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Does WD40 remove scratches from car paint? Find out the truth

Published 11/01/2025 às 09:04
WD40, paint
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Many people ask if using WD40 eliminates automotive scratches. Because of this, a Brazilian YouTuber had the idea of ​​testing whether the WD-40 It really can be the solution for scratches, streaks, scrapes and nicks in your car's paintwork.

The idea is to see if WD40 can remove these scratches, even on a bumper that has a very deep scratch. To complement, the YouTuber also tested toothpaste on the scratch to see if it really helps.

For those who own a car, there is no worse feeling than seeing a scratch on the paintwork. It is something that catches anyone's attention and, often, ends up being the first detail we notice when looking at the car. car.

When we think about reselling the vehicle, this can be a big problem. The good news is that there are ways to alleviate this damage, although there is no miracle solution that will completely erase the scratches. But the question is: can WD40 help in any way?

WD40: Myth or Reality?

First of all, it's important to make it clear that WD40 is not a miracle solution. The famous multi-purpose spray is actually very effective for many purposes, but removing scratches from paint is not one of them.

WD40 may help reduce the visibility of surface scratches, but it won't make them disappear completely.

When used correctly, it can have a temporary effect, softening the appearance of micro-scratches. To do this, simply clean the affected area thoroughly, apply the product and polish with a clean, dry cloth. The result is not perfect, but the difference in appearance can be noticed.

Step by step guide to removing scratches

There are a few techniques you can try if WD-40 doesn't completely solve the problem.

The first step would be to use touch-up pens or specific pastes to remove scratches. These products are quite popular and can be found in automotive supply stores.

Pens are especially useful for small, superficial scratches, but when the scratch is deeper, they are not enough to give the desired finish.

If the scratches persist even after using the pens, it's time to resort to other methods. A polisher can be a good option to give new life to your car's paintwork.

When using a polisher, it is necessary to apply the polish to the scratch carefully, choosing the right type of pad for the polisher.

For more difficult scratches, you can use a firmer polish, always remembering to finish with wax so that the car shines and the repaired area looks as natural as possible.

Sanding and painting: When the scratch is deep

In more serious cases, where the scratch is so deep that it affects the car's paintwork, it will be necessary to sand and repaint the area.

This is a more complex process and requires more attention, as it involves the use of sandpaper and even paints specific to your car model.

Care must be taken not to damage the areas surrounding the scratch. To begin, the damaged area should be cleaned, followed by careful sanding to ensure that the new paint adheres properly. After sanding, it is important to protect the parts that will not be painted with masking tape.

The paint can then be spray painted and, if necessary, a second coat of paint can be applied. Finally, polishing is essential to ensure that the repaired area blends in perfectly with the rest of the car.

Protect against rust hazards

And what if you can’t remove the scratches or you simply don’t care about repairing the damage? In this case, rust protection is an important alternative.

As the scratch may have damaged the varnish that protects the paint, the exposed part may begin to suffer from corrosion.

Using WD-40 can help protect the affected area from rust, as it creates a protective layer that prevents moisture from acting on it. To do this, simply spray WD-40 on the scratched area and buff it with a clean, dry cloth.

These methods may not return your car to its perfect appearance, but they will help minimize damage and, in some cases, even prevent bigger problems in the future.

Whether it's WD-40, touch-up pens or polishes, there's always a solution available for those looking to give their car a new look without spending a lot.

In short, WD-40 can be a good option for reducing the visibility of superficial scratches, but for deeper scratches, other techniques, such as using polishes and paint repairs, are more effective.

So don't expect miracles from WD-40, but know that it can be a useful tool for putting that finishing touch on the appearance of your car's paintwork.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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