# Removing paint scratches from a car's finish

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-paint-scratches-from-a-cars-finish/218628>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [December 12, 2003, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-paint-scratches-from-a-cars-finish/218628 "2003-12-12T17:46:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MilTan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@MilTan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MilTan)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-paint-scratches-from-a-cars-finish/218628/1 "2003-12-12T17:46:24Z")

</div>

The front bumper of my car is a little scratched up - there is paint on it from various sources. As far as I can tell, it’s on top of the car’s finish, so the actual finish of the car isn’t scratched. What’s a good way to remove this paint without damaging the underlying finish?

Thanks!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-paint-scratches-from-a-cars-finish/218628/2 "2003-12-12T17:55:43Z")

</div>

When working for a car rental company, we used rubbing compund. It’s abrasive, but if used lightly, should remove the paint without damaging the finish. Take your time with it. If you rub too hard, you may damage the paint job. Of course, these were rental cars, which only had to look good for about 6 months. YMMV.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-paint-scratches-from-a-cars-finish/218628/3 "2003-12-12T18:58:46Z")

</div>

Try polishing compound first. It’s less abrasive.

I supposed you could also try some 600 or 400 grit sandpaper, but some doper will probably come along soon to tell us why that’s a bad idea.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-paint-scratches-from-a-cars-finish/218628/4 "2003-12-12T19:50:05Z")

</div>

I fing a quick and simple way to get rid of surface scuffs: an ordinary eraser dipped in nail polish remover.

Gently rub the eraser over the scuff, and when you’re done, protect the erased area with a wax job.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MilTan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@MilTan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MilTan)\
**Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-paint-scratches-from-a-cars-finish/218628/5 "2003-12-12T22:15:17Z")

</div>

Thanks for the replies! I’ll try the various solutions - here’s hoping I can get rid of the marks :-).