how to remove scratches from a car complete guide

HOW TO GET RID OF SCRATCHES ON A CAR: A COMPLETE GUIDE

Coming across a scratch on your vehicle’s paint can be frustrating. Luckily, any minor blemish or scratch can easily be fixed without scheduling an expensive appointment at an car repair shop. For an easy-to-follow guide on how to get rid of scratches on your car, check out our article below and learn how to get rid of scratches on car exteriors with the use of only a few Turtle Wax scratch remover products.

SCRATCH REMOVERS & POLISHING COMPOUNDS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Formulation, mostly. Generally, Scratch and Swirl Remover products are very similar in performance to rubbing and polishing compounds. However, the formulation and instructions for Scratch and Swirl Removers are best suited for repairing light finish blemishes throughout your car’s finish or specific spots where localized repair is needed.

Which scratch repair product is best for my car? Rubbing and Polishing Compounds are best if your target is a lackluster finish or oxidation. If you want to get scratches out of car surfaces or remove blemishes, then ideally you should use Scratch Repair or Scratch and Swirl removing products.

scratch removers and polishing compounds

HOW DO CAR SCRATCH REMOVERS WORK?

Formulated with a combination of mild or speciality polishing agents, Scratch and Swirl Removal products are designed to eliminate minor scuffs and streaks and get scratches out of car finishes and contain waxes or clear polymers that help to fill in deep abrasions.

Easy, one-step applications are typical with Scratch and Swirl Removal products, allowing for a quick, simple boost to the look of your car’s paintwork. These products can be used on a single scratch or for all-over finish restoration application like a conventional car wax. While the product performance is limited due to the mild cleansing and polishing elements of these formulas, it’s important to keep in mind that these products may not be strong enough to remove tougher oxidation. We recommend using a polish or rubbing compound instead.

HOW TO REMOVE LIGHT SCRATCHES AND SWIRLS FROM YOUR CAR

From light marks from fingernails around door handles to light blemishes or a lackluster finish, learning how to repair scratches on car surfaces takes only a few steps. These scratch remover products are not only safe cleaners to use, but are also great at removing swirl marks from drive-through car washes and accumulated road deposits.

REMOVING SWIRLS FROM PAINT SURFACES

Step 1: Begin by washing and drying your car.
Step 2: Apply the Turtle Wax Scratch Repair & Renew to a soft cotton or microfibre cloth, folded into a 15cm x 15cm square. Spread the product to a 60cm x 60cm surface area.
Step 3: With firm hand pressure, rub the cloth back and forth for about 60 seconds.
Step 4: Let dry to a light haze and remove any excess product with a soft cotton or microfibre cloth.
Step 5: Continue to polish one section at a time, using a clean cotton or microfibre cloth as needed.

For smaller scratches, wrap the cloth around your first two fingers. While using sturdy pressure with your fingers, rub the scratch back and forth about 10 to 20 times in the same direction of the scratch. Repeat as needed, until the scratch is less noticeable.

TIP: Polishing surfaces of your car that are hot to the touch or in direct sunlight is not recommended.

REMOVING LIGHT SCRATCHES

Step 1: Begin by washing and drying the car.

Step 2: If possible, place a piece of masking tape 2.5cm above and 2.5cm below the scratch, to help guide the process.

Step 3: Apply the Turtle Wax Scratch Repair & Renew with a clean microfibre cloth, and with firm finger pressure, rub in a back and forth motion for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: With a clean microfibre cloth, wipe the area dry and inspect for defect removal. Determine whether or not further steps are needed.

Step 5: If needed, reapply Scratch Repair & Renew until your desired results are met, or the scratch becomes clear or invisible.

Step 6: Repeat the process up to 5 times.

Step 7: To finish, apply compound to a larger surrounding area to blend in the repair.

We recommend using an orbital DA polisher instead of hand application, if you have a deeper scratch or a larger car surface area affected by imperfections. This applies higher pressure and achieves more professional results.

For a complete step-by-step guide on how to use an orbital polisher in conjunction with the Scratch Repair & Renew, visit our How to Wax a Car article.

STUBBORN SCRATCH & BLEMISH REMOVAL

If the scratch is still there after following all steps, advance to using a heavier grit and more vigorous rubbing compound.
Repeat the previous steps using Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound or Turtle Wax Polishing Compound.

Note: If your vehicle is a newer model with darker paint surfaces, we recommend the use of our Renew Polish. For older vehicles with oxidized finishes, a paste compound is recommended as it is more effective on these kinds of blemishes than liquid compounds.

turtle wax polishing and rubbing compounds

HOW TO GET DEEP SCRATCHES OUT OF THE CAR SURFACE

Paint imperfections, such as chipping, paint transfer, and deeper scratches may require a sanding or polishing process, or paint repair.
Repairing the paint will involve filling in the scratch with a matching touch-up paint or a clear coat paint resin.
For extreme cases, we recommend bringing your vehicle to an auto repair shop near you.