How to Remove Scratches from Your Paintwork | GVE London – Blog

There are perhaps a few things in this world as painful as seeing your supercar’s special paintwork scratched up. It is torturous, and that’s not an exaggeration. However, it is almost inevitable that your car will suffer from some damages, no matter how hard you try. Thankfully, car scratch removal techniques and tools exist. Where there is a problem, someone—a scratch removal centre in this case—is selling the solution. Let’s break it down a bit more in this blog post.

Identifying Different Types of Scratches

We hope you’ve got your diary and pens out because it’s time to jot down some notes. You see, before you attempt any scratch removal, you must know what kind of scratch you’re dealing with… that’s right, not all scratches are the same. We’ve got:

• Surface Scratches that affect only the clear coat (the topmost layer of the paint). They usually look like swirly marks and can be removed with polishing.
• Paint Scratches are the painful ones that require a touch-up paint treatment on the lighter end of the spectrum and a more elaborate repair process if it’s deeper.
• Deep Scratches are the worst, reaching the primer or metal beneath the paint, and these are serious. Left alone, they’ll likely rust. To fix these, it’s best to visit a supercar bodyshop.

DIY Car Scratch Removal Methods

Let’s be clear that deep scratches are not going to get fixed using most DIY methods, and you’re going to need the assistance of professionals here. However, minor scratches can be addressed using touch-up paint, polishing compounds, and scratch repair kits.

What doesn’t work, despite how much it’s peddled by individuals, is the toothpaste trick we’ve all come across at least once. The claim goes that toothpaste can fix light scratches because it contains mild abrasives. However, it isn’t an alternative to a dedicated paint-cutting compound. They may contain similar agents, but you can literally consume toothpaste multiple times a day with no harm to your body. Its composition is so mild that you’ll spend ages working extremely hard for results that are always disappointing.

Read Also:  How to Protect Your Ferrari 488 GTB from Scratches and Chips?

Preventing Future Scratches

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to keep your car scratch-free:

• Park Smart: Avoid tight spaces and park away from other cars to reduce the risk of door dings.
• Use a Car Cover: If parking outdoors, a cover can protect your paintwork from environmental damage.
• Wash Regularly: Dirt and debris can cause scratches if left on the surface. Use a gentle wash mitt and proper car shampoo.
• Apply a Protective Coating: Ceramic coatings or paint protection film can add an extra layer of defence against scratches.

When to Visit a Scratch Removal Centre

DIY methods are relegated to being useful only for very surface-level scratches. When the toothpaste trick inevitably fails, it is time to visit a scratch removal centre that will assess the damage and use the recommended chemicals and techniques to restore your car’s paintwork. Now, you might find yourself wondering what professional scratch removal service providers do differently. Well, here’s what they do differently:

• Machine Polishing – More effective than hand polishing, this removes fine scratches and swirl marks.
• Paint Correction – A multi-step process that restores the paint to a flawless finish.
• Respraying – If the scratch is too deep, the affected panel may need respraying for a perfect match.
• PPF & Ceramic Coating – After repair, professionals often apply protective coatings to prevent future damage.

Final Thoughts

Scratches are part and parcel of driving on public roads, so don’t be too afraid of them. Minor marks can be repaired at home, and anything beyond that can be addressed at a scratch removal centre or supercar bodyshop like GVE London, the go-to supercar service centre for those in London and the surrounding areas. For all your automotive needs, from buying cars to servicing and customising them, we’ve got it all covered under the sun. Schedule an appointment with us today!