How to Remove Scuff Marks From Car? – Detailed Guide

Written by

Bruce Sonnier

FACT-CHECKED BY

Marcus Dutton

how to remove scuff marks from car

Wear and tear in a vehicle is an unavoidable problem, but no one wants to see scuff marks on their car’s shiny surface.

Besides their unsightly look, car repairs at body shops can be quite costly, even for a minor scratch. But did you know that you can remove paint scuff from car by yourself at home?

Continue reading and learn how to remove scuff marks from car.

Remove a Scuff From a Car With Toothpaste

at-home

Materials needed:

  • Whitening toothpaste
  • Microfiber Cloth
  • 2 clean towels
  • (Optional) Drill with Buffing Attachment

Step 1: Wash your vehicle

Before you proceed to get paint scuff off car, you must first rid your vehicle of dirt and grime.

Wash your vehicle thoroughly, but avoid rubbing the dirt on the scruff marks and worsening them.

After the surface is nice and clean, pat it with a clean, dry towel or rag.

Step 2: Wipe the scuff mark with toothpaste

Get a microfiber cloth and some toothpaste. Pour some water drops onto the cloth or put it under a running faucet and wring the fabric, then smear your toothpaste onto the microfiber material.

Rub the scuff mark gently with the cloth, starting from one corner and working towards the other side of the scratch. This should take care of most marks easily!

Do this for about 10 seconds or until the marks are gone.

If you still have some stubborn scuffs after trying this method, apply more toothpaste directly to them—it should work just as well even for car plastic material from car bumper!

Tips:

  • If you want to go a step further and buff out scuffs on car, invest in an attachment for your drill.
  • Toothpaste can also remove scratches from your car windshield. Just pick a formula with baking soda. However, while wiping the car mirror, you have to be careful with the pressure.

Step 3: Wipe clean the excess toothpaste from car paint

Using a clean damp cloth, wipe off any excess toothpaste from the surface.

Don’t forget to rinse your cloth under clean water and wring it gently after – this is to remove any toothpaste that is trapped in the fibers of your towel.

Remove a Scuff From a Car With Wd-40

remove-a-scuff-from-a-car

Tools needed

  • MD-40 Multi-Use product
  • Microfiber cloth or sponge

Step 1: Make sure your vehicle is clean

As always, keep the affected area clean before working on the scuff removal. You can either wash the surface with a car shampoo or just water if the vehicle is not that dirty.

Step 2: Spray the WD-40 and buff out your vehicle.

To eliminate scuff marks from car interior or exterior, you can spray WD40 on them and wipe until the scrapes are removed.

If the marks on car vinyl or car door are still visible, you may want to let the WD40 solution sit for a while before wiping it off.

This product is also effective in removing white scuff marks on your paint. You can use a sponge (one that’s not too coarse) to remove them more effectively.

Remember to wipe in straight lines, or you will get some ugly swirl patches. Remove any excess solution from the surface once the marks are gone.

Tip: For scratches on the car dashboard, a restorer will work (an example is Meguiar’s Ultimate Black Plastic formula).

Remove a Scuff From a Car With Buffing Compound

scuff-mark-remover-car

Materials needed:

  • Soap
  • Sandpaper (2000 grit)
  • Scuff mark removers or scratch repair products
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Car Wax

Step 1: Getting started

Wash the area with soap until it is free from unwanted dirt.

Check and measure the depth of the scuff. If the surface has a deep scratch, you should sand it down. If not, proceed with the buffing.

Step 2: Apply your buffing compound

Get a compatible scuff mark remover car compound of your choice – check the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding.

Spray it on the affected area and wipe it a couple of times until the marks are not visible anymore. Be patient when doing this step because deep scuffs do not come off easily.

Tip: For rubber scuff marks, you can use a clay lubricant instead and knead the affected area with your clay bar. Make sure to reapply your lubricant as necessary.

Step 3: Wipe clean and wax the surface

Repeat step 2 as many times as needed before doing a final wipe with a clean microfiber towel.

Buffing your vehicle can remove your car’s underlying coat of wax, so you should replace it for added shine and protection.

Apply your preferred choice of wax product with a nice thin coat and voila – your vehicle’s surface is as good as new!

How to Remove Stubborn Scuff Marks?

get-paint-scuff-off-car

You can follow the method above (using sandpaper and a commercial product). The marks should disappear.

How to Remove Black Scuff Marks?

You can effectively remove black scuff marks with acetone. Who knew your nail polish remover can be used on your car, right?

Just apply a good amount on your cloth and wipe off the black marks gently.

Keep in mind that acetone can also remove wax and polish, so only use light force. After eliminating the black streaks, reapply your wax or polish to protect your vehicle.

Can Scuff Marks Be Removed?

Scuff marks are easy to remove, as we have shown you above. If they are fresh scuffs, even a clean, damp towel can erase them.

Does Toothpaste Remove Scuff Marks On Car?

Toothpaste has an abrasive backing that will help get rid of those unwanted marks without leaving any residue behind—so no need for harsh chemicals that could damage your paint job further down the line!

What Removes Scuff Marks From Car Home Remedies?

buff-out-scuffs-on-car

You can use the following products that are usually available at home when removing scuff marks:

  • Toothpaste
  • WD40
  • Magic Eraser
  • Buffing Compound

Conclusion

Scuff marks can make your car look a little less than pristine.

Luckily, there are ways to remove them that won’t leave you with a permanent reminder of the time your dog scratched up your vehicle.

Your car needs to be treated like a fine piece of jewelry, so follow our guide on how to remove scuff marks from car!

Furthermore, please take a look at related articles to take care your car paint:

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Author

Bruce-Sonnier

"As the content writer of Charmcitycirculator, I intend to bring just the best purchase options and straightforward answers to your problems. Other than what we put up on our website, we hope to hear more from you. "

– Bruce Sonnier