A Few Tips to Fix Car Paint Scratches
Whether they are superficial or on the deep side, scratches are a nightmare for all vehicle owners. They may be easier to tolerate on an older, worn-out model - like a winter beater - or one used for dirty work, but they can become much more problematic on a newly purchased car.
Fortunately, there are solutions. And you don't necessarily need to call in a body shop or detailing specialist. There are various products and tools available on the market to remove these ugly scars.
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What is a Scratch Remover?
A scratch remover is a product that is rubbed onto the surface of a scratch so that it blends into the adjacent paint to become indistinguishable. It is applied using an abrasive pad, either by hand or with the help of a rotating tool to correct defects faster and with less effort.
The effectiveness of the product may depend on its synthetic composition, the extent of the scratch, and the type of paint on the vehicle. Obviously, it works best when the scratch is minor and does not require further treatment, like fingernail marks around the handles, and swirl marks (the marks created by trying to wipe the dust with a very dry cloth).
Which One Should You Choose?
A scratch remover is not expensive when compared to the cost of body work. Before shopping around, of course, you should first determine the severity of the scratches on your vehicle.
But since the cost is minimal, you might even want to buy a few different products and try them out to see which one works best. Start with something more affordable and, if that doesn't work, don't be afraid to invest more money and repeat with a better product.
Some of the most recommended products are Meguiar's Scratch Remover Kit, which includes the ScratchX 2.0 cleaner with microscopic abrasives and an abrasive pad that attaches to a drill. You can also look at Silverwax and Shine Armor scratch removers.
If the defects to be corrected are too pronounced, don't hesitate to call the body shop experts at your dealership.