You can use scratch remover, toothpaste, a magic eraser, or nail polish remover to get paint scuffs off your car.
No matter how careful you are, paint scuffs are bound to get on your car. Scratches and dents that leave a few paint marks on your car are an unfortunate yet inevitable part of car ownership but that doesn’t mean you should have to break the bank on a paint job to remove them.
How to get paint scuffs off your car
There are a number of methods you can use to get rid of paint scuffs on your car depending on the extent of the damage to the car’s surface. Your car’s paint job actually is made up of several layers of paint–the primer, base layer, and clear coat.
Superficial paint scuffs that don’t go beyond the clear coat can be buffed out using a scratch remover, rubbing compound, and a microfiber cloth or DIY home remedy. However, scuffs that reach the base coat will require additional scratch repair.
What you need to remove paint transfer from your car
Before you start the paint transfer removal process, you’ll need to make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand for the job. The good news is you can find everything you need to remove paint transfer from your car at your local automotive parts store.
Tools for removing paint transfer
Here’s what you’ll need to remove the paint transfer from your car’s paint job:
- Microfiber cloth
- Scratch remover
- Polish
- Car wax
- Sandpaper
- Touch-up paint
Steps to get scuff marks off your car paint without damaging it
Removing paint scuffs from your car paint without damaging it is easier than you’d think! You’ll be able to buff out paint scuff marks scratch remover and a little elbow grease.
Here’s how to remove the paint from your car with scratch remover:
- Clean the affected area to wash away grime, dust, dirt, and any other contaminants that built up on the car’s surface. This step will make the job a whole lot easier.
- Apply the scratch remover to a microfiber towel and rub it onto the affected area until the paint scuff mark is gone.
- Wipe clean and apply car polish in a circular motion to make your car shine.
- Gently apply car wax to finish off the paint transfer removal job
Look at the damage
Once the paint is removed, you’ll be able to assess the extent of damage to your car’s paint job. You’ll need to smooth out deeper scratches with sandpaper and touch them up with paint before you apply polish and car wax.
Home remedies for removing paint scuffs
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals or the auto parts store altogether, there are a number of DIY hacks you can use to remove paint scuffs. Better yet, you probably already have what you need in your home! Try these home remedies:
Use toothpaste
Toothpaste is an alternative to a store-bought rubbing compound and is an affordable nontoxic option. Use a microfiber towel to rub the toothpaste over the paint scuff and the grit will help remove the paint transfer.
Use magic eraser
Spray a lubricant directly onto the paint scuffs and gently rub the magic eraser over the affected area until the paint scuffs disappear. While this home remedy method is effective, you’ll need to be careful to further damage your car’s paint job with the magic eraser.
Nail polish remover
The acetone in the nail polish remover acts as a paint thinner and is another low-budget household item you can use to remove paint scuff marks. Wet a microfiber cloth with nail polish remover and press the acetone-soaked rag to the paint scuff marks for a few minutes then you should be able to scrub the paint stains away.
When to take your car to a mechanic
If you see paint scratches that reach the base coat or primer after removing the paint scuff marks, you should take your car to a mechanic or body shop to have professional paint over the car scratch for you.
You may also want to consider taking your car to a mechanic if you don’t feel comfortable removing the paint scuff marks yourself and avoid further damaging your car’s paint job.
How to better protect your car from scuff marks
Scuff marks are nearly impossible to avoid when you own a car. Luckily, you can take preventative measures that will help protect your car from those pesky scuff marks. You should make some of the following tips part of your regular maintenance routine.
Wash your car regularly
Dirt and grime aren’t just unpleasant to look at, they are abrasive and can damage your car’s paint job. Regularly bringing your vehicle to the car wash will remove abrasive soot that may cause scuff marks.
Apply car wax
Another way to protect your car’s paint job is by applying a protective layer of wax that will prevent damage from dead bugs, abrasive dirt, and more. Wax also prevents oxidization which is what causes rust to form.
Use ceramic coating
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that bonds with your car’s paint to form a rock hard protective layer! This treatment can be applied to the exterior of your is one of the best preventative measures you can take to protect your car from scuff marks.
Learn more: Basic car maintenance schedule
How to find cheap car insurance
If you removed the paint scuffs from your car and your car’s paint job was seriously damaged, then you’re probably looking at a costly paint repair job. Luckily, you can save money by price comparison shopping for car insurance with the Jerry app.
Jerry shops for quotes at low prices with dozens of different insurance companies for free. You will get quotes in seconds, can make changes at any time, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away!
Better yet? The savings keep coming even after Jerry finds you great insurance at the lowest price. Before every policy renewal period, you’ll be presented with new competitive quotes, which means you’ll always have the best coverage at the best price. If you want to switch policies, that’s fine! Jerry can help cancel your old policy.!
FAQ
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Does WD-40 remove paint scuffs?
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What is the best thing to use on cars for scuffed paint?
Talullah Blanco is an insurance writer specializing in car maintenance, repair, and insurance. She leverages her experience as a storyteller to create useful, money-saving content for car owners. Since joining Jerry’s team, Talullah has written over 600 articles on topics including license requirements, car insurance basics, and vehicle specs. Prior to joining Jerry, Talullah worked as a freelance writer contributing to lifestyle magazines and media websites, and as a fundraising coordinator.
Melanie Reiff is an expert insurance writer and editor with over half a decade of experience in professional writing. Guided by a lifelong love of storytelling, it’s Melanie’s mission to help people problemsolve by means of creative and engaging content. Melanie specializes in analyzing the ways in which society, technology, and culture intersect, previously working with clients in travel, technology, and social impact to tell their stories.
As an editorial team lead at Jerry, Melanie has translated her prior experience into creating and editing insurance content that can help drivers and homeowners find the solutions they need and make informed moves.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, Melanie worked as a freelance content marketing strategist and was the full-time director of choir at Rampart High School Acadamy in Colorado Springs.
