The best paint scratch removers for cars

Nothing downgrades a car’s appearance quite like scratched, faded, or worn paint. However, what might look like irreversible damage can often be remedied, or at least improved, by a high-quality scratch

Numerous products are designed to remove scratches and improve the appearance of scratched paint, and many approaches exist to answer this age-old automotive dilemma. But buyer beware: Your

Best Light Scratch Remover

3D One Hybrid Car Scratch & Swirl Remover

Why We Picked It

3D’s One Hybrid is an all-natural, water-based combination cutting compound and finishing polish that has a solid track record of removing swirls and light scratches. Suitable for application by hand, a random orbit polisher, or, in the hands of experienced users, a buffer, the formula works on all color finishes. Its combination of rubbing compound and sealant simplifies the process, eliminating the need to purchase two separate products. 3D’s longstanding reputation also bolsters confidence, a crucial factor since subpar scratch removers can potentially damage vulnerable paint areas.

Pros & Cons

Easy to apply and use, with all-natural ingredients
Gentle on paint
Proven (25+ years) on the market

On the pricey side
Reduced abrasiveness makes it less effective at “cutting” (removing the scratch) than at polishing (improving final appearance)
Not ideal for deeper scratches

Best Overall Scratch Remover

Meguiar’s D300

Sale

$26.55

(-$6.56) (25%)

Why We Picked It

If you’re comfortable using a power drill to do the “swirling,” the Meguiar D300’s hardware kit makes scratch removal a relatively easy process, in part because most of the heavy lifting is done by the drill itself. In addition, the kit includes a drill mount pad and a microfiber towel for removing leftover residue when all is said and done, leaving you with a complete solution for scratch removal.

Pros & Cons

Effective at both removing scratches and restoring the paint finish
Reasonably priced
Can be applied multiple times depending on depth of scratches

Requires use of a drill for application
Some technique required in terms of pressure of application
Requires separate wax application to protect area

Best All-In-One Scratch Remover

Carfidant Scratch and Swirl Remover

Why We Picked It

Carfidant is an effective single-product solution that can be applied by hand or orbital buffer and includes a foam applicator. Safe for a wide variety of paint types, including single or multi-stage finishes and clearcoats, Carfidant’s outstanding industry reputation bolsters our confidence in recommending it for safe and easy scratch removal.

Pros & Cons

One-step process works effectively
Available in blue or black paint formulations
Made in the USA

Less effective at deeper scratches
Deeper scratches may reappear over time
Pricey

Best Solution for Light Scratches

Mothers 07243 California Gold Deluxe Clay Bar Kit

Why We Picked It

Clay bar kits bring more than mere scratch removal, enhancing the paint by cleaning and smoothing the surface. Though using clay bars involves more work than many other products (which simply require applying and removing a cream or paste), this technique offers a deeper, more thorough cleaning and polishing effect. Using a clay bar first is a great way to identify any remaining deep scratches that may require a specialized product to remove. Mothers makes one of the best clay bar kits out there.

Pros & Cons

Clay process removes small debris particles and cleans paint
Smooths paint finish as a whole
Includes applicator and microfiber cloths

Intended for entire vehicle; applying in spots may lead to inconsistent glossiness
Requires application of protective wax after claying process
Not the best solution for isolated scratches if the remainder of the car paint is in good shape

Best Solution for Heavier Scratches

Turtle Wax T-415 Premium Grade Rubbing Compound

Sale

$16.72

(-$3.62) (22%)

Why We Picked It

Turtle Wax is a trusted brand for automotive detailing, and their rubbing compound offers a more aggressive approach for scratch and swirl removal. Though this product is focused only on “cutting” and requires the separate addition of a sealer or polish, it does its job effectively and is reasonably priced, to boot.

Pros & Cons

Handles deeper scratches by spreading paint
Can be applied to metallic surfaces as well as paint
Affordably priced

Requires waxing after use
Can remove paint if used too aggressively
Must be kept away from plastic trim sections

Bestselling Polishing & Rubbing Compounds on Amazon

Sponsored

Bestseller No. 1

No.7 Heavy Duty Rubbing Compound - 10 Fl Oz - Cleans and Restores - Removes Deep Scratches and Stains - Restores Shine to Dull Finishes

Package Dimensions: 14.94 L x 4.31 H x 10.06 W (inches)
Package Weight : 10 pounds
Country of Origin : United States

Bestseller No. 2

3M Auto Care Rubbing Compound, 03900, 8 oz

Leaves a fine finish
Can be used for hand or machine use

SaleBestseller No. 3

1,607 Reviews

Turtle Wax T-415 Premium Grade Rubbing Compound - 18 oz.

