No doubt, mechanical maintenance is essential to keep our journey safe and comfortable, but the outside appearance has its importance to keep the look of the car.
We have to spend much time on external appearance to make it perfect because it is considered as a part of our personality. Therefore, we try to keep it clean by washing it regularly and apply polish to provide a radiant look. If you really want to protect your car’s surface from debris and other contaminants, you should consider applying a layer of ceramic coating on it for maximum protection.
Many companies offer their services for the fixing of bodywork scratches and charge a high amount against their services. But if you want to handle this problem by yourself, then you need to have the right tools for it.
The Best Car Scratch Removers Reviews
1. Meguiar’s G17216 Ultimate Compound
Usually, the paint job on any car consists of three layers. The most inner layer protects the body from rust and also acts as a primer for the second layer that is responsible for providing the color. The outermost layer is known as a lacquer layer that is responsible for giving a shiny look.
Basically, a scratch remover works with the second layer by breaking down the top layer. It fills the scratch in the color layer and repairs it by obliterating the outer layer. Meguiar’ G17216 ultimate compound comes with an advanced formula that is capable of cutting through the paint layers and repairing the scratches quickly. It is one of the most attractive features of this product.
No doubt, this product works effectively and efficiently. But you have to apply this compound carefully in a little amount to repair the scratch.
Key Features:
- Advanced Formula – works smoothly as compared to other Compounds
- Works effectively on Imperfections, Scratches and Water Spots
Specification:
- BrandMeguiar’s
- ModelG17216
- Weight 1 pound
Pros
- Dual Action Polisher
- Micro Abrasion Technology
- Quickly remove the scratch and restore color
Cons
- Not suitable for deep scratches
2. Turtle Wax 50734 Complete Compound
Turtle wax is a leading manufacturer of car care products and famous for providing quality products for its customers. Turtle Wax 50734 Complete Compound is an excellent addition in the product line of turtle wax. This product is capable of facilitating you as per your imagination to tackle the scratches.
The packing of this product consists of microfiber towels and applicator pads along with the compound. Both the items in preparation are considered as crucial tools and usually available as separate items. Furthermore, the mixture comes in two different bottles, one is milder and used to remove very light surface scratches while the second one is more abrasive and helps to repair more severe damage.
In short, this product provides a great value to your hard-earned money and comes in a single, convenient package.
Key Features:
- Two types of Compounds with Towels and Applicator Pads
- Suitable for Scratches, Oxidation and Water Marks
- Advanced Formula
Specification:
- Brand: Turtle Wax
- Model: 50734
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
Pros:
- Packing includes a complete kit to perform the job
- Two bottles of the compound with different strength
- 18oz of the product comes in both bottles
Cons:
- Expensive as compared to competitors
3. Quixx 00070-Us Paint Scratch Remover Kit
Here is another product from Quixx that offers the complete kit in the packing like the turtle wax we discussed above. It comes with an almost similar price to that of turtle wax but with a significant difference in quantity.
This product is manufactured in Germany, which is famous for the high tech European automobile industries, and surely you will re-order this product after using it. But the drawback of this product is that it comes in little quantity. Therefore, you will be able to use one packing for a few applications only.
This product is designed to remove the scratches effortlessly, and you have to apply it in two steps to get better results. It is capable of removing light surface damage quickly. The sandpaper that comes with this product is used to smooth out the area on the sides.
Key Features:
- The simple and easy two-step application process
- The packing comes with a complete kit
- Manufactured with German Engineering
Specification:
- Brand: Quixx
- Model: 00070-US
- Weight: 3.2 oz
Pros:
- Suitable for Metallic Paint
- Premium quality product
- Instant results
Cons:
- Small quantity
- Much expensive
4. 3M 39071 Scratch Removal System
Again, it is another product with a complete kit but with amazing results. The packing of this product comes with all the accessories you need to repair the paintwork. However, this product requires power tools to work effectively.
