The 10 best car scratch removers of 2022

We’ve all been there. It happens that you take one look at your vehicle and notice a few scratches. You’re tired of looking at it, and you don’t want it to get worse. You can bring it in to an auto repair shop to have it fixed, but it's possible that you could do it yourself.

However, the incorrect product can cause problems. That’s why we came up with this Guide to highlight 10 of the most effective automotive scratch removal products.

We also developed a comprehensive buyer’s guide for you, that way you know exactly what to look for and what to expect from the product you choose.

Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission for qualified purchases.

The 10 best scratch removers for cars in 2022

1. Meguiar’s Quik Scratch Eraser Kit – Best Overall

There are tons of scratch removers for cars out there, but we’ve yet to find one that’s as effective at this price point. It’s because of this wonderful mix of price and performance that Meguiar’s Quik Scratch Eraser Kit tops our list.

Not only does it do a phenomenal job of removing scratches, but it’s also a complete kit that comes with the compound, a buffer, and a microfiber rag. While it works best with a cordless drill, you certainly don’t Not required Use a cordless drill for this purpose.

Meguiar G190200 Quik Scratch Eraser Set

• MINIMAL EFFORT: Erase fine scratches &...
• ERASE SCRATCHES & SCUFFS: Use the power...
• DILL ACTIVATED - With Scratch EraserPad...
• Everything in One Kit: The kit includes everything

You can also purchase refill kits for a much lower price, even though we have highlighted the Quik Scratch Eraser Kit.

Meguiar’s Quik Scratch Eraser Kit is easy to use, does a phenomenal job, and doesn’t cost as much as other similar professional-quality products, what’s not to love?

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2. Turtle Wax T-415 Premium Grade Rubbing Compound – Great Budget Choice

Turtle Wax is a massive name in the polishing and scratch removal industry, which is why it’s a bit surprising to find one of their best products at this price range. It’s a super affordable choice from a brand you can trust, so it’s really a great choice if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need the complete kit.

The wax itself is very easy to use, and you can either apply it by hand or with a drill – it’s completely up to you.

For starters, it Only The compound comes as a package. So if you don’t already have the buffer or the microfiber rag, that’s something you’ll need to purchase separately. Second, it’s simply not as effective as the more expensive choices.

Of course, you’re not spending as much either, and if you don’t have a ton of scratches, or the scratches that you do have are extremely mild, then this might be all you need. And at this price point, you’re not going to find a better automotive scratch remover out there.

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3. T-Cut Perfect Compound Ultimate Color and Clarity Restorer – Premium Choice

Maybe you have lots of scratch marks, or perhaps you have some deeper scratches. The best way to remove them is using T-Cut Perfect Compound. While it’s undoubtedly a more expensive option compared to some of the other options on our list, the difference in results is staggering.

Not only does it safely remove scratches and buffs without touching the clear coat, but it also gives your car a showroom quality finish you’ll love. T-Cut Perfect Compound is something you’ll want to add to a regular regimen, even if your vehicle doesn’t have scratches you need to buff out simply for its show stopping qualities.

So, sure you’re spending a bit more, but you’re also getting the best product on the market, and you’re protecting your car from future damage. It’s an investment we think is well worth it.

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4. TriNova Scratch Swirl Remover

While the TriNova Scratch Swirl Remover didn’t make our top three, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out. This car scratch remover has a great price-performance ratio, which is exactly like our best pick.

This kit comes with both the chemical compound and the applicator, so you don’t need to purchase anything else to use it too. Of course, it’s an effective product, otherwise it wouldn’t be on our list, and it comes from an American company you can trust.

Still, with everything it does right, it didn’t crack our top three for a reason. The main reason is that while it’s an effective product, it’s not quite as effective as our top choice. This is because you use this compound hand-applied.

It doesn’t matter how long you spend polishing the paint, if you’re using a drill buffer, you’re going to get better results. But if you don’t have a drill and don’t want to pay a little more for T-Cut Perfect Scratch Remover, this is an outstanding choice that you can apply by hand.

