How To Remove Scratches From Bike (8 Simple Ways)
Do you want to remove scratches from your bike?
No matter how hard we try to keep our bikes safe, scratches are one thing that we will have to face at some point.
But if you know how to remove these scratches then you can easily get rid of this problem.
In this blog post, I am going to share some simple ways to remove scratches from your bike.
Rider’s Note:-
- There are many different types of scratches, the most common being minor scratches, which are only on the top surface of the paint and are relatively easy to remove.
- If your bike has deep scratches, it can be a bit difficult to get rid of them with DIY methods.
- But at the end of this blog post, I will share with you some tips which will help you to keep your bike away from scratches.
Let’s uncover more.
How To Remove Scratches From Bike
1. Rubbing Compound
Rubbing compound is a product that helps in removing any kind of scratches from the bike to a great extent.
Before applying this product, you have to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and apply it slowly in all the places where scratches are visible.
With the help of a microfiber cloth, rub it thoroughly in circular motions until it becomes dry.
After it dries, wet the cloth and wipe it.
You will find that minor scratches have been removed and if there are bigger scratches on the bike, they are also less visible.
However, keep in mind that you should not use it in direct sunlight as it is not as effective in sunlight.
One advantage of Rubbing compound is that you can use it on metal or fiber.
Although not all riders can afford to spend on rubbing compounds, I have some free solutions for the same.
2. Candle Wax
If you do not want to spend money on scratches remover like Rubbing compound then you can use Candle Wax.
Unfortunately, it does not get rid of scratches for a long time and is only effective on small scratches.
If your bike has minor scratches, clean the area and apply a thin layer of Candle Wax.
Candle Wax will only cover scratches for a short period, but it is probably the cheapest way to remove scratches from a bike.
3. Toothpaste
If you have whitening toothpaste (ex. White Colgate) at home, you can use it to remove scratches from your bike.
This method is also not as effective but helps fade minor scratches to a great extent.
Apply toothpaste to the scratched areas on the bike and rub with a clean cloth until it dries.
Now, clean the entire area with a damp cloth and you will find that the scratches are much more faded than before.
4. Coconut Oil
We all have coconut oil in our homes, you can use it to remove scratches from your bike.
Apply coconut oil on the scratches and rub it with a cloth.
Make sure the cloth is soft and clean, otherwise the paint may get damaged.
5. Nail Polish
If even after these methods the scratches are not getting removed from your bike then you should try to hide them.
To hide scratches, you will need nail polish matching the color of your bike.
You have to apply this nail polish to the areas where the scratches are visible.
This will cause the scratches to blend in with the bike’s paint to a great extent, making them difficult to identify easily.
6. Shoe Polish
Shoe Polish can also prove to be effective in removing scratches from the bike.
In point of fact, shoe polish acts like a shiner and when we apply it on the scratches, it shines the area due to which the scratches fade away.
However, you can use this method only if the color of your bike matches the color of the shoe polish.
7. Spray Paint
If you have got deep scratches on your bike which are not getting removed even after using the above-mentioned methods then you should use spray paints.
As a matter of fact, spray paints cover the scratches with a layer of color due to which the scratches disappear completely.
However, before using spray paints, make sure that their color matches your bike.
If the color of the bike has faded, you can bring back the original color of the bike by using products like shiner spray or rubbing compound.
8. Shiner Spray
There are many shiner sprays available in the market which work to bring back the faded color of the bike.
But one of their uses is that they can remove the scratches from the bike.
Shiner spray works to completely remove the dirt accumulated on the bike which cannot be cleaned with a cloth.
In such a situation, when we use them on scratches, they remove the dirt accumulated at that place as well as work to fade the scratches.
How to Avoid Scratches
Now that you have come to know how to remove bike scratches, it is better that you do not let scratches happen on your bike so that you do not have to face this trouble again.
Although it is not that easy to protect the bike from scratches, but after using the tips mentioned below, you can prevent these scratches from happening to a great extent.
1. PPF Coating
The best option to protect the bike from scratches is to get PPF (paint protection film) done on the bike.
It not only protects the paint of the bike from getting damaged but also does not allow scratches on it.
Although it may be a bit heavy on the pocket of some riders, but if you want to protect your bike from scratches, then definitely consider PPF coating.
2. Always Park On Main Stand
I don’t know if you have ever noticed but most of the scratches on bikes happen when you park them somewhere.
We always park the bike on the side stand which occupies relatively more space and when someone moves the nearby bike, your bike gets touched and scratched.
Instead, if you park the bike on the main stand, then your bike will occupy less space and the surrounding vehicles will get enough space to move.
Also, always park the bike in line so that other vehicles can park easily.
This will reduce the chances of getting scratches on your bike.
3. Do Not Carry Luggage On The Fuel Tank
I have often seen people carry a lot of luggage on their bikes and the funny thing is that they load the fuel tank as well.
Let me tell you that when you keep any item on the fuel tank and if it is hard or sharp, it can leave scratches on the tank.
Instead, you can get a dikki box or side bag installed on the bike which will prove to be helpful in carrying luggage.
4. Do Not Leave The Helmet Dangling To The Side
The helmet is made to give us protection but some people hang it on the side instead of wearing it, not only your safety but also the safety of the fuel tank is at risk.
When the helmet hits the fuel tank, it can leave scratches on it, so it is better to wear the helmet rather than hang it on the side.
5. Do Not Use Metallic Key Chains
We prefer to have attractive metallic key chains for our bike keys but sometimes they can become a problem.
Often these key chains collide with bike parts like handles during riding and make scratches and if you do not pay attention, it can also remove the color.
Therefore, instead of metallic key chains, you should go for leather or rubber key chains.
6. Cover The Bike
Most of us park our bikes without covering them.
Due to this, dirt accumulates on it and when we clean it with a cloth, it gets scratched.
That’s why whenever you park the bike at home, make sure to put a cover on it which prevents dirt from accumulating on the bike.
7. Clean With Microfiber Cloth
Do you use a clean and soft cloth to clean the bike?
For most people, the answer would probably be No.
I have always seen people stuffing a dirty cloth in some corner of their bike and cleaning their bike with that.
Will you wipe yourself with that cloth?
When you can’t use it for yourself, don’t use it for the bike.
A dirty cloth contains particles of dirt and when you wipe the bike with it, they leave scratches.
So buy a microfiber cloth and clean your bike with it.
8. Do Not Wear Accessories
It’s common for people to wear accessories like rings, bracelets, and watches, but these items can also cause scratches on a bike.
When we’re near a bike, our hands naturally come into contact with it, and if we’re wearing these accessories, they can scratch the bike.
To avoid this, it’s best to remove these accessories before you’re near a bike.
Bottom Line
In the above article, you came to know how you can remove the scratches from your bike.
Some of the best tricks that I have shared which can work 9 out of 10 times are as follows:
- Rubbing Compound
- Coconut Oil
- Nail Polish
- Spray Paint
- Shiner Spray
Some of these tricks may not be able to completely remove deep scratches but are capable of hiding them to a great extent.
If you have recently bought a new bike or have not encountered scratches yet, then it is better that you take precautions before scratches happen.
Which of these tricks did you find the most effective and if you have any other trick which can be useful in removing scratches from the bike, let me know in the comments.