There is nothing worse than getting a scratch on your car. Whether it’s a small scratch or someone’s keyed your car, keeping your paintwork in perfect condition is a never-ending challenge.
So how can you remove deep scratches from your car? Well, before you start spending big money on repairing your paintwork there are a few tricks that could allow you to fix scuffs and scratches on your car yourself.
What’s the deal with toothpaste?
Toothpaste is a popular solution to scratches on cars, phones and even glasses. But is it just an urban legend? Toothpaste acts as an abrasive to sand down the uneven surface of your car’s glossy sheen and fill in a scratch. It works exactly the same way as it does on your teeth. Toothpaste also helps remove foreign paint from your car if you’ve scraped another car.
How to remove paintwork scratches with toothpaste
First, make sure the surface around the area is clean. Otherwise you might buff particles of dirt and debris into your paint.
- Add a dab of toothpaste to your damp cloth.
- Rub the toothpaste onto the scratch or scuff mark using a small, circular motion to cover its surface.
- As you move or lift the cloth, you should see the scratch or scuff mark disappear!
How to fix a keyed car
Scratches in your clearcoat can usually just be sanded out. But, if someone has been malicious enough to key your car, you’re going to need something more. To fix a deep scratch in your car you won’t really be removing it at all. Instead, you’ll be sanding down the paint around the damaged area until they are both at the same level. The trick is to sand down to the level of the scratch without sanding through to the next layer.
- Wash the panel with soapy water and then dry it thoroughly.
- Rub a material, such as show polish into the scratch that contrasts with the paint colour. (This will help you avoid sanding too far)
- Using ultrafine 2000- to 3000-grit wet/dry sandpaper, wrap a rubber sanding block or a wood block, then dip it in a bowl of cold water.
- Add two or three drops of liquid dish detergent to improve cutting action.
- Sand the area using light, short strokes at alternating 60-degree angles to the scratch.
- Move up and down the length of the scratch, stopping frequently to rinse the paper in the water.
- Work slowly and lightly until you see the contrasting mark disappear.
- Wipe down and make sure the scratch is gone.
- Buff the area and wax to return the panel to its natural state.
If your car has been keyed so deeply you can see the metal, you’re going to need a complete respray. The entire panel will need stripping and repainting in order to maintain an even coat. A third of cars that are deliberately damaged are believed to be keyed. A keyed car would be considered as vandalism, and would normally be covered by comprehensive insurance.
If you’re precious about your car and are looking for the best deal on comprehensive insurance, contact us today. We are passionate about cars and understand the pleasure in owning and experiencing great cars with complete peace of mind. So contact us today for the best cover for your pride and joy.