Sometimes even dents in your car’s body can stand out less than a bad paint scuff or paint transfer. If you have recently “traded paint” with another car, or part of a parking canopy support beam, you can pick up a few tools to help get rid of the mark. Provided your paint wasn’t scraped off, you can remove paint from something else on your own. Learn how by reading the rest of this blog entry, and come visit Ammaar’s Toyota of Vacaville in Vacaville, California to see what’s new!
Tools to Help Remove Paint Scuffs
Unless the mark is mild enough to wipe off with your fingers, you will need the following: a can of spray lubricant/rust remover like WD-40 and a foam cleaning pad like a Magic Eraser. You can find both of these at most supermarkets and other large stores. Otherwise, try an auto parts store or hardware store automotive aisle to get your hands on these or similar tools.
How to Remove Paint Scuffs
The process here involves softening the paint that was transferred onto your car with the WD-40, then using the eraser to take it off. WD-40 and similar sprays have chemicals that should weaken the new paint’s bond to your vehicle. Spray it directly on the paint, then wipe the eraser in the same direction as the paint. If the scuff is horizontal, wipe it off horizontally.
Don’t press too hard with the eraser, as it is abrasive and can damage your paint. You may need to apply more WD-40 to loosen denser or thicker spots. Don’t wipe in a circular motion or you could get swirly scratches in your paint. After a few passes, even if your arms start to get sore, the paint scuff should go away.
Cleanup
Do this whole process somewhere where you won’t mind excess lubricant/rust remover dropping onto the ground. Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe off whatever lubricant is still on the car, then wash the spot with a car-safe car cleaning soap and put a coat or two of wax on for good measure. You should be ready to get back on the road in an hour or so.
