Maybe you caught the bumper of another car in the parking lot, or perhaps someone parked too close to you and rubbed his door up against your car when he was getting out. These are just two of the ways that your car's paintwork can be blemished. Minor scrapes on your car's paintwork can often be removed by products that are readily available. The process usually doesn't take long.
Assess how bad the damage is. There are plenty of paint repair products available either at auto parts stores or online. But before deciding which product is best, you need to know exactly what it is you are dealing with.
Consult with an expert at an auto parts store or someone you know who had a similar problem. Several methods are available. Polishing is the least abrasive method of removing a scrape or scratch and involves applying the product to the surface and rubbing in. It rejuvenates the paint work by taking off the top layer of color and the scrape along with it.
Try a cleaning product like the ones used by valet companies if the damage is more severe. Like polish, it strips off the top layer of paint. But it is chemical based and should be used with caution.
Use a rubbing compound, which comes in several levels of abrasiveness. As with the other methods, apply the product to the damaged area. The compound will scrape away the damage. However, this product will leave the paintwork dull, and you will need to apply polish afterward.
Wash your car thoroughly. Whichever product you decide to use, your car should be clean and dry before you apply it. If your car is wet it will impair the effectiveness of the polish, cleaner or rubbing compound.
