How to Remove Scratches from a Car

Scratches in car paint can be caused by a variety of things. Car accidents, vandalism, poor parking, and other parking lot mishaps are all common causes for a scratch or 2 on your perfect paint job. While scratches do detract from the appearance of your car, paying a body shop for a new coat of paint or even a small touch-up can be costly. You can try buffing out surface scratches with toothpaste, using a scratch removal product for small scratches, or sanding and repainting the area if the scratch is deep.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using Toothpaste for Surface Scratches

1. Run a fingernail over the scratches to see if they are surface or deep. If your fingernail does not catch on the scratches, then they are on the surface and using toothpaste might be a good option. If your fingernail does catch on them, then they are deeper and you will need to use a professional scratch removal product.^[1]
   
2. Wash and dry the scratched area. Before you apply toothpaste to the scratches, make sure that the area is very clean. Rubbing dirt and debris into the scratched area will make the scratches worse.^[2]
   
   • You can take your car to a car wash or wash it yourself.
   • To wash your car yourself, spray it with a hose to wet it all over and remove the majority of the dirt and debris. Then, use a large sponge or car-washing brush to apply soap formulated for vehicles to your car. Work the soap into all surface of your car and then use the hose to spray it off. Dry your car with a clean, dry towel.
3. Apply a quarter-sized amount of toothpaste to a dampened microfiber towel. Get the microfiber towel wet enough so that it is just damp. Then, apply a quarter-sized amount of the toothpaste to the towel, or a little more or less depending on the size of the scratch.^[3]
   
   • Whitening toothpaste works best, but you can try removing the scratches with any toothpaste you have on hand.
   • You will need to apply the toothpaste with a soft, clean, microfiber towel to ensure that rubbing in the toothpaste does not cause more damage.
4. Rub the toothpaste into the scratched area using a circular motion. Push down on the microfiber cloth and move it in small circles to buff out the scratches. Do this until the toothpaste is well-distributed on the surface.^[4]
   
   • You will need to apply some pressure as you apply the toothpaste, but not too much.
5. Rinse off any excess toothpaste. After you finish buffing out the scratches, rinse the area thoroughly to remove the excess toothpaste. Spray your car with a hose and then dry the area with a microfiber towel.^[5]
   
   • You can also wipe away the excess toothpaste with a wet microfiber towel.
6. Repeat the process up to 2 more times. You may need to do more than 1 application to get rid of surface scratches using toothpaste. Check the area to see if the scratches are still visible and then repeat the process 1 or 2 more times if needed.
   
   • Make sure that you do not do more than 3 applications or you may damage the clear coat of the car’s paint.

[Edit]Using a Scratch Removal Product for Small Scratches

1. Wash your car so there is no dirt or debris left in the scratch. It is important to make sure that the area is completely clean before you apply any product to it or try to buff the area. Any dirt or debris left on the surface when you buff it will result in more scratches.^[6]
   
   • Spray your car with a hose before applying any soap to it. Then, use a sponge or brush meant for washing cars to work the soap in. Rinse the soap off completely and dry your car with microfiber towels. Be sure to use soap designed for washing cars.
2. Purchase a scratch-removal product or kit. You can buy scratch-removal products at auto supply stores or in the auto supply section of large one-stop stores. These products are often sold as a scratch-removal kit that includes the scratch-removal solution and a buffing pad to apply the product.^[7]
   
   • If you are unsure about what types of scratch removal product to buy, ask a sales associate for help. Employees who work in auto supply stores are usually knowledgeable about these products.
   • A microfiber towel is often a good choice for applying scratch removal products since they are gentle on the surface of your car.
   • Some products even come with a mechanical buffing tool that you can use to get rid of the scratches.
3. Apply a quarter-sized dollop of scratch-removal product to the pad. You may need a little more or less depending on the size of the scratched area. Squirt the product onto the buffing pad or microfiber cloth, and then fold it in half to work the product around the surface of the pad or cloth.^[8]
   
   • Make sure that the product is evenly distributed on the cloth or pad before you begin.
4. Work the product into the scratched area and the surrounding areas. You can work the product in using a circular motion or a back and forth motion. Do what is most comfortable for you and what covers the scratched area best, but do not switch directions! Only go back and forth or in circles. Continue to work in the product for a few minutes so that it is well distributed.^[9]
   
   • Make sure to apply light to medium pressure as you work in the product.
5. Wipe away the product residue. After you have finished buffing the scratched area, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away the excess product. Buff the surface of the car where you applied the product using a circular motion.^[10]
   
   • Do not allow the excess product to dry on the surface of your car.
   • Check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure about how to remove the excess product.
6. Repeat 2 to 3 times if needed. Check the area to see if the scratches are still visible. If they are, then you can repeat the product application 2 to 3 times. Just be careful not to do this too many times or you may damage the clear coat on your car.
   
