Every time you find a scratch on your car, you probably feel your frustrations rising. Especially if maintaining the look of your vehicle is important to you. Public roads, public parking, and heavy car traffic in Charlton means that scratches are practically inevitable – unless you never touch your car’s exterior.
Most scratches, however, can be repaired at home without special tools and at low cost. This guide will give you a rundown of the steps needed to repair car scratches by yourself, without the help of a bodyshop – and save you money in the process of car scratch repair in Charlton.
Types of Car Scratches
Knowing the type of scratch helps you to deal with it.
Car scratches are divided in the following categories:
 Clear Coat Scratches: these only mar the clear coating on the outside and are the simplest to fix.
Paint Scratches: These reach the paint layer beneath the clear coat.
Deep scratches: go all the way through the clear coat and paint job, into the primer or metal On a car with a clear coating, scratches can damage the paint job and expose the clear, white primer underneath. Even on a plain coat, scratches and scrapes might go all the way down through the paint and into the primer and metal underneath the panel.
Tools and Materials Required
Before starting the repair process, gather the following tools and materials:
Car wash soap and water
Microfiber cloths
Sandpaper (2000-3000 grit)
Rubbing compound
Polishing compound
Touch-up paint (matched to your car’s color)
Primer (for deep scratches)
Clear coat
Car wax
Step-by-Step Repair Process
Step 1: Clean the Affected Area
Then, wash the scratched area thoroughly with car wash soap and water. This will remove any dust or dirt so that you do not cause the paint to scratch more during the repair job. Then, rinse well and dry the area with a microfibre cloth.
Step 2: Sand the Scratch
To smooth out scratches for clear coat and paint, wet a piece of 2000-3000 grit sandpaper and gently sand the scratch. Sand in a circular motion until the scratch is barely visible. If you press too hard, you will just dig it down further, leading to more work, so sand gently and carefully. For deep scratches, skip this step and go straight to applying primer.
Step 3: Apply Rubbing Compound
Then apply rubbing compound with a microfiber cloth, and use that to rub out the scratch gently as if buffing it out in a circular motion, blending it with the paint around the scratch. Wipe off excess compound with a clean cloth.
Step 4: Polish the Surface
Rub some polishing compound into the repaired places using the microfibre cloth to restore the luster. Use a clean part of this microfibre cloth, rub the polish on repaired places in a circle motion until its shine looks as good as others’ places on your car surface.
Step 5: Apply Touch-Up Paint
If the scratch has gone all the way through the paint to the primer or even into the metal (that’s what you’re feeling when you drag your fingernail across the scratch), try touch-up paint in the colour of your car. Use a thin brush with a fine tip to apply the colour into the scratch, then allow it to dry completely, which may take several hours or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 6: Add a Clear Coat
As always, allow the touch-up paint to fully dry before applying a clear coat. Prior to adding mascara, it is best to apply an eyeshadow primer and let it fully dry. You can use this method with most brands and formulations of liquid eyeliner for best results.
Step 7: Wax the Repaired Area
When you are done, be sure to cover the entire repaired area by waxing. It will provide extra protection and add gloss to the scraped spot. Wax the area using a rag by moving it back and forth in a circular motion and then buffing the area.
Tips to Prevent Future Scratches
Preventing future scratches can save you time and effort. Here are a few tips:
Careful Parking: Avoid tight parking spots and high-traffic areas.
 Clean car regularly:Wash the car and get rid of dirt and debris, which can cause scratches.
 Don’t Ignore the Car Cover: Protect your car from the environment, especially if you park it outdoors.
Conclusion
We don’t have to leave that car scratch repair in Charlton to a professional. Here’s how to tackle minor to moderate scratches at home. Fixing your car yourself means you can save money, and your car will look good as new until you decide to switch it up. If you have scratch removal kits, it becomes even simpler. I used one, so I won’t be discussing specific products. Read this step-by-step guide and you too can revamp your car, as I did mine, and breathe new life into its paintwork. It won’t be easy, so patience and a keen eye are needed. Good luck!
