WD40 Scratches Car Paint: Is This True or It’s Just a Myth?

WD40 is a popular brand of lubricant. It is used to lubricate metal, cracks, crevices, hinges, and other areas that need a little extra help to get the job done. However, some people are using it as a quick fix for scratches on car paint. Well, wd40 scratches car paint: is this true?. In this blog, I’ll give you everything related to WD40.

You can use WD40 to fix minor scratches but you still need to use a wax or a sealant on top of it.

What is WD-40?

Well, this product is known for many things. It can do many things. This is a lube, it can remove gunk, clean and polish. It’s also used for so many other projects and hobbies as well. Some people say it fixes dry rot and rust on copper pipes as well as leaks in pipes.

WD-40 was developed by three engineers at Rocket Chemical Company in the late 1950s. It was originally developed to clean and protect missile parts. So, if you are wondering about where the letters “WD-40” come from, there is a simple answer. The first letter, “W”, stands for the word “water” because it can dissolve in water so that missiles wouldn’t be corroded by saltwater during launch. It also could be used as a fire extinguisher, so the second letter is there for that purpose.

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The “40” stands for the 40th attempt at creating a product that would prevent corrosion on missiles. This is what Rocket Chemical was trying to do. The company was able to create a formula that worked, and today, that formula is still sold as WD-40. It works great on so many other surfaces like engines, windshields and so much more.

Why Will WD-40 Not Harm Your Paintwork?

Are you wondering why WD-40 can’t hurt your paintwork? Well, it won’t hurt the car paint because it is water-displacing. So when you spray the product onto a surface, the first thing that happens is that it dries up fast and turns into a film.

The next thing it does is displace any remaining water on the car. It’s going to be attracted to moisture and then remove any excess. WD-40 is a great product, and it’s very safe to use on your cars.

Why Would You Want to Use WD-40 on Car Paint?

It’s a very unpopular decision to use WD-40 on car paint. If you are wondering why people would even try this, there are a few reasons you might try this.

The first reason is that many people don’t like using regular products to protect their car’s paint job, so they might use WD-40 in order to protect the paintwork from the harsh chemicals that are in the lotions and waxes.

Another reason is that it’s cheaper than other car protection methods. As you can tell, there is no real reason to use WD-40 on car paint, but as I said, it is safer than the regular product. It’s not going to cause any damage to the paint job. You will have a film cleanup of the product from the surface and then have the wax or liquid protectant cover.

Lastly, it’s so cheap that you might think about this and do some research before buying it.

Wd40 Scratches Car Paint: Is This True or It’s Just a Myth?

Yes, it’s a quick fix for minor scratches on car paint. If the scratches are from sandpaper, you might only have to use a little bit of WD-40. The problem is, that WD-40 is water displacing; so you will still need to clean the surface and then apply the wax or protectant on top of it before dry times are done. Also, remember that you won’t be able to see what you are doing if there is any corrosion in the car’s paint job.

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Your car’s paint isn’t going to change with your usual car care and waxing. But it has become a popular myth that WD-40 can remove scratches from car paint. However, there is no such thing as the “WD-40 cure” for scratches in your paint. WD-40 won’t do anything!

How to Use WD40 to Fix Car Paint Scratches

Fixing minor car paint scratches with WD-40 can be a quick and cost-effective solution to improve your car’s appearance. Before getting started, gather the following materials:

• A can of WD-40
• Microfiber cloth or soft cotton cloth
• Car washing soap and water
• Car wax (optional)
• Car polish (optional)

Step-by-Step instruction

Step 1: Clean the Affected Area

Start by thoroughly cleaning the scratched area with car washing soap and water. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub away any dirt, debris, or wax residue around the scratch. Make sure the surface is dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Shake the WD-40 Can

Give the WD-40 can a good shake to ensure the product is well-mixed and ready for application.

Step 3: Apply WD-40 to the Scratched Area

Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly onto the scratched area. It’s essential to use only a little at a time, as excessive application may lead to undesirable results. WD-40 works effectively on minor scratches and scuff marks.

Step 4: Gently Rub the WD-40 into the Scratch

Take the microfiber cloth or soft cotton cloth and start gently rubbing the WD-40 into the scratch. Use small circular motions, being careful not to apply too much pressure. The WD-40 will work to minimize the appearance of the scratch and blend it into the surrounding paint.

Step 5: Wipe Off Excess WD-40

After rubbing the WD-40 into the scratch for a few minutes, take a clean section of the cloth and wipe off any excess product. This will help you gauge the progress and see if the scratch is less noticeable.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

For deeper or more prominent scratches, you may need to repeat steps 3 to 5 multiple times. Be patient and consistent in your efforts for the best results.

Step 7: Apply Car Wax and Polish (Optional)

Once you’re satisfied with the scratch’s improvement, you can apply car wax and polish to further enhance the paint’s appearance and protect the surface. This step is optional but can give your car a shiny, polished look.

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Is Wd-40 Safe on Car Paint?

WD-40 can be used on car paint, but it should be used with caution. WD-40 is primarily designed as a lubricant and penetrating oil, but it also has some cleaning properties. While it can be effective at removing certain types of stains and residues, it may not be the best option for car paint care due to its chemical composition.

WD-40 contains petroleum-based solvents and other chemicals that can potentially damage or degrade car paint if used improperly or over a prolonged period. If you decide to use WD-40 on your car’s paint, follow these guidelines:

1. Spot test: Before applying WD-40 to a larger area, do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area of the car’s paint to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse effects.
2. Use on specific stains: Limit the use of WD-40 to remove specific stains, such as tar, bugs, or tree sap. Apply a small amount directly on the stain, let it sit for a short time, and then gently wipe it away. Rinse the area with water afterward.
3. Avoid excessive use: Do not use WD-40 as a general car cleaner or wax substitute. It is not designed for this purpose and may lead to unintended damage.
4. Wash the car afterward: If you use WD-40 on your car’s paint, make sure to wash and rinse the entire area thoroughly with car wash soap and water to remove any residue.

What Else Can WD-40 Be Used For?

WD-40 can also be used for many other things. Here are some of the uses that you might want to give it a try:

• It can be used as an all-purpose cleaner that will do a great job on many surfaces, including glass, chrome, stainless steel, and more.
• If you have a squeaky door hinge in your car doors or other such mechanisms, it can be lubricated with WD-40.
• It can be used to clean various other dull and dirty areas in your house.
• It can be used to remove rust stains, rotten wood, and even mildew from showers, sinks, and bathtubs.
• It can help you remove the dirt in hard-to-reach areas by soaking them with WD-40 and then using a brush or a scrubber after the cleaning.

Find out: How to wash your car without scratching the paint?!

Final Words

WD-40 can be used to clean the stains and dirt on your car. However, you have to use a wax or sealant on top of it for protection. The good thing is that you won’t see any traces of the product when it’s cleaned. Then don’t forget that WD-40 is not going to scratch your car paint, so there is no need to panic when you see the scratches after using WD-40. You will still need to use some wax afterward for protection.