The packing of this product consists of two liquid compound sachets, three pads, and a power drill attachment. All three pads are different in nature; one is used as fine abrasive sandpaper, the second is used as a foam applicator while the third one is used to apply the buff.
The use of a power drill for the application of product and polish is an indication that this product works quickly and effectively. The purpose of the power drill is to apply the product with more perfection that is not possible with a cloth.
This product is affordable and cheaper than all on our list, but it comes in sachet packet rather than bottles. Therefore, you have to use the entire compound when you open the pack.
Key Features:
- Complete kit included
- The triple step application process
Specification:
- Brand: 3M
- Model: 39071
- Weight: 4.5 oz
Pros:
- Require power tools for application
- Swift and effective results
Cons:
- Available in sachet packet for once using only
5. Formula 1 Scratch Out
Formula 1 introduced this product without the inclusion of the complete kit, but it doesn’t mean that this product is cheap and has low quality. It is straightforward to apply with the help of a dry and clean cloth.
The formula of this compound comprises of micro polishers that are perfect for eliminating swirl marks and fine scratches as well as suitable to clear haze on the finishing layer of car paint. With every stroke, you will feel that all the small scratches disappear from the body of your car.
This product is designed to tackle light surface scratches, but it is not suitable to handle deep scratches. You can use it for the removal of blemishes, watermarks, and various other surface issues.
This light compound formula works very well for these problems and provides better results as compared to many other known brands.
Key Features:
- Built-in advanced Micro Polishers
- Non-Abrasive
Specification:
- Brand: Formula 1
- Model: 613191
- Weight: 9.1 oz
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Low price
Cons:
- Comes in a small bottle
6. 3M 39044 Scratch Remover
Here is another product from 3M and obviously, as shown from the name, it is a straightforward and excellent scratch remover. This compound formula is specifically designed to handle top surface issues like water spots, oxidation, and minimal penetration instead of in-depth paint repairs.
This product is manufactured with fine minerals that are helpful for the removal of minor scratches and bring back high polish finish. It is an excellent option for repairing scratches from the outer body at an affordable price.
Always keep in mind before buying this product that it is not suitable for the filling of scratches. Because it is a milder product that provides a better result as compared to polish but capable of removing the scratches.
Key Features:
- Perfect for removing fine scratches
- Wax Free Formula
Specification:
- Brand: 3M
- Model: 39044
- Weight: 7.8 oz
Pros:
- Efficient and affordable
- Easy to apply with hand or by machine
Cons:
- Works for fine scratches only
7. Chemical Guys Com_129_16 Scratch & Swirl Remover
Many brands offer a complete kit or various applicators as premiums with their products to attract the customers. But don’t expect such accessories with this scratch remover from chemical guys. Rather than, chemical guys will facilitate you with a product that is a combination of remover compound, cleaner and polisher.
You just have to apply the compound on the body of the car either with the help of a powered buffer or with hand, and you will get amazing results. This product is like a breeze if you take it from the application point of view.
This product is perfect for repairing the scratches and clearing the surface imperfections efficiently and we consider this product as an excellent overall option to keep the better look of your car. But it is an expensive product, and this is the only downside of this product.
Key Features:
- Combination of compound, cleaner, and polish
- Removes surface imperfections
- Wax Free Formula
Specification:
- Brand: Chemical Guys
- Model: COM_129_16
- Weight: 1.32 lbs
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Premium quality product
Cons:
- Expensive
8. The Ultimate Car Scratch Remover System
- If you are not thrilled with the results get full purchase price back!
- NY Times WireCutter online magazine said "the Ultimate Car Scratch Remover System did a remarkable...
- The Ultimate Car Scratch Remover can remove scuffs fast, No Experience - No Problem, everything in...
- Safe-T-Sand patented 3000 grit PROFESSIONAL reusable wet sanding sponge for "borderline" clear coat...
- Upgraded 120ml bottles plenty of formula to remove dozens and dozens of scratches. Unique...
