- Safely remove scratches by first washing your car
- Use a clay bar to remove bonded contaminants
- Use a dual-action polisher, pad, and polish kit to quickly remove scratches from your car
- Bonus Tip: Use multiple pads when polishing
- Paint polishing is easier than you think
We’ve all been there. You’ve washed your car to reveal maximum shine, but instead you find scratches and swirls that weren’t there before. It doesn’t take much to scratch your car’s paint. But removing those scratches can be a pain. Fortunately, with the right tools and products, you can safely remove scratches from your car in an afternoon. Just follow these three tips to get the job done right, and avoid calling a detailer.
A Subaru BRZ getting a last-minute detail | Getty Images
Safely remove scratches by first washing your car
You can’t begin to remove scratches from your car if it is still dirty. While automatic car washes can help, there is no replacement for hand washing your car when you want to remove as much dirt as possible. Use a soft, clean, microfiber towel with car wash soap to ensure dirt and grime is completely removed. There are several safe methods for hand washing your car, but the bottom line is simple. Work with clean towels and mitts, and wash from the top down to avoid bringing dirt from one area to another.
Use a clay bar to remove bonded contaminants
There are some contaminants that even hand-washing can’t remove. Before we move on to removing scratches from your car, you’ll want these particles removed first. A clay bar will pick up even bonded contaminants to make sure your paint is as clean as possible. According to Performance Motorcare, there are different options depending on the level of contamination. This can include baked-on sap, iron fallout from trains and factories, and other environmental contaminants. You’ll not only feel the difference, but you can see the particles in the clay bar as you work. When you’re done, your paint should feel as smooth as glass
Use a dual-action polisher, pad, and polish kit to quickly remove scratches from your car
The safest way to remove scratches from your car is with a dual-action polisher. Both easier and more controllable than doing it by hand, a polishing machine makes quick work of light to medium scratches. Work in small sections, no larger than 24 inches by 24 inches. There are several video tutorials to help give you a better visual of how to work the machine across each section. But rest assured, with the right tools and some patience, you can remove scratches from your car and achieve high-quality results.
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Bonus Tip: Use multiple pads when polishing
As you remove scratches from your car, the pad you use will collect some residue from the polishing process. While you can use a compressor to blow your pads clean, keeping several pads handy can speed up your workflow. Drop your dirty pads into a bucket with water. This ensures the polishing residue will stay wet until you’re ready to clean all your pads. Then, swap on a new pad and follow the procedure for applying polishing liquid to continue your work.
Paint polishing is easier than you think
While picking up a new tool and taking it to your car can be daunting, the process is easier than you think. If you’re truly uncomfortable, pick up a junkyard panel to practice polishing before you turn on your own ride. But in the end you’ll find that it is easier than you think to remove scratches from your car.
Keyword: Three Tips to Safely Remove Scratches from Your Car