How to Repair Scratches on Car Body

Scratches on your car’s body can be unsightly and even lead to rust if left untreated. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to repair scratches and protect your car’s finish.

Materials You’ll Need

• Car wash soap
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Soft cloth or microfiber towel
• Rubbing compound
• Polishing compound
• Waterless car wash (optional)
• Wax (optional)

Steps

1. Wash the car

The first step is to wash the car to remove any dirt or debris from the surface. Use a car wash soap and a bucket of water to create a sudsy solution. Wash the car from top to bottom, rinsing the sponge or cloth frequently to prevent dirt from scratching the surface.

2. Dry the car

Once the car is washed, dry it with a soft cloth or microfiber towel. Be sure to avoid rubbing the towel across the surface, as this can cause scratches.

3. Apply rubbing compound

Rubbing compound is a mild abrasive that helps to remove scratches from the surface of the car. Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to a soft cloth or microfiber towel and rub it in a circular motion on the scratched area. Be sure to apply even pressure and avoid rubbing too hard, as this can damage the paint.

4. Wipe off rubbing compound

Once you have rubbed the rubbing compound into the scratched area, wipe it off with a clean cloth or microfiber towel. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the scratches to avoid creating new ones.

5. Apply polishing compound

Polishing compound is a finer abrasive that helps to smooth the surface of the car after the rubbing compound has been removed. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to a soft cloth or microfiber towel and rub it in a circular motion on the scratched area. Be sure to apply even pressure and avoid rubbing too hard, as this can damage the paint.

6. Wipe off polishing compound

Once you have rubbed the polishing compound into the scratched area, wipe it off with a clean cloth or microfiber towel. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the scratches to avoid creating new ones.

7. Apply waterless car wash (optional)

If you do not have access to a hose, you can use a waterless car wash to remove any remaining rubbing or polishing compound from the surface of the car. Apply a small amount of waterless car wash to a soft cloth or microfiber towel and wipe it over the surface of the car in a circular motion. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the scratches to avoid creating new ones.

8. Apply wax (optional)

Once the surface of the car is clean, you can apply a coat of wax to help protect it from scratches and other damage. Apply a small amount of wax to a soft cloth or microfiber towel and rub it onto the surface of the car in a circular motion. Be sure to apply even pressure and avoid rubbing too hard, as this can damage the paint.

Tips

• If the scratch is deep, you may need to use a touch-up paint pen to fill it in before applying rubbing and polishing compounds.
• Be sure to test any products you use on a small area of the car before applying them to the entire surface.
• If you are not comfortable repairing scratches on your car yourself, you can take it to a professional detailer who can do the job for you.

Conclusion

Repairing scratches on your car’s body is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with a few simple tools and materials. By following these steps, you can help keep your car looking its best and protect it from rust and other damage.