How to Remove Small Paint Scratches on the Car Body?
4 Answers
Here are the methods to remove small paint scratches on the car body: 1. Clean with banana oil. Banana oil, also known as thinner, can be used to dilute paint and is effective in cleaning paint spots. It is available at paint stores, but be aware of its flammable, explosive, toxic, and volatile properties. Banana oil can corrode the paint surface, so avoid using it on painted areas; it is safe for car glass. 2. Clean with gasoline. Gasoline acts as a cleaning agent similar to banana oil, with good cleaning effects and less corrosive properties. It can be applied using a damp cloth. 3. Use tar remover or adhesive remover. These are specialized cleaning agents from well-known brands, offering excellent cleaning results at an affordable price. 4. Clean with carburetor cleaner. This is more irritating than tar remover but still effective. 5. Use car wash clay. Also known as volcanic clay, it softens when soaked in water and has strong cleaning power without being corrosive, making it one of the best products. 6. Sand with fine sandpaper or scrape with a blade. Fine sandpaper or blades can remove paint spots with careful handling, but there is a risk of scratching the paint surface. However, minor scratches can be repaired with waxing and polishing, maintaining the car's appearance.
Last time my car got a paint scratch when the neighboring car opened its door, and it broke my heart. If the scratch isn't deep and just on the surface, you can handle it yourself: first, wash the affected area with car shampoo, then apply some toothpaste to the scratch and gently polish it in circles with a wet cloth. If it's paint transfer from another car, try using a clay bar or tar remover to wipe it off lightly. If it really won't come off or the area is too large, I recommend getting a professional to polish or touch up the paint—usually, it costs around a hundred bucks, which is cheaper than going to a 4S shop. The safest bet is to park farther away from other cars, but minor scratches are hard to avoid.
The rear of my car was previously scratched with some red paint, and I managed to remove most of it by simply wiping it with alcohol wipes. For minor scratches, household remedies like essential balm or nail polish remover can work wonders—just dab a little on a cotton pad and gently wipe. Be careful not to rub too hard and damage the original paint; it's best to test in an inconspicuous area first. If the scratch reaches the primer, don’t try to fix it yourself—take it to a reliable repair shop where they can use a professional polisher with abrasive compounds. Remember to apply wax after polishing to protect the paint. There’s no need to stress too much over such minor issues; cars are bound to get a few dings over time.
The treatment for scratches depends on their severity. For surface scratches, a scratch repair paste will suffice—apply it, wait two to three minutes, then gently wipe it off with a dry cloth. For scratches that reveal the primer, avoid rubbing them hard; instead, use a touch-up pen with the original factory color code to dab on the affected area. For deeper scratches, it's advisable to visit a repair shop where professionals will sand them smooth and repaint before baking for a long-lasting finish. Keeping a touch-up pen in your car for emergencies is quite useful, and applying clear nail polish to key areas can also prevent rust. Remember to wax your car regularly to enhance the protective layer.
