How to fix scratches on my car?
Nicky Bentley 10th May 2019
Whether it’s wear and tear, sand or just a careless driver in a carpark, sooner or later, every car owner has to deal with car paint damage. Scratches are an unfortunate, but often unavoidable part of being a car owner. Fear not! We have some tips and tricks that may help you in avoiding having to get your car resprayed.
Can I actually fix scratches on my car?
The good news is that it’s possible to buff out certain types of car paint damage on your own! It all depends on the depth and size of the scratch. Your car’s paint consists of multiple layers. If the scratch is superficial and has not damaged the layers beyond the surface, then you’re in luck. There are products available at your local car repair shop that can help to remove your car paint damage. Just make sure to consult a car repair store employee’s opinion to make sure that you purchase the right material.
Below we discuss some of our DIY car paint repair favourite products that can help to remove scratches from your car.
Scratch Pen
A liquid pen that can be applied directly to the scratch.
Benefit:
The liquid from the pen works by filling the scratch and attaching itself to the rest of the paint, resulting in a near-invisible scratch! It is also cost-effective and does not require brushing.
Risk:
While these are relatively cheap and effective, the liquid tends to have a long drying time and can wear off once you’ve washed your car multiple times. It also puts your car paint at risk of exhibiting some nasty streaks.
Scratch Remover
A type of abrasive that is used to polish your car. A scratch remover is made up of tiny grains that gently sand your paint. Your scratches don’t necessarily disappear from use per se, but rather they become less visible.
Benefit:
This car paint repair treatment is generally inexpensive and can leave the car damage somewhat invisible after use.
Risk:
While a scratch remover is cost-effective and can produce good results, it also can be time consuming and require repetitive treatments. There is also a relatively high risk of using the product incorrectly and making the damage worse.
Waxing
Most people think that waxing your car can remove damage, but unfortunately that is a myth.
Benefit:
Wax serves as a protective layer that can be applied to a car to protect its paint layer against scratches rather than to repair them.
Risk:
Doesn't repair any existing scratches and only help prevent very minor surface abrasions.
What's the final verdict?
While it’s possible to buff out scratches on your car, your best bet is to consult a professional when looking to repair your car’s paint. If you attempt to fix it without the proper tools or technique, you are at high risk of causing more car paint damage.
Here at DingGo, we can provide you with 3 easy, obligation-free quotes from local smash repair specialists, who are highly skilled in understanding how to remove scratches from your car. Our network of trusted car repair experts can service all car paint damage levels, including surface level car paint scratches, to scratches that penetrate through to the metal. All without needing to pay your insurance excess!
Nicky Bentley 10th May 2019
Whether it’s wear and tear, sand or just a careless driver in a carpark, sooner or later, every car owner has to deal with car paint damage. Scratches are an unfortunate, but often unavoidable part of being a car owner. Fear not! We have some tips and tricks that may help you in avoiding having to get your car resprayed.
Can I actually fix scratches on my car?
The good news is that it’s possible to buff out certain types of car paint damage on your own! It all depends on the depth and size of the scratch. Your car’s paint consists of multiple layers. If the scratch is superficial and has not damaged the layers beyond the surface, then you’re in luck. There are products available at your local car repair shop that can help to remove your car paint damage. Just make sure to consult a car repair store employee’s opinion to make sure that you purchase the right material.
Below we discuss some of our DIY car paint repair favourite products that can help to remove scratches from your car.
Scratch Pen
A liquid pen that can be applied directly to the scratch.
Benefit:
The liquid from the pen works by filling the scratch and attaching itself to the rest of the paint, resulting in a near-invisible scratch! It is also cost-effective and does not require brushing.
Risk:
While these are relatively cheap and effective, the liquid tends to have a long drying time and can wear off once you’ve washed your car multiple times. It also puts your car paint at risk of exhibiting some nasty streaks.
Scratch Remover
A type of abrasive that is used to polish your car. A scratch remover is made up of tiny grains that gently sand your paint. Your scratches don’t necessarily disappear from use per se, but rather they become less visible.
Benefit:
This car paint repair treatment is generally inexpensive and can leave the car damage somewhat invisible after use.
Risk:
While a scratch remover is cost-effective and can produce good results, it also can be time consuming and require repetitive treatments. There is also a relatively high risk of using the product incorrectly and making the damage worse.
Waxing
Most people think that waxing your car can remove damage, but unfortunately that is a myth.
Benefit:
Wax serves as a protective layer that can be applied to a car to protect its paint layer against scratches rather than to repair them.
Risk:
Doesn't repair any existing scratches and only help prevent very minor surface abrasions.
What's the final verdict?
While it’s possible to buff out scratches on your car, your best bet is to consult a professional when looking to repair your car’s paint. If you attempt to fix it without the proper tools or technique, you are at high risk of causing more car paint damage.
Here at DingGo, we can provide you with 3 easy, obligation-free quotes from local smash repair specialists, who are highly skilled in understanding how to remove scratches from your car. Our network of trusted car repair experts can service all car paint damage levels, including surface level car paint scratches, to scratches that penetrate through to the metal. All without needing to pay your insurance excess!