The best car scratch remover (Reviews, Buying Guide & Repair Tips)

Use the best car scratch remover products to get rid of the ugly scratches and scuffs on your car

If you love your car, then you want to keep it looking its best all the time. Whether it’s washing it on a regular basis or making sure that you don’t damage the exterior, your car’s appearance is important. However, as much as we would love to keep our vehicles looking pristine, accidents do happen. Unless you plan on keeping your car in the garage for its whole life, scratches, scuffs, and scrapes are going to occur.

So what can you do in those situations? You could take it to a body shop, but that will be expensive and take time. To save money, you can instead take care of the problem yourself. As long as the scratch isn’t too long or deep, you should be able to use a scratch removal system that will restore your car’s color and shine to its original quality. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to car scratch removers so that you can get your vehicle looking its best in no time.

What is Car Scratch Remover?

Simply put, a car scratch remover is a product that will either minimize or eliminate scratches from your vehicle’s paint job. Most of the time, scuffs and scratches only damage a few layers of paint, meaning that you can buff it out and restore the color and shine without having to do anything too intense. In short, these removers can make it easy to correct any accidents that happen.

how does car scratch remover work?

There are three basic ways that this system can work. First, you can sand the area and remove the outer layers of paint to make a shallow scratch go away. Second, you can fill the scratch with a polymer or lacquer that will dry and appear the same color as the original paint job. Finally, you can use a wax pen to “draw†over the scratch with a special type of wax that will seal the scratch. Each of these methods works, but they are not all effective in the same way. Sanding is for shallow scratches that didn’t go all the way to the undercoat. Filling the scratch is a more permanent solution for deep scratches, but it could take a few coats to get the same level of protection. Finally, a wax pen is a quick and easy fix, but it will rub off eventually.

In this guide, we are focused more on sanding and filling in the scratches with polymers and lacquers, as these provide the best results and usually are more permanent.

Is it Worth Buying?

Usually, having a decent car scratch remover in your garage is a sound investment. Small scuffs and scrapes happen all the time, and even if you’re fine with having a couple of them, the fact is that eventually they will add up and your car will start to look worse for wear. The benefit of using a car scratch remover is that you can fix the problem yourself for much less than it would take to go to a body shop. Also, you don’t have to wait for hours for the shop to do the work, meaning that you can take care of your car on your time and within your budget. Overall, if you want to take care of your car at all, a car scratch remover kit is essential to ensure that it looks its best at all times.

What Kind of Damage Can it Fix?

For the most part, these kits can take care of light scratches, scuffs, and scrapes. Some of the more high-end packages can also take care of deep scratches that go to your vehicle’s undercoating, but they usually require that you match the color of your car so as to get the best result. Usually, these kits will be able to remedy over 70% of the damage that happens to your car’s paint job. The only thing you have to worry about the most is dents, peeling paint, and deep cuts that damage the chassis. Otherwise, these kits should allow you to get your car back in pristine shape.

Let’s get familiar with 10 of the best recommended Car Scratch Remover:

Quixx-00070-US Paint Scratch Remover

Our first stop is the Quixx-00070-Paint Scratch System. This is a highly formulated mixture that will offer permanent relief for most light scuffs and scrapes. Additionally, you should also be able to mend any medium or deep scratches with Quixx’s patented two-step system. What I like about this kit is that it is super easy to use and offers effective results. What you do have to keep in mind, though, is that for deeper scratches it could take several days before you get a complete removal, but high-quality results take time. Highlighted Features:

• Patented two-step process
• Removes all scratches and scuff marks
• Scratches won’t come back
• Will not damage finish
• Comes with all components needed
• Two polishing cloths
• Four pieces of sandpaper
• Repair polish
• Finish polish
• Engineered and produced in Germany

The system itself is German engineered for optimal performance, and all you have to do is sand the area, place the polish on top, and then buff it out. The kit comes with everything you need to perform repairs on multiple damage sites, meaning that it’s an investment that will last. Overall, this is one of the best car scratch removers on the market.

Meguiar’s G10307 ScratchX 2.0 – 7 oz

Next, we have the Meguiar’s G10307 ScratchX 2.0. This is a step up from the original ScratchX, and the results are magnificent. For the most part, this formula is designed for small scrapes and scuffs, not anything too deep. If you can see your car’s undercoating, then this kit won’t provide adequate repair. Highlighted Features:

• Easy one-step process
• Removes all light and shallow scratches
• Restores gloss
• Permanently removes defects
• Safe on clear coat
• Will not damage the paint
• Compact design

Otherwise, the system is very easy to use and will remove most defects quickly and effectively. I like that it is a permanent solution and that all you have to do is apply the polish and then buff it out. For best results, you may want to sand the area first, but that’s not exactly necessary.

3M 39071 Scratch Removal System

When it comes to automotive products that work well, I have a long history of trusting 3M. I have always been satisfied with 3M materials, and the 39071 Scratch Removal System is another winner. I just wish that they had a better naming system. Highlighted Features:

• Simple three-step approach
• Sand, repair, and polish most scratches
• Works on light paint and scuffs
• All supplies included
• Step-by-step guide included
• Contains rubbing compound
• Polishing compound
• Polishing pad
• Abrasive square
• Pad holder
• Rubbing pad

Nonetheless, this is a quick and easy three-step approach to fixing your scratches and scuffs. All you do is rub the area with the abrasive square, place the rubbing compound on and rub it in, then place the polishing compound and buff that out. For the best results, you should use a power drill for buffing, but it’s not required. I also like the fact that this kit comes with an easy to follow step-by-step guide.

