How to Get Scratches Out of Matte Paint?

Matte paint is the paint that its surface has been treated to have a flat, non-reflective finish. This type of paint is usually used on walls and other surfaces that are not meant to be shiny or glossy.

While matte paint can give your home, motor vehicle, or any other property a clean and modern look, it is also more susceptible to scratches than paint with a glossy finish.

Glossy paint by default has a resin that gives it that wet look. Matte paint is the opposite; it has no resin, giving it a chalky appearance when dry.

Therefore it is not well protected against elements like scratches, UV rays, and other types of wear and tear.

Getting scratches out of matte paint can be tricky because you cannot simply buff them out like you would with glossy paint.

There are a few ways that you can try to get rid of scratches on matte paint, which we will explore in this blog post.

Please note none of these methods are guaranteed to work and you may have to experiment with a few before finding one that works for your particular situation.

If your matte paint is scratched, first try to determine how deep the scratch is. If it is only superficial, then you may be able to get rid of it with some elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies.

If the scratch is deeper, then you may need professional help to repair it. In either case, it is always best to consult with a professional before attempting to fix the problem yourself.

Use Magic Eraser

One way to try and remove scratches from matte paint is to use a magic eraser.

Magic erasers are made of a material called melamine foam, which is a synthetic resin that is effective at removing dirt and grime.

To use a magic eraser on scratches in matte paint, wet the foam with water and then gently rub the scratched area in a circular motion. You may see the scratch start to disappear.

If the scratch is still visible, dampen the foam again and continue rubbing until the scratch is gone.

Use Toothpaste

Another household item that you can use to remove scratches from matte paint is toothpaste. Toothpaste contains abrasives that can help to buff out scratches.

To use toothpaste to remove scratches from matte paint, apply a small amount of toothpaste to the scratched area and rub it in with a soft, clean cloth.

Rub the area in a circular motion until the scratch disappears. If the scratch is still visible, apply more toothpaste and continue rubbing until the scratch is gone.

Use a touch-up pen or paint

If the scratch is deeper, then you may need to use a touch-up pen or paint to cover it up.

You will also need to sand the area around the scratch to rough up the surface so that the touch-up pen or paint will adhere properly.

When using a touch-up pen or paint, it is important to match the color as closely as possible to the existing paint.

Once you have found a color that matches, apply the touch-up pen or paint to the scratch and blend it in with the surrounding area.

Allow the touch-up pen or paint to dry completely before moving on.

Use Sandpaper

If the scratch is deeper, then you may need to use sandpaper to remove it.

You will need to use very fine grit sandpaper so that you do not damage the surrounding area.

To use sandpaper to remove scratches from matte paint, wet the sandpaper with water and then gently rub the scratched area in a circular motion. You may see the scratch start to disappear.

If the scratch is still visible, wet the sandpaper again and continue rubbing until the scratch is gone.

Use Nail Polish

Another way to try and remove scratches from matte paint is to use nail polish. Nail polish can be effective at covering up scratches.

To use nail polish to remove scratches from matte paint, apply a small amount of nail polish to the scratched area and rub it in with a soft, clean cloth. Rub the area in a circular motion until the scratch disappears.

If the scratch is still visible you can try applying another layer of nail polish. Allow the nail polish to dry completely before moving on.

Use a Sharpie

If the scratch is deeper, then you may need to use a Sharpie to cover it up.

You will also need to sand the area around the scratch to rough up the surface so that the Sharpie will adhere properly.

Sharpie Markers

When using a Sharpie, it is important to match the color as closely as possible to the existing paint.

Once you have found a color that matches, apply the Sharpie to the scratch and blend it in with the surrounding area.

Allow the Sharpie to dry completely before moving on.

Use a Wax Crayon

Wax crayons can also be used to cover up scratches in matte paint. You will need to find a wax crayon that matches the color of the paint as closely as possible.

wax crayons

To use a wax crayon to remove scratches from matte paint, color over the scratch with the wax crayon. Rub the wax crayon into the scratch with a soft, clean cloth.

The wax crayon will help to fill in the scratch and blend it in with the surrounding area. Allow the wax crayon to dry completely before moving on.

Protect with Vaseline

Once you believe that the scratch has been removed, you can apply Vaseline to the area to help protect it from future scratches.

Little open tin with vaseline

Vaseline has a thick, oily consistency that can help to fill in scratches and prevent them from happening again.

Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the area and rub it in with a soft, clean cloth.

Check out the table below for a summary of different methods and the materials needed.

MethodMaterials NeededAdditional Information
Magic EraserWater, Magic eraserMagic erasers are effective at removing dirt and grime, but be careful not to use them too aggressively as they can damage the surface. This method works best for light surface scratches.
ToothpasteToothpaste, Soft clothToothpaste contains abrasives that can help to buff out scratches, but be sure to use a non-gel toothpaste. This method works best for light surface scratches.
Touch-up pen or paintTouch-up pen or paint, SandpaperTouch-up pens or paint can be purchased at auto parts or hardware stores. Be sure to match the color as closely as possible to the existing paint for best results. Sanding the surrounding area helps the touch-up pen or paint adhere properly.
SandpaperFine-grit sandpaper, WaterUse a very fine-grit sandpaper to avoid damaging the surface. This method works best for slightly deeper scratches.
Nail PolishNail polish, Soft clothNail polish can be used to cover up scratches, but be sure to use a color that closely matches the existing paint. This method works best for small, light scratches.
SharpieSharpie, SandpaperUse a Sharpie in a color that closely matches the existing paint. Sanding the surrounding area helps the Sharpie adhere properly. This method works best for small, light scratches.
Wax CrayonWax crayon, Soft clothThis method works best for scratches that have not penetrated the paint layer. Choose a wax crayon color that closely matches the existing paint.
VaselineVaseline, Soft clothApply Vaseline to the area after using any of the above methods to help protect the surface from future scratches. Be sure to use a soft cloth to avoid damaging the surface.
Ways to Remove Scratches from Matte Paint

Conclusion

There are a few different ways that you can remove scratches from matte paint.

Try one of the methods above and see which one works best for you. Whichever method you choose, be sure to take your time and be careful not to damage the surrounding area.

Once the scratch is gone, apply Vaseline to the area to help protect it from future scratches. Vaseline will help to fill in the scratch and prevent it from happening again.