Things You'll Need
Shammy cloth.
2 Microfiber applicator pads
microfiber towel
rubbing compound.
finishing polish
sealant
Fine smudges and scratches in the shiny new paint of your car can be the bane of a new car owners existence. Unfortunately accidents happen, and there is not much you can do to prevent it. However, you can take steps to try and fix the blemish. You can even do it yourself.
Getting Rid Of Those Scratches!
Step 1
Wash your car. This will remove any external dust, dirt and chemicals that maybe be on the surface. Be sure to dry the car's surface thoroughly with the shammy. You may have to ring the shammy out a few times before you are done. Make sure there is no water left on the car.
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Step 2
Apply the rubbing compound to the microfiber applicator pad. Rub across the scratch at a right angle, applying moderate pressure. No need to break out the elbow grease yet. Rubbing compound essentially strips paint, so you want to start off with the less is more mentality.
Step 3
Wipe the scratch clean with your micro fiber towel. Eyeball the spot, and if the scratch is still there, repeat the process, rubbing a bit more vigorously. This is where you may want to apply a bit of that elbow grease!
Step 4
Continue this process until you can't see any more improvement in the scratched spot. Afterwards, fill in the smudged spot with the car polish of your choice. Z2 Pro Show Car Polish is one to try. Just add the polish to your other microfiber applicator pad, and rub over area until the spot is almost dry.
Step 5
Use your microfiber towel to buff off any remaining residue, and follow up with your favorite wax. I recommend Meguire's brand, but you can check out your local auto shop if you want to bargain shop and compare prices.
Step 6
Another alternative, is to put in the hard part of getting rid of the scratches yourself, and then take your baby to a professional detail shop. A good detail should only run you about 50 or 60 bucks, and then you are good to go! A bonus is that even your interior will get a good scrub down!
Tip
This method is only meant for fine scratches. Scratches that you can feel with your fingernail, may not be effectively removed in this manner. Another alternative, is to put in the hard part of getting rid of the scratches yourself, and then take your baby to a professional detail shop. A good detail should only run you about 50 or 60 bucks, and then you are good to go. A bonus is that even your interior will get a good scrub down.
Warning
Don't attempt to remove scratches that cut all the way through your paint and clear coats. An expert is needed in those cases. Also, scratches removed by hand may still be slightly visible in certain lights. For even better results you can invest in a small circular polisher.
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