How to Fix Car Scratches

Learning how to fix car scratches can be a very sound economical skill. Don’t you hate those car scratches you get on your ride from road debris or from careless and inconsiderate buffoons in the parking lot? Short of never taking your ride out, you will not be able to avoid car scratches and dings. Learning how to repair these annoying car scratches will remove some stress and keep some much-needed money in your pocket. The basics of repairing car scratches are easy if you are willing to put forth the time and a little hard work. Fixing car scratches on you ride does not have to be expensive or require a trip to the body shop.

To fix car scratches, you will need:

• Your vehicle color and make touch-up paint (check your local dealer, manufacturer or online outlet)
• Microfiber cloths (at least three)
• Car body tape (or masking)
• Rubbing compound
• Sandpaper, 100, 400 and 2,000 grit
• Sealer
• Water in a bottle or glass
• Wax
• Buffer or elbow-grease

1. Begin by taping off the area. Allow enough room for you to work. With water, clean the area thoroughly. Dry with a microfiber cloth.
2. Take the 100-grit sandpaper and wet it down. Keep the 100-grit sandpaper wet and gently sand down the scratch and the area around it. Use small circular strokes, keeping the time in each area as equal as possible.
3. When the scratch and area around it are even to the touch, stop sanding. With water, clean the area thoroughly. Be sure to flush away all the particles. Dry with a microfiber cloth
4. Now you are ready to apply the touch-up paint. Apply the first coat of touch-up paint (using one of the microfiber towels) covering the scratch and blend into the sanded area. Allow to dry for at least one hour.
5. Apply a second coat (using the same microfiber towel), again allowing to dry for at least one hour. Once the second coat is dry, take the 400-grit sandpaper and gently smooth out the paint. Be certain to smooth the entire area to the touch.
6. Now use the 2,000-grit sandpaper to fully smooth out the paint. This is done with gentle and even strokes. Once the paint is smooth, remove the masking tape.
7. With water, gently clean the area thoroughly. Now, pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
8. Either use a microfiber towel or a buffer and buff the area to a clean shine. Apply sealer. Allow to dry at least twenty-four hours. Apply wax and rebuff the area.