By 
It’s Friday night and you just got out of a card game with the guys and then it happens; time freezes His MaCCo’s jet black paint job is ruined by a white key scratch. What kind of person would do that, what kind of sick twisted individual would do such a thing as scratch a new paint job? As you become the focus of humor on the road; You start thinking, “How the hell am I going to fix this before my next date?”
The do-it-yourself guide to car scratch removal
Removing scratches can be a very simple task; but very expensive if not done correctly. Most people, out of convenience, go directly to the professionals when they simply don’t have the time. But in most cases, you should go to the professionals simply because the scratch is too deep to remove with a scratch remover/repairer. Most car scratches, such as key marks and pebble marks from driving on the road, can be easily removed; There are some other minor scratches here as well that won’t cost you much.
a) Random/misc scratches.
b) Spider web effects.
c) Strains by embedding in pores.
d) Oxidation (Rust)
e) Acid rain stains.
f) Dried bird droppings (parking under trees in the summer)
g) Buffer Swirls (from polishing too hard last time)
These scratches are normally 1000-600 grit which can be easily repaired or buffed out. But with 2000 grit, the scratch has gone deep into the surface. That’s when the professionals have to step in; conventional compound or scratch remover would not suffice.
Car Scratch: Get the right tools to secure your paint job
As you start walking the isles of your local AutoZone or Advanced Auto Parts, you start looking for the right tools. Many online stores also carry variations of paint leveler, since the standard compound damages newer paints. Newer paint levelers have heat-reducing abrasives that flatten with heat; very nice as this now works on almost all modern paint jobs. Now that we have the basics, let’s get started. Remember that your appointment is tomorrow and you only have one day. First, let’s square the tools.
Things you will need to repair a minor scratch:
a) Body Compound found in chains like Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts.
b) Primer found at your local dealer service center.
c) Sandpaper. (cut into squares)
d) Two towels or pieces of cloth (one wet and one dry)
e) Two buckets (one with soap and the other with running water).
f) Small brush; brush one inch to two inches. (Home Depot or local hardware store)
g) Car polish.
h) Any scratch removal agent such as (Quixx Car Scratch Removal)
Now that we’re all on the same page with materials, let’s remember that some scratch removers can vary in price, so while you’re at AutoZone, make sure you select the right scratch remover. Older model cars and light scratches work well with standard body compounds; and do not require all of the supplies listed above. But for deeper scratches you will need all the supplies and sunlight. Now let’s get started; but first before you even think about buffing or polishing; Wash your vehicle clean. Dirt and grime will make the paint very bad and look like melted bird droppings.
Repair of minor scratches on the car
For minor scratches it’s pretty simple:
1. Using the damp cloth; apply the polishing compound to the damaged area.
2. Gently rub the compound into the damaged area in a circular motion (allowing it to harden)
3. After applying to the damaged area, use soap and water to wash the area.
4. Apply wax to a towel or sponge and gently rub the area in a circular motion.
5. Using a clean cloth, gently wipe the surface to clean it.
Deeper car scratch repair
1. Now that was pretty simple. Now let’s get back to reality. This key mark was quite large and a simple touch up and polish would not do the job. So now you need to spend a little more money and spend a little more time. Don’t worry; here are the steps to repair that deep emotional scar; that we call painting terrorism.
2. Using a piece of sandpaper, carefully sand the area. (clean area immediately after)
3. Apply compound directly to scratch (allowing it to harden)
4. Using the sandpaper, lightly abrade the body compound. (don’t sand too hard or too long, you may end up doing more harm than good)
5. Clean the area of all dust and deposits.
6. Using the 1-inch brush, prime the scratch; just like in grade school, stay within the lines.
7. Dip the brush in water so it can be reused to apply touch-up paint.
8. Allow the paint to dry; that can take a while. (Grad a bite to eat and watch the fifth inning)
9. Visit the dealer’s service center to get the exact paint for your vehicle; This is the most important step. (provide your VIN to the dealer for exact color)
10. Lightly apply touch-up paint to scratches.
11. Now it looks new. (well almost)
You have followed the steps and now you are ready for the appointment. The scratches are gone; you picked up your dry cleaning and your date is sending promising text messages. Then you get the call from your crazy ex-girlfriend; her evil laugh sends shivers down your spine. She is the terrorist in the painting, she called to vindicate her actions and brag about how good she felt. Little did she know; you have taken care of the problem. Your care is a Super Hero again and heroes always save the day.