A car is an everyday tool in most families' lives, helping them get from A to B. As it represents a high value, it is only natural that owners try to protect it from external impacts and damage, but sometimes these efforts fail. A stray tree branch, a misplaced handrail, a careless cyclist can easily leave scratches, the so-called "signs of use", on the immaculate surface. Let's look at the most effective methods of car scratch removal.

Many of you may be familiar with the charming advertisement where the little boy accidentally damages the side of the car while riding a bike, which he then tries to repair with the same ointment he uses when he gets injured. If only it was that simple! The thing is, removing car scratches is a bit more complicated than that.

Home or professional

Scratches on the body of a car are very annoying and detract from the overall appearance, but they have no real functional significance. Nevertheless, most people would like to get rid of these marks, as they are a daily reminder of parking mistakes made, and to be frank, why should anyone look at them for years when they can easily vanish.

There are two ways to repair scratches; with the help of a professional or at home using a variety of clever tools and materials. Basically, for deeper scratches, it is worth going to a professional, especially if it is already affecting "vital organs" or affecting everyday use.

If the problem is minor, it is still possible to call on the help of a professional, but this is very expensive, especially when compared to the removal cost of the defect. Typically there is enough to spend on a car, so why not get away with a significant expense if you can!

Car scratch removal at home

There are many options available to those who want to take care of minor scratches at home. Let's investigate the possibilities!

Buffing or polishing machines

Buffing or polishing machines can be very effective and efficient in achieving good results, but it is good to be experienced and familiar with the basic rules. The polishing wheel can be used in a machine, either in a flex or a drill, and the more professional machines also allow the user to control the polisher with two hands, for a better result. This method is also suitable for removing larger scratches.

The 3M™ polisher can be used as part of the 3M™ Perfect-It™ system for high-quality polishing. It can be used to restore your car’s original shine.

The scratch remover pen

If the polisher is the tool of the pros, the other extreme is the so-called scratch remover pen. The name of the pen is not misleading, it essentially works like a felt-tip pen. You simply drag it across the scratch and you're done. Or are you not? What you need to know about the scratch remover pen is that it can be used on hair-thin scratches and provides good coverage, but deeper scratches will pose challenges.

The polishing paste

A mid-way solution is the very popular polishing paste, which consists of tiny abrasive particles and a dispersing agent to help spread them. The polishing compound to be used depends on the damage and the surface. For example, 3M™ Perfect-It™ Extra Fine Plus polishing paste, known as 'yellow cap', provides a quick solution for modern scratch-resistant paints, while 3M™ Finesse-It™ can be used to treat not only scratches but also scuffs, chips and even helps to create hologram-free surfaces. For pastes, use a polishing pad that has fine pores and helps scratches to disappear as quickly as possible, both for newly-manufactured and second-hand paint types.

Overall, using a polishing paste is not difficult, yet it can produce very impressive results. All you need to do is rub the paste over a clean surface, then repeat the process several times if necessary. It is advisable to start repairing minor defects and to choose the paste accordingly, using a coarser grit for deeper defects. What is important is that you use protective goggles when polishing! You can read about protective goggles types in our previous article.

1+1 tips

You must never repair a car that has been left in the sun for a long time. A heated body can cause a lifetime of surprises. To avoid these, stand in the shade or, better still, in the garage before starting the process.

Whether you choose machine or hand polishing, the first task should always be to clean the work surface. A thorough wash is essential, and it is worth removing any dirt that has settled into the paintwork. Use cleaning resin for this purpose.

Car scratch removal is also possible at home. All you need is good quality tools and materials and, if you use a machine, some practice to prepare for the real thing. Cost-effective methods carry some risks, but these can be minimised with the right care and attention.

Once the scratches are removed and polished, there is nothing left to do but wax. A thin layer of protective coating should be applied then comes the removal of the excess. This not only leaves the surface spotless but also protects the wax against dirt.

In one moment, your car’s painting is perfect and flawless, and in the next moment, a hanging branch, impacting gravel or a not-so-well-measured parking maneuver appears, and you can say goodbye to perfect gleaming. If you are also familiar with these situations, you can benefit from getting to know more about the use of polishing paste. Due to our wide product range, you can find a solution to a surface damage of any type and any depth.

Don’t leave it untreated

Sooner or later, your car will start to lose its old color and immaculate gleaming. No matter how much you take care of it, smaller or bigger damages are almost unavoidable. The first and most important rule is to react quickly and with a correct solution to adverse effects, because a homogeneous and scratch-free paintjob is unfortunately a short-lived phenomenon. Corrosive bird droppings, impact of gravel, fuel pipe carelessly thrown over the car, but even car washing cause micro-damages. Even more, you have to polish again after an incorrect polishing. Our product family of polishing pastes has been developed just for these situations. But not only the type of paste has a great importance. The tool, the depth and the movements of application also matter.