Removes scratches, heavy swirl marks, surface blemishes and 1500 grit sanding scratches
Silicone free formula is safe for use in professional detail, paint and body shops
Can be applied by hand or with an orbital or rotary polisher

SaleBestseller No. 4

3M Perfect-It EX AC Rubbing Compound, 36060, Quart

3M’s best-performing rubbing compound for removing P1200 or finer sand scratches
Formulated for a broad range of user conditions without sticking or leaving residual film
Works especially well on many newer, harder to buff clear coats

Bestseller No. 5

229 Reviews

Malco Super Duty Heavy Cut Compound - Professional Cutting, Polishing and Finishing Compound / For Auto Paint Correction, Detailing and Buffing / 32 oz. (127632)

HEAVY CUT COMPOUND: Super-Duty is a versatile cutting compound designed to remove heavy sand scratches and oxidation from both clear coat painted and gel coat surfaces.
ULTRA-FAST COMPOUNDING: Easily remove P1500 grit and finer sand scratches from any car, truck, or boat.
HIGH GLOSS FINISH: Super-Duty Compound works fast and leaves a high-gloss finish on any automotive, marine or industrial coating.

SaleBestseller No. 6

3M 05954 Super Duty Rubbing Compound, 1 qt (32 fl oz/946 mL)

Economical liquid compound delivers a high rate of cut
Compound removes 1000 and finer sand scratches
Removes oxidation

Bestseller No. 7

Turtle Wax T-241A Polishing Compound & Scratch Remover - 10.5 oz. , White

Heavy duty paste that cleans dull, oxidized finishes
Quickly and easily penetrates through the oxidized surface to remove scratches, blemishes and stubborn stains
Restores faded finishes

Bestseller No. 8

Meguiar's G18016 Clear Coat Safe Rubbing Compound - 16 oz.

Rubbing compound safely and quickly removes oxidation, scratches, stains and other below-surface defects
This scratch remover and paint cleaner also revives dull and neglected surfaces
Unique abrasives produce a clean surface and clear finish without scouring, hazing or scratching like traditional compounds

Bestseller No. 9

803 Reviews

1Pk - 3M - Perfect It Buffing & Polishing Compound 06085 06064 06068

3M 06085 is a fast cutting rubbing compound designed remove sand scratches and leaves a fine finish on automotive paints
3M 06064 is a high Performance Machine Polish; Quickly and effectively removes compound swirl marks and produces an outstanding finish; Good handling, easy cleanup
3M 06068 produces a swirl free finish even on black vehicles; Quickly and effectively removes fine machine polish swirls. Outstanding finish; The unique formula eliminates swirl marks and produces a high gloss finish, even on the most difficult dark colored vehicles

Bestseller No. 10

Meguiar's G17220 Ultimate Compound, Color & Clarity Restorer, Scratch & Swirl Remover, 591 ML, 1 PT 4 FL oz

REMOVE PAINT DEFECTS: The ultimate product for removing oxidation, scratches, water spots, and blemishes without scratching
BEST CAR SCRATCH REMOVER: Cuts as fast as harsh abrasives restoring surface clarity without scratching or swirling
SAVES TIME: The clear coat safe formula dramatically reduces the time and effort to restore abused or neglected paint finishes

METHODOLOGY

To determine the best paint scratch removers for your vehicle, we considered the most widely accessible products taking into consideration effectiveness, ease of use, value and the personal experience of our staff and contributors. We also considered a broad range of end-user ratings and evaluations by multiple testers, considering the appropriateness of each product for different types of scratch removal.

Can car paint scratches really be removed?

The answer depends primarily on the depth of the scratch. A car’s finish typically consists of a base primer layer, a paint layer sometimes referred to as “color coat,” and a clear coat; if the scratch penetrates only the clear coat and part of the paint, there is a chance it can be restored to a smooth finish. However, if the paint and layers beneath are damaged, chances are the scratch is here to stay.

Why are there so many different types of scratch removal products?

Varying degrees of scratches require differing approaches; where a simple cleaning/buffing wax might solve light scratches, more damaged paint could require more aggressive tactics.

Should I pay someone to remove scratches from my car’s paint?

Professional detailers can be skilled at the often tedious task of perfecting a car’s paint finish. But while it’s certainly easier to pay someone to do the dirty work, there’s also a feeling of satisfaction from rolling up your sleeves and doing the deed yourself.

When should I consider repainting a scratched part of my car?

If scratch removers don’t do the trick, chances are a paint touch-up kit will leave nearly imperceptible traces of the repair. However, if you choose to repaint a section of your car, be aware that slight differences in hue and glossiness might be noticeable to the naked eye. The removal of severe or extensive scratches and refinishing large areas are best left to a professional body shop.

How can I keep my car’s paint from getting scratched?

Unless your car lives in a vacuum, chances are it will be susceptible to scratches, scrapes, and all manner of damage. Keep your vehicle clean and covered when not driving it, and you’ll be able to keep dirt and grime from damaging the paint; maintaining a level of sealant wax and/or ceramic coating on the finish will also go a long way towards protecting the paint below.

Best Car Scratch Removers For 2022

METHODOLOGY