/How to Polish a Scratch Out of a Car

How to Polish a Scratch Out of a Car

Every now and then, almost every car owner successfully observes a scratch or two on their car. Scratches originate from various factors. It should be handled carefully and tackled immediately because when not handled properly, it can corrode, causing rust to appear. This in turn becomes a bigger and costlier problem to handle. Before rushing off to the nearest local garage when you spot a scratch, it helps to understand a few things. A correct diagnosis of the severity of the scratch enables you to take the suitable action to rectify the problem. Maybe, all you need is to polish the scratch out. Here are some tips on how to polish a scratch out of a car.

Car Scratch Polish at How to Polish a Scratch Out of a Car


Firstly, you need to understand the outer coat buildup of your car. The outer coat of your car is divided into clear coat (outermost layer) followed by color, primer and lastly, steel. Most scratches are non-severe, meaning that it only damages the clear coat and color. If this is the case, you can remove it with some simple polishing methods. You will need a good polishing compound and a suitable cloth or foam buff to start with. Complete the task in a shaded area to prevent the compound from drying. It will be ineffective when dried prematurely. You should apply a small amount of the compound on the polishing tool to prevent waste.

Car Scratch at How to Polish a Scratch Out of a Car

Usually, a small amount will be able to give you the desired results. Using circular motions, buff the area thoroughly. Give sufficient pressure and ensure complete coverage. You may need to spend a whole 10 minutes on the area to achieve satisfactory results. As you see the scratch fade, ease up on the pressure applied. You will not spoil the paint as most cars are designed to withstand many mils of clear- up to 19.  Deep scratches can also be removed by coating the scratch with an exact paint color. This works well if the scratch is a reasonably small area. If large, you should take your car to the nearest local garage for fixing. The key to remember is never delay a scratch. Some scratches may not be scratches. Instead, they are paint deposited on the surface of your car. Similarly, use sandpaper to first buff and later apply some polish compound. The compound works to add shine back to the surface.

Take good care of your car and its good looks will last a long time. Fix scratches with care. These tips on how to polish a scratch out of a car is useful for all car owners.

(Chief Designer / Editor / Journalist) – Zaheer is the chief designer of Motorward.com. He’s also responsible for part of the publishing team as well as a publisher and writer.