Automobile Detailing Secret: How to Remove Scratches from Your Car Paint

Your car is protected with a thick layer of high-gloss paint, but this alone will not protect it from fine dents and scratches. Nature can take its toll on the glossy surface of your car, making the paint look faded and cracked. If your car paint gets scratched in places, it spoils the overall beauty of the vehicle and exposes the worn areas to rust.

Car scratches can be caused by any number of factors, such as acid rain, temperature fluctuations, bird eggs and droppings, sharp objects, concrete, moisture, dirty cleaning cloths and abrasive cleaning products.

Try doing the paint repair on your own with a couple of simple scratch removal tools that you can easily buy from any hardware store. Here are few things you will need for an instant do-it-yourself paint touch-up on your beloved car:

- Mild liquid detergent
- Microfiber wash cloth
- Car shampoo
- Wax scratch remover
- Water
- Dry towel or rag
- Brushes

Once you have assembled everything, you're ready to perform the repair. Removing the scratch can be a tricky job because you might end up peeling off more of the paint and thus increase the damage. You want to fix the problem, not make it worse. But to be able to pull off the job, you need to work with the same care and precision that automobile detailing specialists exercise when they work on your car.

Before you start removing the scratches from you car, find a well-ventilated but dust-free area to work in. Keep kids and pets away from your work area because you don't want them running around and accidentally spilling harsh chemical products all over the place. Take the key out of the ignition and make sure that the parking brakes are engaged.

When you're ready to start, these easy techniques should help you remove the scratches from the paintwork and restore your car to its former high-gloss finish:

Begin the process by washing your car thoroughly. When you take your vehicle for an all-out car detailing, the technicians want to make sure that they will work on a clean, dust-free surface. You should follow their example by washing your car before fixing the paint. Alternatively, you can use your preferred car shampoo to wash the car. Wipe down the entire body with a soft, non-abrasive washcloth to prevent further damage.

Dry off the surface with a soft, clean rag. If rust has set in, use a piece of 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush to clean it. Make sure that you remove any fiber residue from the washcloth or dust from the affected area before you start working. You can also let the sun dry the car naturally, but leaving it out in the open exposes it to dust and dirt in the air and you might have to repeat the washing.

Locate the affected areas. If your car is already clean and dry, you can spot the problem areas more effectively and assess the depth of the scratch one by one. If the damage is too deep, simple scratch removal tools won't fix it, especially if the paint has been scratched all the way through to the metal surface.

Apply your preferred car wax. Carefully rub a dime-sized amount of car wax on the applicator pad. Do it in slow, careful strokes because the wax contains harsh chemicals that can penetrate even the existing layer of paint and damage the surface of your car.

Polish the car. You can do this with a small piece of terry cloth or use spray-on car polish. Either way, the process should leave your car with a glass-like showroom shine. Note that you have to use a really thick and soft fabric for this purpose as this is the only material that you can bring out the high gloss on your paintwork.

For a glossy finish that makes your vehicle look like it came straight from the dealer's shop, you have to get only the best quality car wax. Apart from making the car shiny and more attractive, car wax can also fill in the ridges of the scratch and even out the damaged surface. Other types of wax work by removing the surface layer of the clear coat. Whichever way it works, remember that the product can irritate your skin and damage your car, so be cautious about applying it on the affected areas.

Check the Internet or ask your friendly automobile detailing specialist for the most appropriate car wax to buy. Meguiar's ScratchX is a good choice, but you can also shop around for other brands that fit your needs and budget.

Keep in mind that regular maintenance and proper car care will help extend your car's longevity and functionality. As soon as you spot a hairline scratch or miniscule dent on the surface, try removing it right away with the right tools and product so that the damage doesn't worsen. You don't always have to call in a professional mechanic or car detailing expert to do the job for you.