How to remove a scratch on your car

The inevitable nicks & scratches can happen to your car.
But sometimess, a person can be walking by... with a key in hand.... scratching from front to back... 
I couldn't justify spending $$$ to respray, but on the other hand, it was so difficult to look at.
If this happened to your baby, here's a quick way to "remove" it.

Disclaimer:
This is not an instructables on how to achieve a concours finish.

Tools required
Masking tape
Various grits of sand paper (**600 and higher Automotive only)
Clean bucket of water 
Spray bottle
wash sponge
Microfibre cloths
Rubbing/polishing compound.
Wax
Patience

Step 1: Mask

Mask about 1" away from the scratch.

This will be the perimeter you very lightly wet sand within.

Comments

[DSPNRG]

what brand of rubbing compound and polishing compound did you use?

[hells-oui]

I used 3M rubbing compound for this scratch.
I now use this brand called Menzerna,
they have many different "cut" levels. (I'd go for their intensive polish.)

[NitroRustlerDriver]

Add a drop or two of liquid dish soap to the spray bottle. Helps keep the paper cleaner and provides better results.

[haguilardof]

Very useful info. Thanks for sharing.

[orbitup]

I wouldn't use 600, and you have to be very careful not to go through the clear (compound will do it too). It looks like you might have on the door.

Also, I don't see a reason for the tape, unless the scratch is close to the edge of a panel.

[kewpiedoll99]

You did a great job! I got a small scratch on my husband's new car (from trying to wipe off bird crap with a too-rough paper towel at the service station), and you've reminded/inspired me to buff it out this weekend. Thanks for a great instructable!

[RamboBrite]

If you don't mind spending $20-$30, get Meguiars or Mothers clay bar kit, give the car a decent wash, use the clay bar, and if need be, rubbing compound on the area, then of course wash again and the paint will have that showroom finish again.

[lsimoni]

No need for sanding with those shallow scratches, just make sure it's clean and go at it with the rubbing compound.

[kewpiedoll99]

cheers, thanks!

[RamboBrite]

Nice Instructable.

Not sure what brand this guy used, but I've had great results using either Meguiars or Mothers products. Either of their rubbing compounds work fine. Not so sure I'd use toothpaste though. When you are dealing with the finish of your car, it's best to do it 100% right the first time.

Another thing to consider after you're all done, is to wash the car and run over the entire surface with a clay bar to get all the grime and dirt off and give the whole car a showroom quality feel.

But that's just my own opinion on what to do.

Also, you won't find this high of a grit of sandpaper at HD or Lowes. You'll need to hit up an auto parts store, (Kragan, Auto Zone, Checkers, etc..)

[dangerine]

You can use toothpaste as an alternative to rubbing compound....polishes your teeth, and works great on oxidization on your car paint.

[lsimoni]

I've worked on the technical end of vehicle refinishing for nearly 20 years, and your process is exactly right.

A warning for those following this process: GO SLOWLY! If the car has a basecoat/clearcoat finish (most in the US do), the sanding dust should be white. If the dust color suddenly changes to that of the car, you've gone through the clearcoat and can no longer repair it with rubbing compound.

[kcho4]

Thanks, thats important to know. I have to try this.

[sitearm]

@hells-oui; Hi! I'm impressed that Isimoni's impressed. Agree with avoiding $$$ while still being able to restore the look. Tweeting you now. Cheers! Site

[wierdguy03]

Nice instructable! It's kind of hard to believe this is your first time doing scratch removal, very impressed.