Cosmetic damages: is there still anything to be polished?

The most common mistake during polishing either in a car cosmetic shop or with your own hands is that abrasive paper, and not machine-powered abrasive disc is used to even the unevenness of the damaged surface, and although old scratches are removed, new ones are immediately created during repair. Machine-powered discs eliminate damaged surfaces with circular motions. As opposed to this, many conducts manual polishing with back-and-forth motions, scratching several straight lines into the surface. By the manual method, it is difficult to maintain the strength and consistent intensity of polishing. Deep scratches and trenches created this way are not visible during work, but they become visible after repolishing. With a machine-powered disc, work is more precise, while the result is more aesthetic.

Everything matters: the surface to be treated, the disc and the paste

Polishing is a process consisting of several phases. During polishing, due to heat and rubbing, we even the unevenness of the surface, that is we eliminate the top layer that is scratched. Polishing is the next phase, the last step of which is varnishing. One part of the polishing paste partially contains small abrasive particles, while the rest is vehicle that assist in applying the paste evenly on the surface to be treated. The size and density of particles in the paste determine what damages a product can be used for. For deeper scratches, you need another type of paste and a disc of exceptionally high quality, because we need to polish further and deeper to get a mirror-smooth surface. And the disc also needs to endure this level of stress. The professional polishing of plastic, varnished, glass or metal surfaces also requires a different treatment, therefore one must consider the type of surface to be treated before starting repair.

There is also a solution to the “hologram” damage

The name refers to the multitude of micro-damages concentrated in one place that have been caused by incorrect polishing. Fortunately, these are small scratches that are not too deep, but still clearly visible to the naked eye that are most often caused by discs made from wool. In some cases, it can be caused also by a sponge disc if the person polishing does not have experience in using the technique. Not only careful implementation, but a well-chosen wax also helps solve the problem. The use of the 3M™ Finesse-It™ polishing paste designed specifically to repair scratches caused by sanding and damages occurring during car manufacturing ensures a perfect, hologram-free result.

Modern paintjob deserves a fine procedure

The 3M™ Perfect-It™ Extra Fine Plus paste is an ideal accessory of new-generation paints. Due to its quick scratch-removing and surface-treating performance, work is easy and gentle with it.

Bright success – yellow cap is the help

A dust-free environment only exists under artificially created conditions. During car washing, the small dust particles being washed from the surface roll down on your wet car, leaving small scratches on the way. If you are not careful enough, even dust on the polishing sponge can damage the paintjob. The 3M ™ Perfect-It ™ A Fast Cut Plus Extreme removes scratches ultra-fast and makes the surface glossy. You can further the effect with the color-coded green sponges of the manufacturer.

There have always been and there will always be micro-damages on cars. But whether it is a small or a large “injury”, the yellow cap is for you! Choose the large packaging because it is always necessary to cosmetic your car.

Said Zoltán Latinovits in the satire called The Tóth Family, but even in the movie, he was the only one to say that it is a magnificent thing to fidget with paper boxes. Actually, it is a simple, slow and extremely monotone job to seal boxes. And it is even possible to do it wrong. Production is loss-making if the closed package is not sealed well, if you apply too much adhesive tape or if – for any reason – the process is disrupted. We have summarized what box sealing machines are good for and what types are available.

Fast and accurate

Even a semi-automated box sealing machine closes as many boxes in 5 minutes as could be done manually in half an hour. In addition, it has a more accurate result: it always applies the tape in an uniform length and precisely in the middle, as well as it presses the tape onto the box for sufficient holding.

Manual and automated feed

You can select from a number of types even in our web shop, as required. There are fully manual, semi-automated and fully automated types, and the latter one can be integrated into a production line as well. The whole process can be automated with the latter one, during which boxes are lined up at the end of the production line ready for transport, without their preparation requiring anyone’s time or work. As a result of the optimized process, packaging capacity can increase even by 30%.

Varying box sizes? Not a problem!

Do you need smaller and larger boxes to be lined up? This is not a problem either. It is not required to separate them by size. Our manual and automated box cutters can be ordered with a design that automatically adjust themselves to varying box sizes.

Sealing the bottom and the top at the same time

No more lengthy box moving! The box sealing machine ensures a safe closing on the top and bottom as well. In addition, certain types even fold the box lids.