9. Mothers 08408 California Gold Scratch Remover
This product is a wonderful addition to the product line of Mothers that is popular for providing a large range of auto products. Like the 3M and Formula 1 remover, this product is best to remove the small surface imperfections rather than by removing deep or medium scratches. It is good to polish the body of the car.
This product is designed to efficiently clean up the surrounding areas of paintwork like around door handles, and key holes as these areas can get scratches and various imperfections with time.
It is good to repair paintwork in these areas as well as it is also capable of creating a protective layer to avoid future damage. It is an excellent product for touch-ups and repairing the surface. Furthermore, it is affordable and comes in bottle packing that lets the users save the remaining material for later use.
Key Features:
- Suitable to work with any type of paint
Specification:
- Brand: Mothers
- Model: 08408
- Weight: 8 oz
Pros
- Quick results
- Long term protection
- Create a protection layer
Cons:
- Perfect for polish rather than the scratch remover
10. Turtle Wax Polishing Compound & Scratch Remover
Here are another polishing compound and scratch remover from turtle wax that is operating in the market for many decades. It is famous for manufacturing high-quality car care products.
However, it is not capable of removing the scratches with deep density; instead, that is a powerful polishing compound. But it minimizes the scratches up to a certain level and useful to reduce the oxidized surfaces like body panels and headlights. It is suitable to work from moderate to light surface imperfections.
If you are facing a problem with deep scratches, don’t expect that this remover provides you the look of the car similar to showroom quality finish. Rather it is designed to solve various problems of car owners like stubborn stains, faded color finish, and blemishes as well.
Key Features:
- A unique formulation to tackle with light to medium oxidation
- Simple to apply the wax
Specification:
- Brand: Turtle Wax
- Model: T241A
- Weight: 12.5 oz
Pros:
- Reliable brand name
- Suitable for oxidized surfaces
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Not fit to remove deep scratches
11. Chemical Guys V36 Optical Grade Cutting Polish
While the V38 ensure the perfection of work just like a professional-grade finishing because this product is specifically designed to remove the surface marks available due to the use of sanding in the range of 2500 to 3000 grift. You don’t have the need to fill the small holes or don’t need to cover them because the V38’s formulation is much powerful to give a shiny look to your car.
As you are going to buy two different products, therefore you have to pay a high price as compared to competitors. But you don’t need to worry about the polishing equipment as you can apply both these products just with the help of your hand.
Key Features:
- A mixture of cutting and final finish
- Perfect polish for Ultra-refined surface cutting
- Swirl-free formulation
- Designed for moderate to heavy paint defects and surface imperfections
- Compatible with a rotary machine or DA
Specification:
- Brand: Chemical Guys
- Model: GAP_VKIT_101
- Weight: 2.45 lbs
Pros:
- Two different formulations
- Perfect for paint defects
- Excellent for heavy surface imperfections
- Versatile application either by machine or by hand
Cons:
- Heavy price tag
Barret-Jackson Car Scratch Remover with Polishing Compound
This polishing compound from Barret Jackson claims to provide a shiny look of your car paint just similar to that of showroom finish. It comes with a unique formulation that consists of ultra-fine particles that are specifically designed to minimize the scuff marks, mild swirl marks, and superficial scratches.
Keep in mind; don’t expect any miracle from scratch removers if you have deep and heavy scratches on your car. If you are facing such an issue, then you have to look for a professional job instead of repairing with scratch removers and quick DIY fix.
No doubt, the word “complete removal of scratches” attracts a lot of people, but it is disappointing when we to tackle them using car scratch removers.
However, it is useful for minor hiccups. Irrespective of all its efficiencies and effectiveness, it is expensive. There are also some car scratch removers available in the market with a low price tag, but this product from barret Jackson is much better.
Key Features:
- Ultra-fine polishing formulation
- Works on various painted finish
- Simple to use formulation
Specification:
- Brand: Barret-Jackson
- Model: 9965
- Weight: 12.8 oz
Pros:
- Easy application
- Useful for a variety of surfaces
Cons:
- Little expensive
13. Mookis Car Scratch Remover” description
Mookis introduced this car scratch remover to remove the light surface imperfections like pitches, sun streaks, paint oxidation, light scratches, and swirl marks. Mookis is an excellent alternative option for the mainstream scratch removers.
