Nobody likes finding a scratch on their automobile. Whether caused by a tree branch, bicycle handle, or shopping cart, scratches in the paint are ugly, potentially expensive to repair, and can cause rust problems if left untreated.<\/p>\n
Learn step-by-step instructions for fixing minor paint scratches on your automobile with the Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n WARNING: <\/strong>A successful auto scratch repair takes very careful attention to detail and some education. Read this guide and follow any commercial products\u2019 instructions very carefully.<\/p>\n If you can run your fingernail over the scratch without it catching, then it\u2019s probably only a clear coat scratch. For minor blemishes such as these, we would recommend using a product that is more limited in scope, such as Meguair\u2019s G17216 Ultimate Compound<\/a>, Turtle Wax T-241A Polishing Compound & Scratch Remover<\/a>, or Barrett-Jackson Car Scratch Remover<\/a>. These top-level blemish products can also be used to restore swirl marks, water spots, and faded head lights and tail lights.<\/p>\n If, however, your fingernail does catch, you have a deeper scratch and will want to decide whether to do the repair yourself or take it into a professional. If you can see metal, that is a very serious scratch. No scratch repair kit will be able to restore a deep scratch completely. We suggest seeing a professional as soon as possible if you see metal. Exposed metal will rust. Wide and deep scratches are not covered in this guide.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve seen a lot of success with the Turtle Wax T-234KT Premium Grade Scratch Repair Kit<\/a>, so we will be referring to this product in the guide below. If you your fingernail catches on the scratch, but you don\u2019t see any metal, this is a good kit to use. Be careful as the kit includes abrasive sand pads that require delicacy, precision, and attention to detail. Follow manufacturer instructions exactly.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need two main things when fixing most paint scratches, the exact paint match and the clear coat layer that goes on top. If the scratch hasn\u2019t gone through the primer, you can skip the touch-up paint step.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n If your scratch is only a clear coat scratch, then you don\u2019t have to worry about finding any paint. Deeper scratches, however, require the additional application of new primer and paint.<\/p>\n To help you find the right paint touch-up product, look for the factory-paint code on the sticker in the driver side doorsill or on a plaque under the hood. If you are unable to find the exact color match at the auto parts store or online, take the car to your auto dealer.<\/p>\n Remember, this guide is for minor scratches only so if you need to cover a large area, go with a professional. Touching up large areas by hand will always have imperfections. A professional will spray it and restore it to like-new conditions. If you can get your insurance to pay for it, do that instead.<\/p>\n First, make sure the surface is cleaned with soap and water. Once you\u2019ve dried the area completely with a clean cloth, finish cleaning with a few gentle wipes of a rag and denatured alcohol. Allow the area to dry completely.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a good idea to mark the scratch off with some blue painter\u2019s tape, especially if it\u2019s close to any trim or plastic.<\/p>\n If you are applying touch-up paint, mark off the area as close as you can<\/em>. This will help keep the primer and paint from spreading.<\/p>\n If you only need to add a small amount of paint and you have some experience in car care, you may be able to repair it yourself. If you have any doubts, bring it into a professional detailer.<\/p>\n Touching up minor scratches and other blemishes with paint requires practice. Make sure you feel comfortable applying very small amounts of paint onto paper or metal first.<\/p>\n PRO TIPS:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n If you don\u2019t need to add any primer or paint, you\u2019ll want to skip those steps and jump to this one. First, prime the clear coat pen by pressing it against a piece of paper or metal to get it flowing. Then, fill the scratch in completely with the clear coat pen using gentle dabs and wipes. Wait for it to dry. You may want to wait overnight, especially if it is a wider or deeper scratch.<\/p>\n This is the step to watch out for. The Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit comes with 4 different abrasive pads, #1 being the most abrasive and #4 the least abrasive.<\/p>\n The problem for most users is that they use too much pressure, fail to lubricate the area first, or use the wrong sanding pad. Ensure the pads and the surface are lubricated with the Spray Lubricator. Otherwise, you can cause even more scratches. You should never dry sand the affected area, only wet sand with the Spray Lubricant that\u2019s included in the kit.<\/p>\n Usually the #1 sanding pad is not needed. The abrasive #1 pad if for deeper scratches when you are using touch-up paint, but usually you can start with #2 if you used touch-up paint. Take your time, follow instructions exactly, and use the proper level grit pad. Be very careful<\/em> with the amount of pressure you use.<\/p>\n We cannot stress this enough\u2014be extremely careful with the pressure you use when using the sanding pads. Very light rubbing is all that is necessary.<\/p>\n To remove the hazy area created when blending in the touch-up paint with the pads, move on to the next step.<\/p>\n Before you move on the Polishing Compound step, remove the blue painter\u2019s tape. To restore the gloss to the affected area, apply the Polishing Compound (from the Turtle Wax Kit) to a corner of your microfiber cloth and buff the scratch in the opposite direction of the scratch\/sanding wipes.<\/p>\n For this step, you can use pressure. Use two or three fingers behind your microfiber cloth and firmly wipe the area in perpendicular strokes to the scratch\/sand marks. You may have to wipe for over a minute or two.<\/p>\n After around 40 strokes, wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth. Inspect your work and repeat the process if you still see sand marks. On the reapplication of the polishing compound, you can use circular motions to help blend everything in.<\/p>\n If you had any wax on the car, this process will have removed it. Apply a coat of wax to the area you worked on so it shines like the rest of the car.<\/p>\n And you\u2019re done!<\/p>\n Fixing auto scratches yourself all depends on the length and depth of the scratch. If you have any major scratches, take your vehicle into a professional.<\/p>\n If you have any questions, don\u2019t hesitate to speak with one of our\u00a0Online Specialists<\/a>\u00a0or give us a call:<\/p>\n Chattanooga, TN<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0(423) 551-3600<\/p>\n Cleveland, TN<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0(423) 472-2000<\/p>\n Dayton, TN<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0(423) 775-4600<\/p>\n Dalton, GA\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0(706) 217-2277<\/p>\n Follow us\u00a0for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining cars:\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>, and\u00a0Google+<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Nobody likes finding a scratch on their automobile. Whether caused by a tree branch, bicycle handle, or shopping cart, scratches in the paint are ugly, potentially expensive to repair, and can cause rust problems if left untreated. Learn step-by-step instructions for fixing minor paint scratches on your automobile with the Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3432,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15,20],"tags":[49,52,61,5,140,141,266,366,419,461,495,583,590,591,592,600],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\nCar Scratch Anatomy and Scratch Repair Warnings<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How to Remove Minor Automobile Scratches<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Look for Your Factory Paint Code<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Wash and Dry the Car<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Mark Off Area with Blue Painter\u2019s Tape<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Steps for touching up paint:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Prime the Clear Coat Pen (from Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Sand the Surface with Proper Pad<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Use Polishing Compound\/Paint Finish Restorer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Apply a Coat of Wax<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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