Does using car polish work to remove scratches? What kind of scratches can be removed?
Scratches come in different shapes and sizes, and sometimes even colors. For scratches, it is important to distinguish whether the scratch is on the surface of the clear coat or below the surface. Only then will we know if scratches can be removed with car polish.
Remove swirls and holograms
Surface scratches may include minor swirls, holograms, deep swirls, damage and individual minor scratches. These types of surface scratches can be removed by automotive detailing because machine polishers use abrasion to remove a very small layer of clear coat. This usually means minor scratches will disappear, or if they're deep in the clear coat, they'll appear very small and less noticeable.
Removal of stone chips and deeper scratches
Darker scratches include primer scratches that may be brown or dark, stone chips, and generally darker scratches where metal can be seen. These types of deeper scratches cannot be removed with cutting compounds or polishes and usually require cleaning, filling, sanding and repainting.
Can scratches be "scraped off"?
To determine the type of scratches on the paint and whether it can be buffed or "polished," run your fingernail over the scratches. If your nails catch scratches, you're unlikely to use any car polish to remove the scratches. If it doesn't catch the scratch, chances are the scratch can be removed or minimized.