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How do you fix clear coat scratches on a car?

I walked back into the parking lot only to find several small scratches on my sedan. They’re barely noticeable, which leads me to believe they’re only clear coat scratches. How do you fix clear coat scratches on a car?

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Bellina Gaskey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Even if they were accidental, car scratches are such a disappointment. But the good news is that you can fix clear coat scratches on a car using toothpaste and a microfiber cloth.
First, you’ll need to verify that these scratches only penetrated the clear coat. Run your fingernail over the scratches. If you can feel them or your nail catches in them, then they go beyond the clear coat, and you’ll need a professional scratch repair product to fix them.
If everything feels smooth during the nail test, though, then you’re good to go trying the toothpaste method.
Make sure your car is clean first by taking it to a car wash or washing it by hand with water and car soap. You won’t want any dirt or debris to get rubbed into the scratches.
Then, dry the car and squeeze about a quarter-sized amount of toothpaste onto the microfiber cloth. Whitening toothpaste is best, but any will work. Make sure the cloth is as soft and clean as possible.
Rub the toothpaste onto the scratches by gently moving the cloth in a circular buffing motion. Once the toothpaste has spread over the scratched area, rinse the car and repeat the process 1-2 more times.
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