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5. Chemical Guys Swirl and Scratch Remover

Chemical Guys is a huge name when it comes to any kind of chemical compound for your car, so it’s no surprise to see that they have a top-notch scratch and swirl remover in their lineup. Chemical Guys uses only the best ingredients for their products, including their scratch-and-swirl remover.

While our highlighted product here doesn’t include an applicator, they do offer a package that includes an applicator for you. You have two options. You could also use any microfiber cloth.

It’s very easy to apply, and the chemical compound acts as both a polisher and a cleaner. This allows you to accomplish everything in one package, meaning less work for your car and better results.

You can also see the additional benefits in the cost, as with most other products. It’s a more expensive option, but it’s also a premium product that works. It’s up to you if you want to pay the higher price tag, but we can say that we don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you do.

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6. 3D One Car Scratch Remover Rubbing Compound & Finishing Polish

If you’re looking for the easiest product to apply, then 3D One Car Scratch Remover Rubbing Compound & Finishing Polish might be it. It’s super easy to apply, and it both polishes and corrects blemishes at the same time.

This means you only need to worry about one application, and you get all the benefits you’re looking for. It’s super straightforward and easy to use, but it doesn’t come with any applicators. Any microfiber cloth will do the trick, but it’s something you’ll need to invest in yourself.

Finally, this is an American-made product, so this is an excellent choice if you’re looking to support an American company. Still, it fell out of the top half of our list for a reason, and for this product it’s two-fold.

First, it’s a more expensive option. While we can overlook that for some products because of the additional features that they offer, that’s not the case with this. Sure, it polishes as it corrects, but the primary problem with this product is that it doesn’t correct as effectively as other choices.

It’s not as effective as our top choices, although it still is effective, but it costs more than the top options on our list. You likely won’t be disappointed if you go with 3D One Car Scratch Remover Rubbing Compound & Finishing Product, but if you try one of our top choices after using this, you will be.

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7. 3M Scratch Remover

3M offers products to suit almost any need. It’s a far more affordable option compared to most of the products on our list, but you’re also not going to get the same quality results.

It might suffice if you have only minor scrapes or scratches. However, we recommend that you get a stronger option to protect your vehicle. There are better options at this cost than you might think.

3M Scratch Remover, 39044, 8 fl oz

• Scratch remover eliminates scratches,...
• Formula is free of wax. Therefore, scratches can't be made.
• Compound is a combination of medium-cutting and...
• You can apply this versatile product by hand.

The 3M scratch remover is a versatile product that you can use with both a drill buff or hand applicators, but it doesn’t come with either. It’s also easy to apply, even if it’s not quite as effective as the more expensive options.

Still, for a lower-priced product from a reliable brand, it’s worth considering even if it’s not the most effective at removing deeper scratches.

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8. Shine Armor Car Scratch Removal

Shine Armor might not be a brand that comes to mind when you think of automotive products, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out. Shine Armor Car Scratch Removal is slightly more costly, but does an excellent job of removing scratches and scuffs from the paint.

It protects paint up to 6 months. This means there are very few chances for scratches and UV oxidation. This product not only protects and repairs, it also restores color to the paint, giving it a brighter finish.

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SHINE ARMOR Auto Scratch Removal Repair

• Oxidation, Scratch & Swirl Remover –...
• Protection Lasting Durability and Safety
• Detail Grade Compounds – Shine Armor...
• Premium Paint Restorer – Restore the...

It’s super easy to apply too. So, sure it’s a bit more expensive, but it’s also a great choice. Just keep in mind that it also doesn’t come with an applicator. Not only are you spending a bit more upfront, but you’re also going to need to spend a little more to use it if you don’t have a microfiber rag on hand.

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9. Formula 1 Scratch Out Car Wax Polish Liquid

Formula 1 may be associated with car racing. But, keeping your race car looking good is an important part of owning one. That’s why they came up with their Formula 1 Scratch Out Car Wax Polish Liquid. It’s a more affordable automotive scratch remover, and it comes in multiple sizes so you can purchase it in bulk.

For the price point, it does a great job of cleaning up scratches, and it’s a straightforward application process. This Formula 1 product can be used to clean your vehicle.

