Have you ever come across an unpleasant scratch on the once-smooth surface of your BMW? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Scratches are a common problem that can reduce the aesthetic appeal of a car whether they are a small scuff that occurred when a shopping cart rolled over the door or a deep scratch that happened when the car came too close to a bush.

Fortunately, there are many effective ways and products that can help you remove those scratches and return the shine to your BMW’s finish. Before you begin the process of scratch repair, it is necessary to know that not all scratches are equal. Let’s start with the types of scratches.

Different Types of Scratches

• Clear Coat Scratches: Clear coat scratches are the most frequent and the simplest to repair among all the forms of scratches. These scratches only affect the outermost layer of your BMW’s paintwork. They normally appear as small pitting or scratches on the surface and can be induced by car wash brushes or road debris hitting your BMW.
• Paint Scratches: Paint scratches are even worse than the surface because they penetrate the clear coat and get to the paint layer. These scratches are more profound because they reveal the color beneath the clear coat. Paint scratches are often caused by bumps, and collisions with various objects such as a tree branch or a wall.
• Primer Scratches: Primer scratches are the most severe and penetrate the clear coat, and paint layer and reach the primer which is the bottom layer of the vehicle body. These scratches are generally caused by more severe collisions and are more difficult to fix.

How to Erase Scratches on Your BMW

• Wash and Dry the Area: Wash the area and ensure it is dry before proceeding. This step is important because one does not want to spread dirt or debris all over the surface of the scratch. You can wash the surface with a gentle car wash soap and a microfiber cloth and then pat the surface dry with a clean and soft towel.
• Check Depth of the Scratch: After that, you will have to decide how severe the scratch is, or in other words how deep it goes. Try to rub your fingernail over the scratch; if you feel that your nail is getting stuck, then the scratch is deeper than the clear coat and you will have to use a more serious approach to repair it.
• Apply Scratch Remover: In case of clear coat scratches, one can use a scratch remover. Take a small quantity of the remover and spread it on a microfiber cloth and then gently massage the scratch in a circular manner. This process aids in the integration of scratch with the paint so as to minimize the visibility of the scratch. The instructions on the product should be followed to the letter for the best outcome.
• Polish the Area: After using the scratch remover then apply the polish to the area to bring back the shine. Take some car polish and put it on a clean microfiber cloth and then wipe the area lightly. This step assists in erasing any residue left by the scratch remover and the surface is made to regain its sheen.
• Apply Clear Coat: To enhance protection and make the touch-up paint have a matching color with your BMW’s surface, apply another layer of clear coat. This step aids in getting the shine right and gives an added layer of protection.
• Waxing: When everything is dry, wipe the repaired area gently with another clean microfiber cloth to make it blend well with the rest of the car. Once the car has been buffed, apply a layer of car wax that will act as a sealant to the paint and also give it that shiny look.

Swedish Auto Service Should Be Your Go-To for Your BMW Needs

Here at Swedish Auto Service, we know that the exterior appearance of your BMW is very important to you. If you need assistance with erasing scratches in your vehicle, our team is ready to help. We have been helping Austin, TX drivers since we opened in 1993 and our exceptional services extend to drivers from Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Leander, TX. Do not let those scratches on your BMW bring down the look of your car—get in touch with us for more information on how we can help you.