Car Scratch Remover

Review of 3M Scratch Remover System

The Carfidant kit is more complex, but you get all the tools you need and instructions that will guide you through. The 3M Scratch Remover System includes scratch remover liquid, a rubbing agent, two scrubbers, some sandpaper, and a buffer.

3M’s kit will remove light scratches, scuffs and other marks from the surface of the paint. Here are some pros and cons of the 3M Scratch Remover System:

Pros

• Simple application process
• Scratch removal with good results
• You can also find out more about

Cons

• Some leftover residue

Our Experience with 3M Scratch Removers

Above, it is clear that the 3M Scratch Removal System has done a good job of removing surface scratches while making deeper scratches less visible.

You start the system by wetting the area, and then sanding it with the pad. This creates a slurry. Then, use the purple compounding pads and rubbing compounds to buff it. Then, buff it with the black polishing pads and scratch remover compound. The instructions included in the kit were easy to follow and made the process simple. It does take longer to remove the remover because it involves multiple steps.

What customers are saying about the 3M Scratch Remover System

The 3M Scratch Remover System is popular with customers because it includes sandpaper as well as a scrubbing pad instead of only liquid. It does require a little scrubbing but they say that it reduces the appearance of scratches and scuffs. Customers have reported that the kit they received only contained the liquid. They had to contact Amazon to order the other supplies and then use the kit.

Car Scratch Remover Buyer’s Guide

Certain car scratch removers work better than others on certain paint colours. It may take a few tries to find the best option for your car. Consider what tools you have. For example, do you require sandpaper or an orbital polisher? You’ll also need to consider the amount of buffing that you will be doing. Some of our suggestions can be applied in one step while others may require multiple compounds.

Car Scratch Remover Types

Three types of car scratch removers are available, including

• Compound is a type of scratch remover that can be used to remove both shallow and deep scratches. Read the instructions before applying the product to ensure you have the right tools.
• Polish This is not a real car scratch remover. It’s a polish, as the name implies. This will hide any surface scratches. As with the compound, please read the label to determine the tool you need to apply it.
• Pen: Pens do not remove scratches but can touch up paint. When buying this type of paint, be sure to match it with the colour of the vehicle.

Size

You won’t require much product if you only need to treat one scratch. Therefore, buy the smallest possible bottle. If you have multiple scratches on your car, a larger container is recommended. Keep in mind that this product is a liquid and that it will dry out if not used all at once.

Wax and Silicone Content

Wax or silicone may or may not be present in car scratch removers. The results of a remover that does not contain silicone or wax will last much longer. The remover with silicone or wax is thicker and easier to apply. The product will wear off over time and you’ll need to reapply. Before you look at products, decide what type of product you like.

Application

You will find different instructions for each car scratch remover. It’s important to read the instructions before applying the product. Manufacturers often recommend that you clean the area first before applying a repair kit. You may also want to consider using a Car Wash Soap.

Some removers even require sandpaper to treat deeper scratches. Kits are available so that you don’t need to worry about the supplies.

The Best Scratch Removers for Cars: Bottom Line

All of the products that we tested performed as advertised. They removed minor to moderate scratches from the surface of the car. The majority of products state clearly that they aren’t meant to fill in deep scratches or those that you can feel using your fingernails.

Does the product remove all scratches? No. Did they perform as expected? They did. The car looks much better now than before. Any of the products we reviewed could be used to repair scratches on your car if you do not need to repair deep scratches. Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Ultra Cut Compound is the best product to remove car scratches.

1. Best Car Scratch Remover: Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound
2. Best for Deep Scratches: Chemical Guys VSS Scratch & Swirl Remover
3. Easy to Buff: Shine Armor Revive Scratch Repair Swirl Remover
4. Best Kit: Carfidant Ultimate Scratch & Swirl Remover
5. Best Value: 3M Scratch Removal System

Test Methodology for Full Car Scratch Remover

Our team of reviews combed through auto enthusiast message boards and sites such as Amazon to find the best car scratch removers. We searched for products that had positive reviews and were well-known for removing minor scratches from vehicles.

For testing, we ordered a variety of top-rated car scratch removers at various price points and brands.

We thoroughly cleaned the scratched areas of the car before testing to remove any residue or dust from the cement pillar. Each product was tested using a cordless tool and one type of polishing pad (except the 3M Scratch Remove System which included pads).

The scratches were quite deep on our test vehicle. DIY products for car scratch removal are designed to only resurface the top clear coat and not fill in deep scratches. Some scratches will still be visible after the test. The products did remove most, if not all, of the small scratches.

We evaluated the effectiveness of each product, its ease of use and the amount left behind after using it.

Easy Application

Some car scratch removers can be easier to use than others. Could we understand and use a product easily? Was the product difficult to use or did it only require a few wrist flicks? In this category, the best results were achieved by car scratch removers which are easy to use and quick-acting.

Scratch Repair

How did it look when the product was used? The effectiveness of each product was measured by observing how well or poorly it masked scratches. Each remover was tested on scratches that were of different depths, with the assumption that they would not remove deeper scratches.

Ease in buffing

After buffing, car scratch products can leave a residue. What residue did the product leave behind and was it difficult to clean the car? The products that left the fewest residues or traces were the best in this category.

How We Score Products

Each car scratch remover that we test receives a rating between 1.0 to 5.0 stars. What do those star ratings mean?

• 5.0 stars A 5-star rating indicates that a scratch remover for cars is one of the best. It can be applied with little effort in just minutes and can remove deep scratches or buff out without effort.
• 4.0 stars A 4.0-star rating indicates that a car scratch remover is better than the average for its category. It can be applied easily, requiring only a few strokes.
• 3.0 stars: Based on our experience, a 3.0-star rating is indicative of what we consider to be an average or typical car scratch remover. It takes elbow grease to apply and requires several passes. However, minor scratches can be removed with some effort.
• 2.0 stars A 2.0-star rating indicates that the car scratch remover is less effective than the average silicon wiper blade. Even with an orbital, it is difficult for the product to be applied. It also struggles to cover minor scratches or is hard to buff.
• 1.0 star: This rating is for a car scratch remover that performs below expectations. The product is difficult to use without professional assistance, does not remove scratches or leaves a haze that cannot be removed.

Why trust our reviews

We test auto products each year on own cars. Each year, our team of product testers researches the top products and unboxes them, putting each component in their hands, before testing and recommending to readers.