Things You'll Need:
- Soapy water
- Cloth/towels
- Rubbing compound
- Detailing clay
- 2000 to 3000 grit sandpaper
- Touch-up auto paint
- Car wax
- Sponge
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Step 1
Wash the car with soapy water and dry, especially around the area of the scratch(es). You must make sure the surface is clean of any dirt or anything else that will interfere with any touch-up jobs. Do not proceed until the car is completely dry, since the water from the wash can interfere as well.
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Step 2
Apply a rubbing compound to a mark or small scratch, which can be found at any auto supply store. Look for a compound in your car's color. Squeeze a small amount of the compound onto the surface along the scratch and rub it in with a cloth in circular motions. A waxing machine can also work.
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Step 3
Switch to detailing clay if the scratch is bigger and/or more textured. Apply the clay directly to the scratch and smooth it out against the surface. Use this substance sparingly as it is abrasive and can damage the rest of the paint.
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Step 4
Sand over the area if it is a deep scratch that you want to actually paint over. Place ultra-fine sandpaper on a wood or rubber sanding block, dip it in cold water, add a few drops of dish soap and rub it up and down along the scratch with light strokes. Sand down only until the scratch isn't visible.
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Step 5
Paint over the sanded area using auto touch-up paint that is your car's shade. Cover every other part of the car to avoid getting paint on unpainted ares or making the non-sanded surface uneven. Apply the paint in a sweeping side motion. You can also use the the rubbing compound instead.
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Step 6
Wax over the repainted area to seal the new paint. Apply the wax to a sponge, rub it across the repainted surface, let it stand for a minute or two and buff it with a clean, soft towel.