It did, however, fall at the bottom of our ranking. First, it doesn’t come with any sort of applicator. You’ll need to get a microfiber cloth to use it, which means an additional purchase if you don’t already have one.

Second, while it does a good job of restoring damage from scratches, that’s all it does. You don’t get any additional UV protection or cleaning features, which is something we expect from the top products out there. Still, it’s not a bad choice for an automotive scratch remover at this price point.

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10. Nu Finish Car Scratch Removal

While Nu Finish Car Scratch Remover is the last product on our list, that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth checking out. For starters, it’s a lower-priced product, which is a pretty big perk if you’re on a tighter budget or simply don’t want to spend a ton to address the scratches.

Second, it’s a gentle formula, so you don’t have to worry about it causing any more damage to your car. While that’s the case for any product on our list, it’s not the case for every product on the market.

It also removes scratch marks as you use it, which is a major advantage over other scratch-removing products. Nu Finish is much simpler to use. Finally, it’s a versatile product that works on any fiberglass surface.

This means it works just fine on your car, but it’ll also work on boats, motorcycles, or a wide array of other objects. Finally, it also works just on chrome, which means it’s a perfect choice for just about any surface on your vehicle.

However, it is at the bottom of our list for a reason, and chief among those reasons is that it’s simply not as effective as the other options on our list. It’s fine for fine scratches, but anything beyond that, it simply won’t work as well.

This product also doesn’t come with an applicator, so you will need to invest in a microfiber rag before you can use it. It’s not a huge deal, but it is an additional expense you need to factor in.

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Scratch Remover Buyer’s Guide

With so many great automotive scratch removers out there, it’s only normal to have a few questions after reading through the reviews. That’s why we came up with this comprehensive buyer’s guide to answer any questions you might have and to help you get the perfect product the first time.

Which Scratches can an Auto Scratch Remover Help with?

If you use an automotive scratch remover and have unrealistic expectations, you’re not going to be happy with any kit you go with. First, you must understand what type of scratch a scratch removal kit can fix.

Automotive scratch kits are only able to treat two types of scratches. Clear coat scratches is the most common type. It’s the most minor type of automotive scratch out there, and it’s something that an automotive scratch kit can help with.

Clearcoat scratches Only affect the very top level of your car’s paint. It’s a clear coat protectant, which keeps the rest of the paint job safe from further damage.

A primer scratch is the second kind of scratch that your car may have. It’s deeper than a clear coat scratch, and it really depends on the depth of this scratch if an automotive scratch repair kit can help. Once again, a primer scratch doesn’t actually affect the paint, but it can be a visible scratch that affects the overall appearance.

A paint scratch might be the final kind of scratch on your vehicle. This is the deepest type of scratch, and an automotive scratch kit won’t completely fix one of these scratches. You can see the exposed metal in your car because paint scratches are actually removing the paint.

The kits you’re purchasing don’t have paint, so there’s no way they can fill in the area that has the scratch. However, they can help put some protective layers on the outside, so they’re still worth using if you don’t plan on completely repairing the scratch.

Feeling the scratch is a good way to determine if it will work. If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, there’s a good chance that any kit you go with won’t completely fix the scratch. However, if it’s not that thick, then an automotive scratch repair kit should clear things up for you.

How can you use an auto scratch remover to clean your car?

It depends on what kit you have, but all kits need at minimum a microfiber towel to dry the compound off. Some kits require you to have two rags. One for applying the compound, and one to dry it off.

It’s essential You can use microfiber cloths like These are when you’re doing the job. Any other kind of cloth could scratch your paint, leaving it worse than before.

Keep in mind, however that microfiber cloths require special care to be in good condition. You should wash microfiber cloths only with one another. Mixing loads with them can cause damage to their microfiber property.

Avoid using fabric softeners in your washing process as they may clog pores. Despite not making them unusable, these chemicals can cause scratches to your car by removing the microfiber qualities.

There are risks when you use homemade automotive scratch removers

There are a ton of” homemade” automotive scratch removers out there, but we can’t in good conscience recommend any of them for you. The reason is simple, while these professional products are perfectly safe to use on your car, most homemade formulas aren’t.