   • Check the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding with another application.

[Edit]Painting to Fix Deep Scratches

1. Wash and dry the car thoroughly. If your car is dirty during scratch repair, that dirt could create more scratches. Wash your car thoroughly to remove all of the dirt and debris. You may want to rinse the scratched area a couple of extra time to be certain that it is clean.
   
   • Pay particular attention to the area you will be repairing. Spray the scratched area with water, making sure to get any debris out of the scratch. Then, clean the area well with soap formulated for use on cars and rinse it all away with clean water.
2. Sand the scratched area to strip away the top layers of paint. Wrap 2000-grit wet/dry sandpaper around a sanding pad (a holder for the sandpaper with a handle on it) and begin sanding the scratched area.^[11] Sand for 10 to 15 seconds at a time and then check the area to see if you need to sand deeper.
   
   • Always sand in the direction of the scratch. You do not want to create opposing scratches, which will only add more ridges and valleys in the paint that need to be repaired.
   • Rinse the area with water as needed to check your progress. This will allow you to better see if you have gotten to the bottom of the scratch.
   • If the scratch is slightly deeper than the clear coat, use 1500-grit sandpaper to level the surface and then 2000-grit sandpaper to remove the scratches made by the coarser sandpaper.
   • Avoid getting dirt or debris between the sandpaper and the vehicle. This will cause scratching.
3. Rinse and dry the area. Rinse away the debris left by sanding the scratched area. Then, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the surface dry.
   
   • Avoid using old or dirty rags since these could cause more scratches on the surface of your car.
4. Spray a few coats of primer onto the sanded areas. Get some sandable primer in an aerosol can. Spray the primer onto the area you have just sanded. Use a back and forth motion to spray on the paint. Then, wait 5 to 10 minutes for the primer to dry and spray on another layer. Do this a total of 3 times.^[12]
   
   • Choose a primer that is close to the color of your car’s paint, if possible. It will not be an exact match, but your paint will be.
5. Apply a few coats of paint that match your car. Next, spray on the same color paint as is on the rest of your car to the area where you applied the primer. Wait 5 to 10 minutes between each application so that the paint dries completely.^[13]
   
   • To ensure that the paint will match, check with your car’s manufacturer to get the same shade of paint. You may be able to purchase the paint from an auto supply store, or you may have to special order the paint from your car’s manufacturer.
6. Wax the area to seal the paint you have repaired. Apply a high-quality carnauba wax to the surface of your car and then buff the area with a buffer pad or microfiber cloth. You can purchase a waxing kit that includes everything you need to wax your car, such as the wax and a buffing pad or microfiber cloth.^[14]
   
   • Apply a quarter-size amount of wax to the buffing pad or cloth to start and add more if needed.
   • Use circular motions and press down on the pad or cloth with medium pressure.
   • Keep going until the wax is evenly distributed and the car’s surface looks shiny.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Rubbing compound can be used to repair paint scratches as well. For more information on using this as a fix, refer to: How to Use Rubbing Compound to Fix Car Paint Scratches.

[Edit]Warnings

• If the scratches in your car's paint are deep or excessive, you may want to consider going to a body shop to get them repaired. Auto body shops have the professional set up and know-how to give your car a beautiful, shiny new surface.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Using Toothpaste for Surface Scratches

• Soap
• Hose
• Sponge
• Microfiber towels
• Toothpaste

[Edit]Using a Scratch Removal Product for Small Scratches

• Soap
• Hose
• Sponge
• Microfiber towels (to dry your car)
• Scratch removal kit
• Buffing pad or microfiber towel

[Edit]Painting to Fix Deep Scratches

• Soap
• Hose
• Sponge
• Microfiber towels (to dry your car)
• 1500- and 2000-grit sandpaper
• Sanding pad
• Sander
• Sandable spray primer
• Spray paint that matches your car’s existing paint
• Car wax

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Safely Remove Fine Scratches from Your Car's Paint
• Touch up Scratches on Your Car
• Remove Tree Sap From Your Car
• Buff a Car

