remove light scratches from car Page 19

First, do the fingernail test: if your nail doesn’t catch, it’s likely in the clear coat and fixable; if it does, prepare for touch-up paint or a pro. Wash and dry the area so you’re not polishing dirt into a new modern art piece. Apply a dedicated scratch remover or mild cutting compound with a clean microfibre, working small sections with light pressure until the mark fades. Wipe clean, then follow with polish and a good wax or sealant to restore gloss and protection. If the scratch is through the colour coat, use matching touch-up paint, let it cure, then gently level and polish—slowly, like you’re defusing a pavlova. Avoid heavy abrasives and power buffers unless you actually like holograms in your paint. Stand back, admire, and pretend it never happened—just you, the clear coat, and plausible deniability.