Scratch Pro

Our next removal kit is one of the easiest to use systems that I’ve ever seen. What makes it stand out even more, however, is the fact that the compounds you use have diamond dust in them for optimized results. I’m not sure if using diamonds is quantifiably better than other materials, but I have to say that the Scratch Pro does do its job well regardless. Highlighted Features:

• Easy three-step process
• Used diamond powder for best results
• Comes with three polishing compounds
• Three rubbing pads
• One pad holder
• Simple step-by-step instructions included
• Color-coded system

The way this particular kit works is that you apply three different polishing compounds and rub them in with three separate pads. Everything is color-coded for your convenience so that even the most ill-prepared of us can make it work. Overall the results are fantastic, and it works on most light to medium depth scratches.

Turtle Wax T-234KT

If you want one of the best brands in automotive care, Turtle Wax is certainly within the top three. I’ve used Turtle Wax products for years, and I don’t think I’ve ever had better results. That isn’t to say that other brands are worthless, just that this is one of the best. Highlighted Features:

• The simple three-step process for deep scratches
• Polish pen for lighter scratches
• Works on almost all scuffs and scrapes
• All components included
• Polishing pads
• Sandpaper pieces
• Rubbing solution
• Polishing wax
• Clearcoat pen
• Permanently fixes and removes scratches

The T-234KT Premium Grade Scratch Repair Kit is one of the best on the market because it offers you solutions to a variety of scratches and scuffs. If you have a tiny scratch, you can use the polishing wax pen for a simple fix. For more intense jobs, you can use the sandpaper, polishing compounds and pads that are provided for some incredible results. This will help you remove most scrapes and scratches unless they are super deep. The finish is permanent as well which is a significant boost.

Simoniz S13B Fix it Pro

Next, we have the Simoniz S13B Fix It Pro Clear Coat Scratch Repair Pen. As I mentioned above, wax pens are ideal for quick and easy fixes, which means that if you have a few light scratches and scrapes, you should use this pen. Otherwise, if you have something that requires a few layers of lacquer, this will only provide temporary protection. Highlighted Features:

• Easy three-step system
• Apply solution
• Buff it in with a provided pad
• Wipe excess away
• Works on all light scratches and scuffs
• Non-toxic materials
• Mostly permanent restoration
• Water-resistant coating

Nonetheless, this is a fantastic option for anything small and light that you want to get rid of without any hassle or waiting. The materials are non-toxic, it can provide permanent results (depending on the size of the damage), and it is even water-resistant so it will stay on longer.

Meguiar’s M105 Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound

Our next kit is another winner from Meguiar. The M105 Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound is a solution that requires a few extra tools on your end, but the results are spectacular. This is a micro-abrasion solution that will help buff out most small scratches. The best part about this product is that you can use it on a wide array of damage, meaning that one bottle will last for a long time. Highlighted Features:

• Simple three-step process
• Works on most light scratches and scuffs
• Super micro-abrasion leaves professional results
• Can use with a hand towel, pad, or buffer
• Works on almost all paint types
• Permanent solution

The M105 offers permanent results and a “mirror glaze†that will restore your car’s natural shine and glow. Overall, this is a great product if you already have buffing pads or towels. Because the solution is rough itself, you don’t need sandpaper, which is a huge plus.

3M 39087 Scratch and Scuff Removal Kit

Finally, we come to our last kit, the 39087 Scratch and Scuff Remover from 3M. As I mentioned, I am a huge fan of 3M products, and this kit is fantastic for a lot of reasons. First of all, you don’t need a power drill to buff the polish, which makes it much more practical for some people. In fact, you don’t need any tools to accompany this kit. Highlighted Features:

• Simple four-step system
• Works on all light scuffs and scratches
• All components included
• Scratch remover compound
• Rubbing compound
• Abrasive square
• Foam pad for buffing
• No tools required
• Clearcoat safe
• Permanent solution

Overall, this kit is another winner from 3M and will provide permanent results on almost all scuffs and scrapes. Unless your scratch is super deep into the paint, you should be able to fix it with this kit. For larger jobs, you will have to apply several coats to get the best results, but it is well worth the wait.

Tips for Best Results

Whenever you do any kind of maintenance on your car, you want to make sure that you’re going about it in the right way. Most of these kits will offer instructions on how best to utilize them, but here are some general guidelines that you should follow.

• Make sure to clean the affected area first
• Make sure that it’s dry before you begin
• Read all instructions first before you start
• For sanding, only work on a tiny area to minimize the level of buffing you have to do
• Also with sanding, don’t press too hard or you can take off too much paint
• For polymers and lacquers, make sure each coat dries before you apply a new one
• It may take several coats to get the best results, so be patient
• Work in an area with sufficient lighting, so you can see if the scratch has disappeared
• When buffing, don’t press too hard or you can take off paint

Overall, just be sure to pay attention to what you’re doing and take your time. There is no rush to fixing a scratch, and if you go too fast, you could wind up making everything worse.

Final Verdict

When trying to figure out which car scratch remover is best, the important thing to remember is what kind of scuffs and scrapes the kit can handle. For most scratches, I would recommend anything by 3M or Turtle Wax, as these brands are highly rated and offer the best results most of the time. I do also like the Quixx Kit as it seems like a more high-end offering that can take care of more types of scrapes. Overall, however, each of these kits is top-rated and guaranteed to help you keep your car in its best condition.