes down to it — no two scratches are created equal, just as no two paint chips are created equal.

This single scratch to the right represents a common problem to many car owners, and represents a scratch with different levels of depth.

This means that one single solution may not be the remedy for this particular car paint scratch repair. Most people automatically assume that reaching for some car touch up paint is always the solution to paint scratches in your car.

Let's examine your options as a car owner with what I consider my best picks for any DIYer that wants to tackle the unwanted task of trying to remove unwanted scratches from your ride — or at a minimum, diminish these unwanted scratches so they aren't screaming for attention every time you walk up to your ride. 

Car Touch-up Paint

I will start here since this is the most obvious to people and represents one of the easiest forms of car paint scratch repair. These types of touch-up car paint applications can be purchased at the dealership of the make of your car. Generic forms of this paint can also be purchased at retail car care outlets, like Pep Boys for example.

• A rather quick and easy solution to paint scratches of substantial damage —just not necessarily the best fix.
• Use for the deep scratches where there is actual room for the paint to be "laid into".
• Also a solution for rock chips frequently found on the leading edges of your vehicle.
• This form of car paint touch-up can be problematic due to inconsistency of the paint in the applicators; often the paint will either be too thin and runny, or too thick and sticky.
• Vertical panels will be more difficult as the paint will run due to the effects of gravity.
• Finger nail polish does work...in a pinch.
• A black permanent marker can also work in a pinch if you happen to have a black vehicle.
  

Car Paint Scratch Removers

These types of products can be as simple as finding a polish with abrasives, to kits designed to do what is called wet sanding.

The wet sanding kits are the most aggressive form of car paint scratch repair. Kits come complete with the necessary items for sanding and polishing away scratches.

Since every scratch is unique, some car paint scratches can be removed completely by sanding and polishing, while some scratches can merely be diminished or camouflaged.

The graph to the right illustrates the cut-away of the different layers in regards to car paint. As a rule, any car built since 1990 will have a 2-stage paint job; color coat followed with a clear top coat. (white cars built during this time are about the only exception and may be what is called single stage paint; no clear coat) Clear coat as a rule will range from 3-5 mils in thickness. (This is thinner than a Sticky Note for some context)

When scratches are thinner than the clear coat itself, the scratch can be sanded away using a technique called wet sanding to first remove the, then the sanding marks are then polished away using compounds and aggressive polishes, then finished using fine grade polish.

The area is then finished with a layer of what you would consider to be your choice as the best car wax. Most experts follow what is called the fingernail test; if you can catch the edge of the car paint scratch with your fingernail, then most likely it is too deep for complete removal; at this point, diminishing the scratch is all that is possible.

Even as a professional with decades of experience, I never know exactly what is possible until I am there dealing with it. Like I said a the beginning, every car paint scratch repair is truly unique and must be dealt with on a case by case judgement call.

Having realistic expectations when dealing with car paint scratches

One of the best tips I can offer people when it comes to attempting to remove or fix car paint scratches of any kind is to keep a realistic perspective about the limitations of the moment.

The ultimate fix would be to visit your local body shop and get an estimate that will likely send you running the opposite direction. Once a person realizes how expensive paint and body can get, the idea of a fix that is less then perfect sounds rather appealing!

And the choices I have listed below offer just that...a cost effective alternative to the cost and expense of traditional paint and body.

Car Paint Scratch Repair Kits to Achieve Professional Level Results

Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit

Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit on Amazon

About this item

• Complete Scratch Repair System:
  All-in-one solution designed to remove light scratches, scuffs, and surface imperfections for a smoother, restored finish.
• Versatile Multi-Step Process:
  Includes varying grit sanding pads to tackle deeper scratches and a precision clear coat pen for lighter surface marks.
• Cost-Effective Paint Restoration:
  Helps minimize or even eliminate the need for expensive professional repairs.
• Comprehensive Kit Contents:
  Includes three 2 x 2 color-coded restoration pads, a 4 fl. oz. spray lubricant, a 4 fl. oz. paint clarifying compound, and a 0.3 fl. oz. clear coat finish pen.
• Everything You Need in One Kit:
  Provides all the essential tools required to safely and effectively restore your vehicle’s paint at home.

Darren's Note: I love this kit due to its "professional tools" included in this kit. If you can't remove the scratch from your car with this kit, my opinion would be you have  scratch that cannot be removed, or maybe should not be removed due to the unwanted trade-off that would come if you got so aggressive in chasing perfection. 

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3M Scratch Removal System

3M Scratch Removal System on Amazon

About this item

• Removes Light Scratches and Scuffs:
  Effectively eliminates minor paint scratches and blemishes to restore a smooth, uniform finish.
• Three-Step Repair System:
  Uses a simple yet effective process that sands, compounds, and polishes the affected area for long-lasting results.
• Professional Results Made Easy:
  Designed for ease of use, this kit provides all the tools needed to repair paint imperfections quickly and safely.
• All-in-One Kit:
  Includes every specialized supply required to complete the repair from start to finish—no extra products needed.
• Restores a Flawless Finish:
  Brings back the clean, polished look of your car, truck, or van’s original paintwork.

Darren's Note: This would definitely be my second choice and likely the choice for most DIY car owners since it has a attachments that attach directly to any drill motor. This kit represents a more user friendly experience due to its ease of use.

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Meguiar's Scratch Removal System

Meguiar's Scratch Removal Kit on Amazon

About this item

• Removes Scratches with Minimal Effort:
  Quickly eliminate fine scratches, scuffs, and paint blemishes with little effort and professional-looking results.
• Drill-Powered Scratch Removal:
  Harness the power of your drill to easily remove light scratches, scuffs, paint transfer, and other surface imperfections in seconds.
• Drill-Activated System:
  The Scratch Eraser pad and Scratch 2.0 formula do the work for you—just let the drill provide the power while you guide the tool.
• Complete All-in-One Kit:
  Includes everything needed to safely and effectively restore your paint’s smooth, glossy finish in one convenient package.
• Safe for Clear Coat Finishes:
  Designed for use on all glossy paints and clear coat surfaces without causing damage or dulling the finish.

Darren's Note: This kit would be my last choice. This kit would represent the least comprehensive kit and would be ideal for the "less committed" among us who want the simplest method and are just looking for "good enough".

Car Paint Scratch Repair Summary

At this point you should have more than enough information to make an informed decision in dealing with the type of car paint scratch repair or chip repair on your car.

Just remember, not all scratches are created equal and even professionals like myself can't remove every scratch. It truly is a case by case challenge, but these kits will be an excellent choice for these unwanted paint scratches for any DIYer.

Sincerely,

Darren Priest