This formulation works by dissolving the vehicle’s original paint and then resolves the problem by providing a consistent color. This feature attracts a lot of people and allows the users to apply this product on every kind of vehicle irrespective of color type.
It is also beneficial for fixing of swirl marks and fixing oxidation as well. It creates a protective layer over the surface of the car to avoid damage in the future.
Furthermore, you don’t need to wait for a long time after applying the product. It is easy to use, and it is capable of drying quickly.
Key Features:
- A unique formulation to remove a variety of mild and light surface problems
- Suitable for all paint colors and multiple surfaces
- ‘Magic’ scratch fix cloth is included in the packing
Specification:
- Brand: Mookis
- Model: CYP0029
- Weight: 1.6 oz
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Applicable on various surfaces
Cons:
- Not suitable for moderate to deep surface problems
- Not ideal for plated metals
14. Bubba’s Super Scratch Remover
If you want to remove the scratches from your car but at affordable prices, then you must go for the Bubba’s super scratch remover. This product is available with a water-based formulation that consists of micro polishers. This scratch remover is capable of delivering a shiny look to your car as per your imagination.
However, many car owners claim that it is not capable of removing the scratches sufficiently, but the majority of users are satisfied with its working. Then again you have to try this product to see the clear difference in working as compared to other cheap products.
It removes various types of swirl marks and perfects to remove many light imperfections on the car body. But it is not perfect for lifting heavy scratches.
Key Features:
- Scratch remover with a water-based formulation
- Exclusive micro-polishing formula
- Easy to apply with hand
Specification:
- Brand: Bubba’s Auto Products
- Model: B100109
- Weight: 9.6 oz
Pros:
- Safe to use on clear coats
- Don’t need a machine to apply it
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Inconsistent result
15. GS27 Titanium Car Scratch Remover Kit
Sometimes, it is not easy to remove the scratches from the body of the car without professional paintwork. The only solution is to fill the groove with the right compound so that it looks similar to the rest of the body and then polish to remove any difference.
GS27’s Titanium formulation is perfect for filling any type of gap and grooves with the help of titanium microparticles that require little preparation work and finishing activities.
After the simple filling and finishing activity, you can remove the scratches from the body of the car in a short time. Besides working on the body of the car, it is suitable to work with different painted surfaces of any item like household appliances.
However, like many other products, it is not perfect to work with deep and moderate scratches. But the minor surface scratches are ideally removed with the help of GS27 titanium. It is an excellent option but with a high price tag.
Key Features:
- The product uses Titanium scratch-filling particles
- Suitable to use for various surfaces irrespective of type and shape
- The DIY kit included in the packing along with microfiber cloth
Specification:
- Brand: GS27
- Model: DEE001
- Weight: 5.6 oz
Pros:
- Simple and easy to apply
- Multiple applications
Cons:
- Higher price tag
- Only works on minor scratches
Guide For Buying Best Car Scratch Remover
Many products are available in the market to tackle damaged paintwork, but we always want to get the best one that fulfills our needs. If you want an extraordinary result, then you have to get proper information about different types of removers available in the market.
In this section, we will provide you with complete information about different types of scratch removers, their functions, and the application process.
Hopefully, it will help you to decide the type of product you need to remove the scratches from your car.
Types of Removers
There are a few types of products available in the market that offer to obliterate the scratches. The following are the categories of different products.
1. Full kit
As we mentioned in different products, a complete or comprehensive scratch remover kit is available with the product. Just like your expectations, these products come with all the accessories in the packing that are required to complete the job smoothly and perfectly.
Some products also offer multiple formulas that users have to apply stepwise. These formulas are different in strength with various functions. These kits usually also provide microfiber towels or similar fabrics to give better results.
