How to Remove Scratches From Tree Branches on Cars

Small sharp branches from trees and shrubs are just one of the many causes of minor scratches and marks in a car's finish. Repair is typically simple and cost effective, depending on the nature of the scratch. Determine how serious the problem is by gently running your fingernail perpendicular to the painted surface over the mark. If the surface feels ridged, it is a scratch; if not, a mark. If the deepest part of the scratch is paint-colored and not metal-colored, it is a repairable minor scratch.

Instructions

1

Wash the car with warm soapy water and rinse well. Be sure there are no dirt or other residue present in the scratch area.

2

Attach a square of wet/dry sandpaper to a sponge sanding block.

3

Spritz the sandpaper and the scratch itself with clean water from the spray bottle. Sand while wet, wetting frequently to clear debris. Use a side-to-side or up-and-down motion against the direction of the scratch. (Sand across the scratch, not with it.) Use light pressure.

4

Sand until you can no longer feel the scratch when you perform the fingernail test. The paint will appear dull in the sanded area.

5

Wash the area again with warm soapy water to ensure all the dust and dirt are removed from sanding.

6

Apply a rubbing compound to the dull area and buff it in either by hand or with a rotary buffer. Start out slowly to avoid slinging compound. Buff until the area appears hazed over.

7

Apply a wax to buff out the hazing. Buff with the wax until the repaired area matches the surrounding paint.