[Edit]References

• Videos provided by milanmastracci

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/car-scratch-repair-kits/
2. ↑ https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles-eg/remove-car-scratches-with-toothpaste.html
3. ↑ https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles-eg/remove-car-scratches-with-toothpaste.html
4. ↑ https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles-eg/remove-car-scratches-with-toothpaste.html
5. ↑ https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles-eg/remove-car-scratches-with-toothpaste.html
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6i8rBrv9Es&feature=youtu.be&t=36s
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6i8rBrv9Es&feature=youtu.be&t=1m6s
8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6i8rBrv9Es&feature=youtu.be&t=1m2s
9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6i8rBrv9Es&feature=youtu.be&t=1m30s
10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6i8rBrv9Es&feature=youtu.be&t=2m7s
11. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/maintenance/4216365
12. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/g173/how-to-fix-a-car-paint-scratch/
13. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/g173/how-to-fix-a-car-paint-scratch/
14. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a10646/how-to-wax-your-car-16878051/

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How to Prune Begonias

Begonias make a great addition to the shaded areas of your garden or your house, but they need to be pruned to control their spread, keep their foliage thick and avoid an overgrown look. Common varieties of begonia include tuberous, cane, semper florens, rex and winter-flowering begonias. You can grow many of the varieties outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10, but you can grow them as annuals or indoors in colder climates. Be sure to time your pruning correctly, then you can prune your plant to shape it and help it flourish.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Timing Your Pruning

1. Pinch off new growth a few weeks after planting. Use your finger and thumb to remove the ends of small stems that branch off the main stems. This will encourage several new stems to sprout in place of each stem you pinch.^[1]
   
   • This step is particularly important if you have cane begonias, such as Angel Wings. Pinch off new stems when the newly-planted cane begonia is about tall. This will make the plant produce two branching stems, rather than a single stem growing straight up.
   • You can also pinch off the young flower buds of tuberous begonias. This will make the plant produce additional blooms.
2. Thin out thick foliage when the begonia is fully grown. If your begonia gets bushy and overgrown, you can cut off up to a third of its stems. This will make the plant look less rambling and more aesthetically pleasing.^[2]
   
3. Deadhead the begonias at the end of the blooming season. When the flowers and buds of a begonia go brown and die, you should remove them. You can use your fingers, pruning shears or scissors. This process will help the plant conserve its energy and produce new flowers and new growth rather than seeds.^[3]
   
   • For most begonias, the blooming season is in the spring and summer. Winter-flowering begonias bloom from late autumn to mid-spring.
4. Cut back begonias in autumn. Once the begonias have finished flowering for the year, you can use pruning shears or sharp scissors to cut the main stem of the begonia back to a length of . This will help conserve the plant’s energy over the winter so that it grows back the next year.^[4]
   
   • If you're growing your begonias as a perennial, they need more pruning. You should cut them back up to 1/3 of the plant after flowering. Throughout the year, prune your begonias to shape their growth.
   • If you have winter-flowering begonias, cut them back in the spring after they have finished flowering.

[Edit]Keeping Your Begonias in Shape

1. Inspect your plants for damaged or diseased areas. You should regularly check your begonia for leaves and stems which are discoloured.^[5]
   
2. Remove dead or diseased parts with shears or scissors. Cut off the discoloured stem or leaf just below the start of the brown area, but try to leave as much of the healthy (green) area of the plant intact as possible. You should cut the stem off at about a 45-degree angle. If there is a large brown area, you can cut off the entire stem. If you do so, be careful not to damage the main stem.^[6]
   
   • Make sure to remove the dead leaves and stems from the floor immediately as they may spread disease into the healthy plant.
3. Pinch off the tips of the largest stems. In the growing season, use your finger and thumb to pick off the tips of the largest stems. This will help the plant’s appearance and other stems to grow more uniformly.
   
   • Don’t cut the tips off all of the stems as this may damage the plant. Only cut off the tops of the few tallest stems.
4. Pinch off the last two sets of leaves on a tall branch. This will encourage a growth spurt from this particular stem.
   

