Are Scratch Repair Products for Car Paint Really Effective?
2 Answers
Scratch repair products can only remove very minor and shallow scratches; deeper scratches still require polishing to be fixed. In fact, the effect of car scratch repair fluid is similar to toothpaste—it works decently for minor scratches on the car's paint surface. However, for deeper scratches, car scratch repair fluid is generally ineffective. Here is an introduction to car paint layers: Electrophoretic Layer: During car manufacturing, the entire body is immersed in an electrophoretic bath. The electrophoretic layer adheres directly to the metal body and serves to prevent rust and enhance the bonding capability of the paint. This layer is crucial for rust protection. Primer Layer: The primer layer acts as an intermediary. On one hand, it provides better adhesion for the next layer of paint, and on the other, it protects the electrophoretic layer, improving rust resistance. Additionally, the primer layer plays an essential role in the smoothness and impact resistance of the paint. Base Coat: The base coat is the colored layer—the vibrant colors we see on cars come from this layer. Many manufacturers now use metallic paint for the base coat. Clear Coat: The clear coat is the outermost layer of paint, giving the car a glossy finish and protecting the base coat.
I've been driving for over twenty years and often hear about various scratch repair products like paste compounds or liquid polishes when getting my car washed. I've tried a few myself. For minor scratches that haven't reached the primer, they do show some effect—apply them, buff it out, and the marks fade considerably. But for deeper scratches exposing bare metal, these products are completely ineffective and can even cause secondary damage. The key lies in product quality—reputable brands use gentle formulas that provide temporary fixes, while inferior ones may corrode the paint, making professional repainting or film wrapping a better option. Daily protection is even more crucial: using soft cloths for washing and parking away from obstacles. Prevention remains the best strategy to minimize scratches.
