How to Clean Car Body Scratches

Scratches on your car’s body can be a nuisance, but they don’t have to be permanent. With the right tools and techniques, you can clean car body scratches and restore your car’s finish to its former glory.

What You’ll Need

• Bucket of warm water
• Car wash soap
• Soft cloths or sponges
• Rubbing compound
• Polishing compound
• Wax
• Orbital buffer (optional)

Step 1: Wash the Car

The first step is to wash the car thoroughly. This will remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the cleaning process.

1. Fill a bucket with warm water and add car wash soap.
2. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the soapy water and wash the car from top to bottom, working in small sections.
3. Rinse the car with clean water.
4. Dry the car with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Apply Rubbing Compound

Rubbing compound is a mild abrasive that will help to remove the scratches from the car’s body.

1. Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to a soft cloth or sponge.
2. Rub the compound in small, circular motions over the scratched area.
3. Apply more rubbing compound as needed.

Step 3: Polish the Scratched Area

Once the scratches have been removed, you can polish the scratched area to restore its shine.

1. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to a soft cloth or sponge.
2. Rub the compound in small, circular motions over the polished area.
3. Apply more polishing compound as needed.

Step 4: Wax the Car

Waxing the car will help to protect the finish and prevent future scratches.

1. Apply a small amount of wax to a soft cloth or sponge.
2. Rub the wax in small, circular motions over the car’s body.
3. Allow the wax to dry for a few minutes.
4. Buff the wax off with a clean cloth.

Tips

• If the scratches are deep, you may need to use a more aggressive rubbing compound.
• Be careful not to apply too much pressure when rubbing the rubbing compound or polishing compound.
• Use a clean cloth or sponge for each step of the process.
• If you have an orbital buffer, you can use it to apply the rubbing compound and polishing compound.
• Regularly waxing your car will help to prevent future scratches.

Conclusion

Cleaning car body scratches is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools and supplies. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can restore your car’s finish to its former glory.