2. Bottled compounds
Normally, this type of product comes in packing as a standalone item without any accessories used in the job like fabric or towel. These types of products are a great option if you don’t want to get those accessories because you can save your money in this way.
Usually, the costs of accessories are included in the price of the product. Therefore, you can save your money if you already have those accessories.
3. Polish
As we discussed in the above article, some of the products are marketed as scratch removers, but in actual these are polished instead. Polish compounds are designed to tackle mild surface issues rather than deep scratches. The presence of this product in the garage is useful to address the minor problems and keep the original shining of the outer body of the car. We highly recommend you to take a look at our product list to get a better product for your vehicle.
4. Pens
We didn’t discuss any pen in our article because they are the only additional item in the repair kits. From a technical point of view, pens are not scratch removers and are not capable of performing any independent job.
What Types of Scratches Can be fixed?
At the beginning of this article, we discussed that the paint job of the car comprises three layers, and all these layers work together to provide a good look.
No doubt, scratch removers are helpful, but they have limited capacity to tackle scratches. Generally, you can repair the scratch completely if it affects the two upper layers, but if the inner layer is damaged, removers can’t fill it even you can get the remover with a higher price tag. Because these products are simple abrasives and work by melting the paint from sides of scratch and then rubbed it in the damaged area to fill it.
Therefore, the paint melt from sides is not capable of filling the deep scratch. If all the layers of paint are scratched, then you can see the metal base of the car, which is not possible to cover with the limited abilities of removers. That is only possible with proper filling and repainted by a professional in the workshop.
Steps to Remove Scratches from a Car
Step 1: Wait for a Warm and Dry Day
First of all, to tackle any kind of paintwork on the car, you have to wait for a warm and dry day. Either it shouldn’t be much hot, but it must be hot enough that it can dry the paintwork in a short time.
Step 2: Clean the Car Properly
Secondly, clean the car properly, especially the scratch areas where you want to perform a job. If there is any kind of dirt or grift is available, it could affect the paint job and cause damage by creating scratches.
After cleaning the car and wait for a sunny day, you are ready to perform the job for removing scratches.
Read the Instructions of the Remover
One important thing to consider is the instructions for using the remover that usually printed over the product or also came as an instruction manual in the packing. Because all the scratch removers come with different features and strengths, therefore there could be minor application differences. It is essential to read the instructions of the specific remover that you are using.
If you have got the compound product with a complete kit, you can get all the necessary items to complete the job. But if you want to purchase a standalone product, you have to arrange the tools required for completing the task by yourself. Complimentary items that you need are extra-fine sandpaper and clean cloth.
For Tiny Scratches
If the scratch on the car is tiny, just use the remover. Apply some quantity of remover on the sponge or the cloth and gently rub over the scratch in back and forth motion.
For a Deeper Scratch
For a deeper scratch, gently use the sandpaper to buff the edges until the original paint starts to get dull. Clean the dust from scratch and apply the remover, as mentioned above. Sometimes, it may need a polisher to provide a shiny look.
It is an excellent option to make a coat of wax due to the nature of remover because it can create a protective layer to avoid any damage to your work done.
And that’s it, effective and simple!
Benefits of Using Scratch Removers
1. Removes the Scratches at a Low Cost
The primary reason to use the scratch remover is to remove the scratches at a low cost. Even if you can buy the most expensive product from the list, it cost you very little as compared to that bill generated at the body shop.
2. Protects the Look of your Car
Secondly, if you are worried about the look of your car, a remover is the best option to keep it perfect. Therefore, you have to ensure that you are using wax regularly to protect the paintwork of the car.
3. Improves the Appearance of the Vehicle
Thirdly, in case you are going to sell your car, a scratch remover is an affordable and quick way to improve the appearance of the vehicle and increase the price of the vehicle as well.
Finally, it is not possible to visit the paint shop for small and minor scratches, and it also increases the cost as well. Therefore, it is essential to have a scratch remover in your garage for little scratches.