Box sealing machine: reliable and cost-efficient

Operation of the machine is safe, basically you just have to switch it on, and it is doing its job. It requires a minimum level of maintenance, so it really ensures a quick and economical operation. The machines operating with electricity, or with compressed air in case of types with automated box size adjustment, are driven by side and top belts. Almost all machines are capable of using adhesive tapes of various widths.

We are open to all boxes

Our product range is quite wide, basically you can find an optimum solution to all specific needs in our range. For example, the 3M™ Matic 800ASB-I type is ideal for small-sized packages, and it can make 28 of these ready for transport in a minute. The 3M™ Matic 7000A Pro is a real professional in its league. This highly durable, almost everlasting machinery flexibly adapts to the growth of your business; neither the varying box sizes, nor the varying tape quality, nor the thickness will stop it. And our spring-loaded box sealing machine, the 3M-Matic™ 8000A with a capacity of 40 boxes/minute is an ideal choice for sealing narrow boxes.

Summertime is the best time for various renovations and other paint works. This is the season when we automatically leave windows wide open, while the dry and warm weather facilitates the quick drying of painted walls. However, unwanted smearing, paint-splattered light switches, smudged skirting boards spoil the overall picture. Since it is difficult and lengthy – or even impossible – to remove smearing, we can face these small mistakes and aesthetic errors again and again, for years. Masking tape is a paper-based adhesive tape available in a number of widths that makes it easier and more accurate to apply paint on a surface.

Easy to use, easy to remove

The use of masking tape is very simple. It covers and hides the area to be protected, so you do not have to paint so carefully and fiddly, thus resulting in a much faster work. Paint getting on the tape does not penetrate it, the tape does not discolor protected areas, its special adhesive layer does not leave a mark and does not cause a damage either. A huge advantage of masking tapes is that they can be easily removed. So, if you cannot apply the tape correctly for the first time, it can be removed and applied again with one move. At the end of painting, it can be pulled from any surface with one move.

Straight lines, precise edges

The use of painter’s tapes does not require special knowledge. You just have to stick them onto edges you wish to spare during painting. In case of meticulous painting in small areas, like in corners, narrow masking tapes will be fit for purpose. And if you paint with sweeping motions on a large surface, it is advisable to use a wider type of tape as well.

The 3M™ 501E Masking tape, also available in our range of products, is a professional product meeting all demands. It resists chemicals, solvents, and it is characterized by a high degree of heat resistance. Work is done quickly and well with it.

The 3M™ 301E High-performance industrial masking tape is an ideal choice also for large surfaces. It is made of a water-resistant, thick, crepe material that protects the surface efficiently.

Can it be checkered, zebra-striped?

It can be! Masking tapes can be used even for creative purposes. Feel free to use them if you would like to renew the study or brighten up the kids’ empire with a little bit of wall decor. Zebra-stripes, arrows, checkers, abstract shapes: with a few buckets of paint and a little fantasy, you can create the most diverse shapes, either three-dimensional or interlaced, or unique patterns with them. We recommend the 3M™ Fine Line Masking tape specifically for this purpose. Its rear side is semi-transparent, so you can see where the tape is placed. You can check even after application how accurate the alignment is. If you wish to adjust subsequently, just pull it and apply it again.

Indoors

Several types of this product are available, not only by width and by product characteristics, but also by area of use. Generally speaking, you can use practically any type indoors according to needs for use.

Outdoors

If you would like to paint outdoors, it is recommended to buy masking tapes made specifically for this purpose. Why is this important? These types are much more resistant to weather conditions, like strong UV-radiation or unexpected rainfall. Due to their special adhesive layer, sunlight does not burn them onto the treated surface. Unfortunately, this often happens in case of indoor masking tapes used outdoors and “left there”. After a while, the tape becomes so adhesive due to sunlight that it can be removed only in small pieces, leaving an ugly mark. These not-so-appealing tape residues can be removed only with significant physical impact, like rubbing or scraping. And this process is not only time-consuming but also damages and scratches the surface that we originally wanted to protect.

Masking tapes, even on cars

The easiest way to repair small scratches or aesthetic damages on cars is painting. However, if one fails to implement it well enough, the telltale signs of dispersing paint also deface the appearance. The 3M 06347 Perforated masking tape has been developed specifically to cover sections of rubber at the edges of windshields and windows. The non-self-adhesive part of the plastic tape needs to be placed under the sections of rubber, while the wider self-adhesive part needs to be folded underneath and stuck onto the surface to be protected. As a result of our product, and of course of careful masking, the car will be as good as new.