These can cause more scratches and strip the clear coating, as well as degrade paint. We understand the temptation to save a few bucks, but it’s just not worth the added risk for some things. When it comes to the paint on your car, the risk you take is far too high to pinch a few pennies – get a kit and do the job right the first time.

Scuffs vs. Scratches

When you’re talking about repairing the paint, two terms you’ll hear quite a bit are scuffs and scratches. But while some people use the terms interchangeably, they’re not the same thing.

Scuffs reside On top Clear coat. There’s no actual damage to the paint, the primer, or the clear coat with a scuff. It discolors the surface, but as long as you clean them off the right way, there’s nothing else you need to do to have your car looking like new again.

The scratches, on the other side, are more severe. A scratch is when some of the clear coating comes off. Of course, there are different types of scratches, but a scuff simply isn’t a scratch.

Now that isn’t to say that you can’t have both a scuff and a scratch in the same area. In fact, it’s quite common, and if your vehicle has a scuff, there’s a pretty good chance there’s a scratch or two in there too!

What is the cost to fix a scratch or scuff on your car?

It all depends on many things, but the average automotive repair shop will charge $150 to fix a scratch. However, that’s for a small scratch that one of these kits would likely take care of for you – and it’s only for one scratch.

If there’s a scratch on the actual paint of your vehicle, the repair can cost as much as $2,500! It's quite simple. To achieve the desired results, it is necessary to paint the whole vehicle once you have made a complete repair.

Otherwise, the paint colors won’t match, and they won’t fade the same way. This means that even if the job looks great when it leaves the shop, in a year or two when the UV rays take their toll, you’ll be able to see the scratch all over again.

Finally, if you need a full car scratch repair or a complete repaint – you might need to spend closer to $4,000. This all depends on how severe the vehicle damage is. Still, when you start looking at those prices, it’s easy to see how an automotive scratch repair kit can save you a ton of cash!

Is it worth the expense to paint your car?

With professional scratch repairs costing so much, it’s only reasonable to wonder how much it costs to repaint your vehicle entirely. Just as the price of repairing scratches can differ quite a lot, so too can the cost of repainting your vehicle.

Standard paint jobs can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000. However, this is for a standard paint job, and there’s a big difference between a standard paint job and a premium one. They typically don’t sand it back down to the metal for a standard paint job, so they’re painting over other colors.

The cost of achieving show-quality results is usually closer to $22,000 It’s not an option many people go with, and it’s why it’s so important to protect the Original Apply a coat of paint to the vehicle. It’s typically cheaper and more effective to repair scratches than repaint your vehicle!

Related: What Does it Cost to Paint a Car?

What Happens if You Don’t Fix Automotive Scratches?

How much damage does a scratch do? This might shock you. Paint scratches are the worst kind of scratch you should leave undamaged. You can see metal parts on your car and this is when your vehicle starts to rust.

Rust can be unsightly and also affects the strength of metals. It spreads. You can't leave rust on a component for too long and eventually, it will become rusty. The only solution is to completely replace it.

Clear coats and primer scratches both leave less protection for paint. A paint scratch can occur if a piece or rock falls on the same place again.

It’s driving around without the needed protection on the paint, which can lead to more deep scratches if you ignore them. While it’s something you can take care of for well under $100 now if you ignore the problem and let it spread it can end up costing you thousands.

Sure it’s just a small scratch now, but address it before it becomes a much bigger problem you need to take care of.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about getting an automotive scratch repair kit don’t overthink it. While you might balk at the expense of the kit, when you look at what you’ll need to spend if the damage spreads, you’re clearly getting a deal by addressing it early on.

And if you’re still a little unsure about which one to get, go with the Meguiar’s Quik Scratch Eraser Kit. There’s a reason it’s at the top of our list, and it does a great job of getting scratches and scuffs out that other kits can only dream of.

What’s important is that you get it on order and get your car looking like new before the scratches spread and the DIY kits won’t work anymore!

Resources:

How to remove car scratches – WikiHow