In short, you can get enormous benefits against low investment to protect your car from damages and to improve the appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Do scratch removers really work on the body of cars?
It may or may not work on scratch. It totally depends on the type of scratch. As we discussed earlier, if the scratch damages all the three layers of paint and you can see the metal base of the car, then it is not possible to get rid of that scratch with the help of remover.
Therefore, only professional paintwork will remove that scratch, but some touch-up paints are beneficial to improve the appearance of less noticeable deep scratches.
Scratch removers are a type of mildly abrasive compound. Mostly, scratches result in the groove on the paintwork of your car. When light strikes on the body of the vehicle, it will make scratches prominent and noticeable.
The trick to getting rid of this problem is to scrap a fragile layer of upper paint coat to level the entire groove with the body. It will reduce the reflection of light and make your scratch invisible.
Is there any special scratch remover for a black car?
As we mentioned above, the paintwork on any car consists of three layers irrespective of the color of the paint. The primer used in the paintwork could be different from the color of the vehicle, depending on the car manufacturer. Various segments of paint finish may be used on the body of the car, and every layer represents an entirely different hue.
If you want to remove the scratch from a black car and if the inner paint layers are made with the light color, it is best to use a restorative black car remover to remove the scratch. But make sure that wax is applied with remover.
But it is a little tricky to use this remover. Therefore, it is essential to know about the application of this remover. Because removers are abrasive, and wrong selection of remover can make problems worst.
How to tackle with fade paint after application of scratch remover?
We already mentioned a lot of times that scratch removers are comprised of mildly abrasive substances that can be a reason for fine marks on the paint of your car. Over time, these marks are highlighted due to exposure to different elements.
Fading colors need to remove the tiny scratches that generally left after the use of scratch removers. Car detailers usually use the right rubbing compound to tackle the dull outer surface of the car’s paint. This requires a lot of preparation work, like cleaning and washing the car’s surfaces and eliminating surface containments.
Exact steps are required to apply the rubbing compound, whether you are doing this with the help of orbital sander or use hand for the application. The critical thing to consider here is the even pressure during application because extra pressure will result in further damage instead of repair.
For example, the use of a wool pad of an orbital sander fluffy is one of the most essential items to ensure the effective handling of pressure to get better results. If you are using hand, even then, you have to take care of pressure.
After the application of the rubbing compound, you have to buff the area instantly. This should be carried out by using suitable car polish to get the desired shine.
But car detailers also use paint sealant along with polish to provide the crispy look to the car’s repaint work. So that it could look like an original one.
Why we use rubbing compound?
The primary reason for using the rubbing compound is that it helps to smoothen the surface of car paint. Sometimes, it is also required for managing the heavily oxidized paint by removing the outermost layer of the car’s paint.
Many professionals also use this compound to remove the scratches present due to the use of the sanding machine or sandpaper as well as due to many other surface containments.
Rubbing compounds are useful for eliminating the more substantial and deeper scratches from the paint of your car. Furthermore, it is also beneficial for the removal of stubborn spotting. Technically, the rubbing compound is used to remove the outer coat of paint for applying the new one.
Is it possible to match the paint color with a scratch remover?
A scratch remover is suitable to remove the superficial scratches that remain up to the outer layer of paint and don’t affect the inner layers. Scratch removers work by eliminating the outer coat of paint so that it can level the groove caused by scratch marks.
Technically, you don’t need to care about the color matching of the car with scratch remover. However, if your vehicle gets a deeper scratch, then it is useless to expect anything from scratch remover.
Instead, touch up paints helps to maintain the look if you don’t want to spend an extra amount on repainting. But for the severe scratches, you must have to go for a professional repair to remove scratches.
Our Top Pick
Meguiar’s G17216 Ultimate Compound stands on the top of the list when we discuss the best car scratch remover. It is made up of advanced formulation along with less abrasive action as compared to other products available in the market.
This feature makes this product an excellent option not only for car owners but also for professional car detailers like to use it in their jobs. This product has fast application abilities that help to repair the scratches in a short time.