DIY Car Scratch Removers: Do They Really Work?
Whether caused by twigs, a gas nozzle or an ex’s set of keys, car scratches and scrapes are just inevitabilities. Automotive paint isn’t the most durable material on Earth; even sliding a heavy cardboard off the car roof could leave microscopic scratches that may eventually welcome vehicle rust and peeling. Plus, they’re eyesores!
Gnarly as they may be, car paint scratches and scrapes can be repaired—with the right tools and an expert set of hands. Instead of going to an auto paint or body shop to buff out scratches on their vehicle, many owners will go the “cheap car scratch remover” route to fix up those eyesores. But are products like car scratch remover pens, compounds and blemish kits actually worth it?
Gnarly as they may be, car paint scratches and scrapes can be repaired—with the right tools and an expert set of hands. Instead of going to an auto paint or body shop to buff out scratches on their vehicle, many owners will go the “cheap car scratch remover” route to fix up those eyesores. But are products like car scratch remover pens, compounds and blemish kits actually worth it?
Pros & Cons of Car Scratch Repair Kits
Like DIY windshield chip repair kits, cheap scratch remover products are advertised as economical, fast and convenient fixes to common car-ownership problems—in this case, small scrapes on auto paint, primer and clear coats. How well they work is another story.
Let’s go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of such products.
Let’s go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of such products.
Advantages
Affordable
The main benefit of using a DIY car scratch repair kit is that they’re economical. Many such products can be purchased for under $30, while a few will go for substantially more. Of course, you must weigh the price of the best scratch remover for cars over the added cost of paying a professional if the results are less than adequate.
Only Work on Small Car Paint Scratches
In a pinch, they do an admirable job of minimizing the appearance of superficial auto paint scratches and surface swirl marks that haven’t dug any deeper than the first layer of paint/primer. However, if your vehicle has a deeper gouge, scuff or scrape that exposes metal, you’ll want to bring in the big guns by visiting an automotive body shop, usually.
Quick Results
Many products can fix scratches on cars within an hour. Others may need extra curing time, though it is usually not significant.
Multiple Uses
Because they include automotive polish, most car scratch removal kits will help remove water spots and swirl marks, while also polishing dull surfaces.
Disadvantages
Doesn’t Work on Bigger or More Severe Scratches
While car paint scratch removers may work on shallow scrapes, they aren’t as effective when it comes to buffing deep scratches on cars—which is what most car scratches are. In fact, many of these products come with warnings to that effect. Even so-called deep scratch repair kits may not have the power to take severe scuff marks on cars.
How can you tell? Run a finger/fingernail across the scratch. If either the pad of your finger or your fingernail catches in the groove, the scratch may have gone through the clear coat. That scratch, depending on its severity, could require fillers, which is not something you’ll want to try at home.
How can you tell? Run a finger/fingernail across the scratch. If either the pad of your finger or your fingernail catches in the groove, the scratch may have gone through the clear coat. That scratch, depending on its severity, could require fillers, which is not something you’ll want to try at home.
Your Car Color Matters
Typical automotive paint scratch remover kits oftentimes produce better results on white, black and gray cars. If you own a vehicle that’s red, blue or any other non-neutral color, temper your expectations with standard touch-up paint and scratch repair pens. You may have to fork over more money to get a higher-end product—or test various ones until you get a good result.
Potentially Reduces Resale Value
In some cases, you may simply be unable to find a perfect match. In these instances, a trip to an auto paint shop near you would be the best option. Otherwise, be prepared to have a noticeable “hey, this spot was repaired” area on your vehicle, which may reduce your vehicle’s resale value.
You Should Be Comfortable with DIY Projects
If you aren’t a seasoned do-it-yourselfer, you may want to hire a professional from the get-go. Even with a kit, you’ll want to have some essential tools on hand and general know-how.
Can Cause More Damage
Again, anyone who isn’t comfortable working with tools or even sanding paper should leave car scratch removal tasks to the professionals. Automotive paint repair products, while affordable and convenient, aren’t always simple to use. Improperly following directions can result in even more car scratches and blemishes. This gets even riskier with the high-end products that contain touch-up auto paint or pens; the last thing you want is an even more noticeable splat of off-color paint!
Get Your Free Estimate on Auto Scratch Repair
Before you spend any money on a cheap car paint scratch repair product, get a free quote on auto painting work at our Kansas City body shops. We’ll look at the scuffs, give you an honest assessment of the damage, and provide you with an accurate estimate—which may be lower than you expect!
