How do I remove minor scratches or scuffs from car paint?
Addresses cosmetic blemishes on a car's clear coat or paint layer, offering DIY methods for light surface imperfections.
- Use Toothpaste or Scratch Removal Polish3
Mild abrasives can sometimes buff out scratches that are only in the clear coat layer of the paint.
📌 diy/commercial4/23/2025, 10:42:43 PM
🛠️ Car wash supplies, microfiber cloths, white toothpaste OR automotive scratch remover polish/compound, car wax
- Use a Magic Eraser (Very Cautiously)1
Melamine foam sponges (Magic Erasers) are abrasive and can sometimes remove paint scuffs or very light scratches, but carry a high risk of damaging the clear coat.
📌 makeshift4/23/2025, 10:42:43 PM
🛠️ Magic Eraser (melamine foam sponge), water, microfiber cloths, polish/wax (likely needed afterward)
- Touch-Up Paint Pen (Deeper Scratches)4
For scratches deep enough to show the primer or bare metal (i.e., your fingernail catches), filling the scratch with matched touch-up paint is necessary to prevent rust and improve appearance.
📌 diy4/23/2025, 10:42:43 PM
🛠️ Automotive touch-up paint (color matched), clear coat (optional), wax/grease remover or isopropyl alcohol, fine brush/pen applicator, ultra-fine sandpaper (optional), polishing compound (optional), microfiber cloths
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