Consumer Reports – Scuff removers barely scratch surface
All can remove very light scratches and imperfections, such as swirl marks, hazing or oxidation. Swirl marks are the light, often circular scratches that can result from washing or drying your car with a dirty cloth, using an overly abrasive polish or using a drive-through car wash that hasn’t been well maintained.
But only one product, Quixx High Performance Scratch Remover, did a good job of smoothing out a scratch that’s deep enough to feel if you run a fingernail across it. And even with Quixx, you have to be careful you don’t make the condition worse.
Deeper, more noticeable scratches are harder to correct. Those that haven’t penetrated the paint’s clearcoat layer can be made less noticeable by using some of the higher-scoring products in CR’s tests. Scratches that expose the primer or metal underneath, however, must be repainted. You can try using touch-up paint, but a professional is most likely to provide the best results.
HOW THEY WORK
All of the scratch removers that CR tested are liquids applied to the area of the scratch, rubbed in for a minute or two and then wiped off. Quixx, the only product to receive an overall score of ‘excellent’ in testing, also includes a strip of ultrafine, 3,000-grit sandpaper for deeper scratches. But if you’re not careful, you could sand through the clearcoat, which would necessitate repainting. Quixx High Performance Scratch Remover costs $21 for both tubes of a two-step process.
Two other high-scoring products ‘ Mothers California Gold Scratch Remover ($6) and Nu Finish Scratch Doctor ($10) ‘ did a very good job removing swirl marks and very fine scratches. Scoring slightly lower were Meguiar’s ScratchX ($8) and GS27 Scratch Remover ($10). However, both caused hazing in CR’s tests, and should be tried on an inconspicuous area of your car first.
After using any scratch remover, apply a car wax to help protect the surface. In previous tests, CR gave top marks to Black Magic Wet Shine Liquid Wax, Turtle Wax Carnauba Car Wax and Eagle One NanoWax. All can help remove oxidation and swirl marks on their own.
TIPS TO PREVENT SCRATCHES
‘ Wash your car once a week. Dirt on the paint can easily lead to scratches.
‘ Don’t slide objects across the paint. Even grocery bags can cause scratches.
‘ If you wash your car by hand, don’t use an abrasive cloth, such as one with synthetic fibers. CR suggests a clean sponge or sheepskin mitt.
‘ Hose off any dirt or grime before you begin washing, and frequently rinse the sponge or mitt in clean water. If it drops on the ground, don’t use it until it has been thoroughly cleaned.
‘ Dry the paint with a clean chamois or terrycloth towels.
‘ Wax using microfiber towels or soft all-cotton cloths, such as cloth diapers.