Nothing can ruin your mood like a fresh scratch on your new car. You can’t help but feel like you’ve been violated, especially when it’s a deep scratch that goes down to the metal.
But before panicking, know there are ways to fix car scratches—without spending a fortune. You can even do it yourself with just a few household materials.
Here are some of the best DIY tips for fixing car scratches like a pro:
1. Use Sandpaper
One of the easiest ways to fix a scratch is by using sandpaper. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up to a finer grit. It will help sand off the clear layer of paint and smooth out the scratch. You can check the severity of the scratch by running your fingernail over it—if your nail catches on the scratch, it’s deep and will require more work.
Before you start sanding, wet the sandpaper with soapy water. It will help prevent the paper from clogging with paint and make sanding easier. Work in small, circular motions, and be careful not to press too hard, or you could damage the paint.
2. Use Toothpaste
Believe it or not, toothpaste has magical powers when fixing scratches on your car. All you need is a small amount of toothpaste and a soft cloth. Apply the toothpaste to the fabric and then rub it into the scratch in a circular motion. Once you’ve gone over the entire scratch, use a clean part of the cloth to wipe away any excess toothpaste.
Toothpaste has a mild abrasive quality that helps remove the top layer of paint, which will make the scratch less visible. Just be sure to use white toothpaste (not the gel kind), as the color can transfer over to your car’s paint.
3. Nail Polish
Clear nail polish can help fix scratches on your car. The process is similar to toothpaste, but you’ll need a cotton ball or Q-tip instead of a cloth.
Dab the cotton ball or Q-tip into the nail polish and then apply it to the scratch. Again, you’ll want to go over the entire scratch length. Let the nail polish dry for at least an hour before buffing it with a clean cloth.
We hope you have a wide collection of nail polish at home because you can also use it to fix scuffed bumper covers and license plate frames!
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular ingredient for a majority of DIY home remedy hacks, so it's no surprise that it does help fix car scratches. It includes abrasive properties that can help remove the top layer of clear coat and paint.
To use this method, you’ll need a damp cloth and a small bowl of baking soda. Rub the scratch with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Next, pour a small amount of baking soda onto the cloth and rub it into the scratch in a circular motion.
Once you've covered the entire scratch, use a clean, damp cloth to remove the baking soda. You may need to redo this process a few times to see results.
Conclusion
These are all quick, temporary fixes that will work in a pinch. If you have the time, it’s always best to take your car to a professional for repairs. Bill Holt Chevrolet, serving Jasper, GA, is happy to help with your car repair needs!
We hope you never have to deal with car scratches, but if you do, we are here!
Check out our service specials today!