Jun 25, 2022

DIY Guide to Buffing Out Car Paint Scratches

In the never-ending quest to maintain our cars in mint condition, many of us turn to buff out paint scratches. It’s a simple technique to make your car look shiny and new again. And you don’t need a lot of supplies or experience to do it!


In this blog post, Acura of Tempeserving Tempe, AZ, will teach you how to buff out paint scratches on your car using DIY methods. So read on for all the details. Happy polishing!


Necessary Supplies:

You’ll need the following supplies:

  • A soft cloth
  • Water
  • Baking soda
  • A small bowl or container
  • A toothbrush (optional)


Step One: Wetting the Scratched Area:

Start by wetting the scratched area with some water. It will help to loosen up any debris or dirt stuck in the scratch.

How to Do It?

  • Use a soft cloth to wet the scratched area with water
  • Be sure to use gentle pressure so as not to damage the paint further


Step Two: Applying Baking Soda:

Next, you’ll need to apply baking soda to the scratched area. Be careful not to take it in excessive quantities.

How to Do It?

  • Use a small amount of baking soda on the wet cloth
  • Gently rub it into the scratch using circular motions
  • Do this for a minute or two to allow the baking soda to work its magic


Step Three: Wiping Away the Baking Soda:

It’s time to wipe away the baking soda from the surface of your car. Take a soft cloth, preferably a microfiber one, for best results.

How to Do It?

  • Use the damp cloth to wipe away any excess baking soda
  • You should see the scratch start to disappear


Step Four: Scrub with a Toothbrush:

If the scratch is still visible, try scrubbing it with a toothbrush. It is essential to use a soft-tipped toothbrush and avoid using one with hard bristles, which could cause further damage to your car’s surface.

How to Do It?

  • Dip the toothbrush in some water
  • Gently scrub the scratched area with the toothbrush.


Step Five: Rinse the Area:

Once you’ve scrubbed the scratch with a toothbrush, it’s time to rinse the surface. It is an important step as it will reveal your success.

How to Do It?

  • Rinse the area with water
  • It will help remove any residue and restore shine to the paint.


Step Six: Drying the Area:

Drying is the final process in this scratch removal guide. Ensure your car surface is completely dry to check your handy work.

How to Do It?

  • Use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture.
  • Give the area a final inspection to ensure the scratch is completely gone.


Step Seven: Repeat as Needed:

If, after the process, the scratch is still there, you’ll have to redo the process again to get a clear finish.

How to Do It?

  • Repeat steps two and three if the scratch is still visible until it’s completely gone.
  • Then, give the area a final wipe with the damp cloth to remove any residue.


So there you have it, our DIY guide to buffing out paint scratches from your car. We hope this was helpful and that you feel more confident tackling this project yourself. 

If you’re in Tempe, AZ, and have any problems, contact us at Acura of Tempe, we would be happy to help. In the meantime, we suggest scheduling a service appointment. Also, check our service department for further details. Thanks for reading!