Choosing the best scratch remover for cars

Updated Jul 04, 2019 | Same topic: Handy Maintenance Tips

Keeping any car’s paint job is hard and when scratches strike then you’ll need the best scratch remover.

Scratches on the paint finish are pain and fixing it is a breeze with scratch remover. There are many available and the best one will be needed. Here is how to pick the best one for you!   

Are you happy when even a little nick of a scratch is seen on the paint job of your immaculate and perfectly unblemished paint job? Top it off with the fact the paint job costs a bundle.

Chances are there will be options to consider eradicating a scratch like it never existed too. What are your options to consider restoring the paints finish like it never happened at all

Going to the car body shop is always an option although it might cost according to how big the scratch is. It may cost little if some haggling is needed to get it cheaper.

Removing the scratch with expensive paint retouching with the best eye and skill to do it is the ticker! Add up the time in which you’ll have to wait too. Another thing is trying to get the exact color and attempting to DIY it will be doomed enterprise as well.

To help get the right one and decide if the expensive or cheap ones will do. All of them are either wax or creams with application accessories that are included as well. See what catches your eye and see if the particular product is effective or not! Some of them will be cheaper or more expensive than others. Let's find out with Philkotse.com.

1. What will be affected by scratches

Automotive coats have several layers that lie on top of each other. All car scratch removers don’t have similar properties. Here are the layers of the car coat which should be understood. 

The metal of the car body

If a scratch reaches to this part which is the actual car body. Scratches of this nature will not be removed by a scratch remover. When scratched are these serious and deep then it’s time to go to the body shop. No amount of DIYing of trying to repair it yourself will work and just makes it worse!

car body

If a scratch reaches to this part which is the actual car body

Primer

This layer is painted on top of the metal body to allow the base coat to adhere better. It will be a hot and miss if any scratch remover will remedy something that goes down this deep. One can attempt to put multiple layers of scratch remover though. It may work or not, but it’s really up to the owner of the car.

Primer coat

This layer is painted on top of the metal body to allow the base coat to adhere better

>>> Read more: How Can I Repair My Car’s Scratches?

Basecoat

The real paint is applied to this layer which is the real color of it. The hues and shades of the color are actual hues, not reflections or anything. It functions to give the cars a wet look or whatever paint finish is used.

Another is that it protects the steel body and primer from damaging elements like UV and rain. Without the base coat which is a preventive applied to cars as the second layers of protection for the paint applied.

Base coat

The real paint is applied to this layer which is the real color of it

Clearcoat

It’s the outermost layer of car paint that is colorless resin paint which adds extra protection for the base coat. Without it applied on the base coat that will lack the luster of a good-looking paint finish. Keeping UV and the elements away from it. It gets first dibs when scratched and scuffed which can be worse!

Clear coat

It’s the outermost layer of car paint that is colorless resin paint which adds extra protection for the base coat

>>> Also check: How to protect your car from scratch: 6 easy ways to know.

2. Types of scratch remover

Most scratch removers are applied to the damaged area by sponge or similar delivery systems. It does not remove, but it fills in the scratches on the paint. To make it look like it disappeared by using it. There are several types to choose from, and they do the same thing.

Compounds

Use it to fill in scratches except for really deep ones that reach into the fourth layer. It’s better to use a buffer or polishing tool if there is one. Finishes are better because compound seeps in deeper than just a sponge. Scratches are less noticed and look more professionally done too.

Compounds

Use it to fill in scratches except for really deep ones that reach into the fourth layer

Abrasives

They work differently and remove layers around the scratched areas which make it smaller and less obvious. Combo use with a compound and polish method will improve the scratched area better. Abrading is not advised because it only damages the area of the scratch more. Do it only with prior experience or let a pro do the abrasive method for you.

abrasives

Combo use with a compound and polish method will improve the scratched area better

>>> Worth reading: 7 common mistakes when taking care of your car paint & ways to avoid them.

3. Our advice

When dealing with scratches, there are some pointers that need to be clear. These kits will have limited efficacy.

  • They work better if scratches look white and it works best if only the clear coat is scratched.
  • If the base coat is colored, then any scratch remover is not working.
  • Choose a kit with a similar color to scratch for better results.
  • If the scratch goes down to the metal better bring it to the body shop.
  • For better results with multiple scratches, you will need a body shop to match the colors better.

car scratches

When dealing with scratches, there are some pointers that need to be clear

Scuffing and scratching the cars paint coat cannot be avoided at all. If that happens getting the best scratch remover for cars is an option. Just remember using scratch removers are short term solutions at most. They only work when the scratch goes to the topcoat.

Going to the car body shop is the only answer for multiple and deeper scratches. There’s no other option to consider, but scratch removers are options for stopgaps till the scratched are fixed

>>> Click here to get more useful tips and advice for your car maintenance.