How to remove light marks, scuffs and scratches without damaging your car paint

Minor scuffs and scratches are extremely frustrating. Plus, they could even expose your car’s bodywork to rust and corrosion, causing its resale value to nosedive.

Car scratches require touch up paint repairs fast. Fortunately, removing light marks is easy with the right equipment. In this guide, we’ll look at how to apply touch up paint to car chips for flawless results.

Are light scratches on cars normal?

From the moment you take your new car for its first drive, you risk getting scrapes and chips. The truth is, light scratches are normal and just a fact of life.

Want to know why your car keeps getting little scratches? These are the most common culprits:

• Road debris: Loose stones and pebbles are the main cause of unsightly road rash.
• Contact damage: road furniture, badly parked cars, and even your car keys can all cause unintentional damage.
• Poor quality car wash: Look out for car washes with stiff, dirty brushes that can cause scratch damage.

Can you remove light scratches?

The good news is that removing light scratches is a breeze with Auto Aerosol touch up paint. But first, you need to determine the level of damage.

Can I fix a paint layer scratch?

Paint scratches can be severe, but our colour-matched aerosol repair paint produces professional-standard results. To achieve the best finish, prime the surface with sandpaper and scrupulously remove all dirt.

How do I fix a clear coat scratch?

You can spot clear coat scratches under a direct light — they usually appear as swirls or straight lines. Our advanced touch up paint pens and pots give you controlled application to make light scrapes and dings disappear.

Here’s how to apply our touch up paint to car scratches for great results:

1. Preparation is key: Start by thoroughly washing your car to remove every trace of dirt and debris. Use a degreaser to prep the surface so the paint has the best chance of adhering.
2. Shake it up: Give the bottle, pen, or tin a thorough shake to emulsify the colour.
3. Verify the colour match: When you use our paint code search tool, you will find the perfect shade match. You can verify the colour by dabbing a little paint somewhere inconspicuous, like the wheel arch.
4. Apply evenly: Apply your paint in thin, even coats. Leave to dry thoroughly before building up the colour in layers. Finish with a clear coat for the most durable repair.

What kind of scratches can be buffed out?

Buffing your paintwork with a liquid scratch remover usually removes superficial scuffs and scratches.

You’ll need to wash and dry the damaged area before applying a small amount of product with a clean cloth. Always work in one direction and buff up with a microfibre cloth.

Tips to prevent future scuffs and scratches

Nobody can avoid car chips and scratches, but you can make them less likely with these handy tips:

• A weekly wash will remove dirt and debris. Finish with a protective wax coat or a more advanced ceramic coating.
• Avoid car washes that use stiff brushes, and use pressure washers carefully.
• Park carefully to avoid getting scraped or scratched by careless drivers.
• Invest in a car cover or find a parking garage to shield your car from damage.
• Inspect regularly so you can catch any minor damage and deal with it quickly.