[Edit]Pruning Intensively

1. Trim off leggy stems with shears or scissors. Leggy stems are parts of the plant which grow outwards above your desired shape. They can detract from your plant's aesthetic appeal and drain energy from other parts of the plant.^[7]
   
   • This step is particularly important if you have perennial begonias, which come back year after year.
2. Cut back taller begonias. Types such as the cane begonia should be cut back at the end of the growing season (usually in autumn). Use pruning shears or sharp scissors to cut the main stem of the begonia back to a length of .^[8]
   
3. Store tuberous begonias over the winter. If you have tuberous begonias (such as the Go Go Yellow variety) and are growing them outside, dig up the bulbs after you have cut them back. You can then store the bulbs over the winter in a bag of peat moss, and replant them in the spring.^[9]
   
   • If the tuberous begonia is growing in a pot, tip the pot over on its side and move it to a sheltered area. This will protect the begonia during the winter.
4. Re-root healthy cuttings. If you have stems of the begonia which are still green, you can keep them so that you can use them to grow other plants. Place the cutting in a glass or vase of room-temperature water. After about a week, roots will start to appear and the cutting will be ready to re-plant.^[10]
   

[Edit]Tips

• Clean your scissors or pruning shears by soaking them in a diluted bleach and water solution. You can also use rubbing alcohol. In either case, make sure to rinse them off thoroughly in water and dry the tools with a hand towel before pruning your plant.^[11]
• If a lot of your begonias’ leaves go brown, it may be a sign that you need to thin out the foliage to allow the plant to grow properly.
• If taller begonias start to grow lanky stems or can’t support the weight of the foliage, it’s probably time to prune some of the stems.

[Edit]Warnings

• Certain types of cane begonia (e.g. Angel Wing) are poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.
• Begonia stems can be brittle and easily damaged. You should be careful not to damage the main stem of the plant while pruning it.
• Don’t prune more than 1/3 of a begonia at any 1 time as this stresses the plant, which may kill it.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/begonias_angel_wing
2. ↑ http://homeguides.sfgate.com/trim-begonias-64007.html
3. ↑ http://homeguides.sfgate.com/trim-begonias-64007.html
4. ↑ http://homeguides.sfgate.com/trim-begonias-64007.html
5. ↑ https://newengland.com/today/living/gardening/how-to-prune-houseplants/
6. ↑ https://newengland.com/today/living/gardening/how-to-prune-houseplants/
7. ↑ https://newengland.com/today/living/gardening/how-to-prune-houseplants/
8. ↑ http://homeguides.sfgate.com/trim-begonias-64007.html
9. ↑ https://www.doityourself.com/stry/pruning-a-begonia
10. ↑ https://newengland.com/today/living/gardening/how-to-prune-houseplants/
11. ↑ https://newengland.com/today/living/gardening/how-to-prune-houseplants/

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How to Fill Pill Capsules

Filling your own pill capsules at home can be a great way to incorporate healthy supplements into your diet without spending a lot of money. You'll need to get supplies, including the type and size of capsule you want and herbal fillings to put in them. Filling your capsules by hand is more time-consuming, but less expensive. If you have a bit more money to spend, you can purchase a capsule-filling machine to make tons of capsules quickly.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Choosing Your Supplies

1. Select vegetarian capsules if you have dietary restrictions. Vegetarian capsules are made from poplar trees. They're also a good option if you have other dietary restrictions. Vegetarian capsules are kosher, halal, and gluten-free.^[1]
   
   • You can find vegetarian capsules at your local health food store or online.
2. Use gelatin capsules if you don't have dietary restrictions. Gelatin capsules are made from beef gelatin. You won't taste any beef flavor, though! They tend to be slightly cheaper than vegetarian capsules.^[2]
   
   • Check a health food store for gelatin capsules, or buy them online.
3. Choose size 0 capsules for a standard dose. Fillable capsules come in a few different sizes, but the most common is size 0, which will hold roughly 500 mg of filler.^[3]
   
   • The density and size of the powder may affect how much filler you can fit in a capsule.
4. Pick size 1 capsules if you want a smaller pill. Size 1 capsules are slightly smaller than the standard size 0. That makes them easier to swallow.^[4]
   
   • Size 1 capsules hold about 20% less than size 0 capsules, so keep that in mind if you're looking at going smaller.
5. Ask your healthcare provider to recommend an herbal filler. Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking supplements. Depending on the issue you have and the herbs your healthcare provider recommends, your supplements can help boost your immune system, decrease inflammation, or help with digestion.
   
   • Cayenne is an antioxidant. While it is still being studied, it may be able to help relieve nausea and treat bacterial infections. Putting it in a capsule lets you access its health benefits without potentially burning your mouth.^[5]
   • Ginger may help you fight common illnesses, like colds, sinus congestions, and headaches. It can also help settle indigestion.^[6]
   • Oil of oregano (which actually comes from a relative of the marjoram plant) might be able to help relieve pain.^[7]
   • Turmeric may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.^[8]

[Edit]Filling the Capsules by Hand

1. Place your filler in a bowl. Pour your filler into a bowl. If you're using a mixture of fillers, pour all of them together and then mix them well. It's okay to have too much filler for the number of capsules you're filling. Just put the leftover filler into a resealable plastic bag and store it in a cool, dark place.
   
