How to remove scratches from your paint

Have you ever come back from an afternoon of shopping and noticed that your car was dented in the parking lot? Or maybe you drove a little too fast on a gravel road and ended up with a scratch on your body?It may seem that the odd scratch on your paint is simply an inevitable part of modern driving, but that doesn't make those unsightly scratches any easier to bear. Can you repair it yourself or is it best to leave it in a workshop? Here's our ultimate guide on what to do if your car has been scratched.

What should I do if my car has been scratched?

If your paint is scraped off or scratched, it's likely that it happened accidentally, either from another motorist or from stones and gravel that hit your car while driving.If you suspect that your car was intentionally intentionally destroyed or severely damaged, you should file a complaint with the police and contact your insurance company to find out if your policy covers vandalism.

Can I repair car scratches myself?

This depends on the scratch and how deep it penetrates into the paint. Your car consists of three layers of paint: clear coat, basecoat, primer and underneath is the metal body.You may be able to fix minor surface scratches and scratches at home with the help of a scratch removal kit or even a modest toothpaste tube. If the scratch is deeper or you'd rather entrust the work to the professionals, you might want to check in your vehicle at a local workshop. It may seem costly, but it might be the best way to smooth that scratch.

How do I fix a car scratch with toothpaste?

First, you need to find out how deep the scratch on your car is by driving your fingers over it. If your fingernails don't get stuck, the scratch is in the clearcoat layer and toothpaste may be able to help:

• Wash and dry the affected area to make sure you don't end up rubbing any residue or dirt into the scratch and making it worse. Use warm soapy water and then rinse it off before drying it with a clean, dry cloth.
• Next, take a moistened microfiber cloth and squeeze on about a 2-p-large amount of toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste works best, but if you don't have one, try using a toothpaste you have in your bathroom.
• Rub the toothpaste into the scratch in circular motions and apply just enough pressure to ensure that the toothpaste is well distributed over the affected area.
• When you're done rubbing out the scratches, rinse the area thoroughly with soapy water to make sure you're removing excess toothpaste, and then dry it with a dry microfiber cloth.

If the scratches persist, repeat the process up to two more times and be sure to rinse and dry between applications to check your progress. Do not repeat more than twice to avoid permanent paint damage.

How do I use a scratch remover?

If the scratch is deeper than the clearcoat and has transitioned to the basecoat, you may want to leave the toothpaste in the bathroom and use a special scratch removal product instead. If you want to try using a scratch removal product, follow these steps:

1. Wash and dry the affected area first to make sure you don't rub any residue or dirt into the scratch and make it worse. Use warm soapy water and then rinse it off before drying it with a clean, dry cloth.
2. Before applying a scratch remover, you should also read the manufacturer's guidelines and see if a polishing tool or sponge is sold with the agent for use on your paint.
3. Normally, you would apply about 2p of product to the polish pad and make sure the product is evenly distributed around the pad to ensure uniform application.
4. Then, rub the product into the affected area with circular movements and be careful not to change direction to ensure uniform coverage.
5. When you're done, it's important that you don't let any excess product dry on the car in case it attacks the paint, so remove all products with a clean microfiber cloth.

Before repeating the process, read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you don't apply too much and end up unknowingly damaging your paint.

How do I repair a deeper scratch?

If the scratch on your car is more severe and has gone deeper than the clear or basecoat and into the primer or metal sheet of the body, you should take your vehicle to a local mechanic and have the work done by professionals. To help you find a mechanic you can trust, we only recommend workshops that offer quality work and exceptional customer service, so you can rest assured when your car needs attention.

How much does it cost to repair a scratch on my car?

Of course, this depends on the severity of the scratch and how you want to deal with it. Using toothpaste to repair a small scratch will only cost you a few dollars, while a scratch remover will cost about a tenth. Heavier, deeper scratches probably cost a little more, but might be worth it if you want your car to look as good as new in no time.

Does my insurance pay for scratches on my car?

This depends on your policy, although with many policies, the deductible would be more than paying for the work itself, meaning it's pointless to make a claim.Some insurers offer separate scratch and dent insurance that allows you to have minor dents and scuffs repaired without making any claims on your main policy.