Whether we're talking a scuff on the tank from your coat or a scratch on the bodywork from a tie-down, accidents just happen. While a lot of scratches are deep enough to cut through the clearcoat and into the paint, most scuffs are limited to the clearcoat. We've all been there and it's all-too annoying. In most cases we try to buff it with some wax only to find it helps, but doesn't completely fix the problem. In the end we either live with it or have the entire piece painted or replaced, and that can be pricey.
But what most people don't know is that using a light rubbing compound or a scratch-removing formula can easily eliminate light surface scratches. These compounds clean out the scuffs and cut the surrounding area to dissolve the ugly blemishes.
These helpful products are great, but they're not the fix-all and can even be harmful if abused. If applied with too much pressure you can cut through the clearcoat, necessitating a paintjob. Sometimes scratches are just too deep to be removed and oftentimes you'll need to follow the application with some wax to restore the proper shine. But for the majority of surface blemishes, a scratch remover or light compound can do wonders for the finish.