Learn to Remove Scratches From Your Car Permanently
We can all imagine the horror and anger as we see that scratch on the shiny body of our car. That thin line has the power to bring out the worst in all of us! Through years of car detailing experience at Mobile Car Valeting Aberdeen, I have learned how to permanently remove the clear coat scratches. I will be sharing this easy process in 5 simple steps that you can do at home without using any specialized equipment.
How to tell if you have a clear coat scratch?
When you spray the soapy water, the scratch disappears as water fills it up; when you wipe the water, it is visible again. Deep scratches will stay visible even when wet.
What you will need:
- Soapy water
- Painter’s tape
- Sand Paper (Grit 3000 and 5000)
- Microfiber cloth
- Scratch Wax
- Clean
Fill a spray bottle with soapy water and get a clean microfiber cloth. Remove any tag from the cloth to prevent lines while cleaning, at Car Valet Aberdeen we pay attention to detail. Clean the area with soap to remove dirt and debris. (Verify now that you have a clear coat scratch).
- Tape
Using the painters’ tape, mark the area, approximately half an inch above and below the scratch. The tape will serve as a guideline while working on scratch. Make sure the tape ends at the scratch edge. Avoid using regular sticky tape as it is hard to remove and leaves a residue.
- Sand
Use your fingernail to test the scratch; if it catches your nail, start with 3000 grit sandpaper; otherwise, you can directly use 5000 grit sandpaper. The trick is to sand perpendicular to the scratch, against the grain. Helpful tip from Car Valet Aberdeen, wrap the sandpaper around a regular kitchen sponge. It will cause you to apply even pressure over the surface. Spray the area with soapy water till it is completely wet and soak the sandpaper as well. Start the sanding process with medium pressure. Sand the entire length for 15 seconds, then wipe with a microfiber cloth to see if the scratch is gone or not. If one area is deeper, work on it again, periodically wiping to check the condition.
When the scratch is gone, a hazy surface will remain. Move the tape one inch on the top and bottom. Begin sanding the whole area with 5000 grit sandpaper. Wrap sandpaper around the sponge again and wet the area and sandpaper. Make sure you use circular motions to blend the surface into the surrounding area. Wipe with a towel to check condition. Continue sanding till scratch is gone.
- Polish
Use a polish that specifies that it removes fine scratches and swirl marks. Clean the area once again with the soapy water. Apply the polish directly to the microfiber cloth and buff it into the sanded surface and its surrounding. Use circular motions with medium to heavy pressure to attack from all angles. Continue the process till the surface turns from hazy to reflective.
- Wax
The final step, followed by car wash Aberdeen team, is to apply paste wax instead of liquid wax with an applicator to the entire area. Leave it a minute to haze up, then remove with clean microfiber. When you get deep cleaned at Car Wash Aberdeen, we make sure to remove all the scratches off the body.
Scratches are part of life, but now there is no reason to get upset or yell at kids on bicycles riding too close to your car because now you know how to remove them permanently!
If you require a regular car wash or get any specific bodywork done or interior cleaned to look brand new again, give me a call. I provide Mobile Car Detailing and Valeting services in Aberdeen.
0 Comments