2. Pull apart the capsules and set the tops aside. Your capsules will come assembled. To take them apart, hold the bottom of the capsule with one hand, and gently pull the top off with the other. If you're having trouble pulling it straight off, twist the capsule top back and forth until it comes free. Put the top aside.^[9]
   
   • The tops of the capsules will be much shorter and wider than the bottoms. This lets the tops slide over the bottoms of the capsules when they're put back together.
3. Scoop up your herbal mix with the bottom of the capsule. Using the bottom of the capsule to scoop up your herbal mixture is the easiest way to fill the capsules and it prevents too much mess. Fill the bottom of the capsule completely.^[10]
   
   • Before you fill your capsules, make sure your hands are very clean. You can also wear protective gloves.
4. Put the top half of the capsule over the bottom and press down. Once you've got the bottom of the capsule filled, gently replace the top of the capsule. Hold the bottom of the capsule gently in one hand, then use the other to press the top of the capsule down.^[11]
   
5. Store the capsules in a cool, dark place. As you finish each capsule, place it in a resealable bag or a jar with a lid. Place the bag or jar in a cool, dark place for storage.
   
   • Make enough capsules for 1 or 2 months at a time. If you make more than that, they may expire before you can take them.
   • If you live in a humid place, put silica gel packets in the jar with your pills. You can buy packets online or save ones packaged in shoes, medications, or other products.

[Edit]Using a Capsule Filling Machine

1. Select your capsule-filling machine based on capsule size. Each capsule filling machine works with only one size capsule. When you're selecting your machine, make sure you pick one that can accommodate the capsule size you chose.^[12]
   
   • You can find capsule-filling machines in most health food stores and online. They cost around $20.
2. Place the base of the machine on its stand. Place the base of your machine on the included stand to keep it secure while you're filling the capsules and fusing them together.^[13]
   
   • The capsule-filling machine will also come with a top where you load the tops of the capsules and a stand.
3. Load the bottom of the capsules into the base of the machine. Pull your capsules apart. Place 1 capsule bottom into each indentation in the bottom of the machine. Don't load more than 1 capsule bottom in each opening.^[14]
   
   • The bottom of the capsule is much longer than the top. This lets the top slide over the bottom when they're sealed together.
4. Pour your filler over the holes in the base of the machine. Put the filler in a measuring cup, then pour the filler over the holes where your capsule bottoms are loaded.^[15]
   
5. Spread the filler into each capsule bottom. Capsule-filling machines usually come with plastic cards that you can use to fill your capsules. Once you have your filler poured on into the holes of the machine base, you'll need to even out the distribution. Use the card to sweep the powder over the openings so the powder is distributed evenly. This will fill your capsules.^[16]
   
   • If your machine didn't come with a card, you can use any piece of clean, hard plastic, like a credit card, to even out the powder.
6. Use the included tamper to compact your fillers if necessary. If you weren't able to fill the capsules completely on the first try, use the tamper to compress the filler and make more room. Line up the prongs of the tamper with the openings where the capsule bottoms are loaded, and then gently press down so the filler in each capsule bottom is compressed.^[17]
   
   • The tamper looks like a flat piece of plastic, with prongs sticking out of on 1 side.
7. Repeat the filling process if you tamped the filler down. Pour more filler over the holes holding the capsule bottoms, then use the enclosed card to spread it evenly into the holes.^[18]
   
8. Load the top of the capsules into the top of the machine. The top of the machine will have openings where you can place the tops of the capsules. Press down gently as you place 1 capsule top in each opening. The tops should be secure in the openings even if you turn the top of the machine upside down.^[19]
   
9. Line up the top of the machine with the bottom and press down. Remove the base of the machine from the stand. Then gently flip the top of the machine over so the openings in the top and bottom are lined up with each other. Press down on the top of the machine until it stops compressing. At this point, the pills have been fully joined.^[20]
   
10. Remove the top of the machine and pop out the finished capsules. When you remove the top of the machine from the base, you'll see the bottom of the capsules poking out of the top of the machine. Push down on the top of the machine top to pop the capsules out.^[21]
    

[Edit]Tips

• If you're concerned about getting the exact same amount of filler in each capsule, it's better to use a capsule-filling machine instead of filling your capsules by hand.

[Edit]Warnings

• Do not crush prescription medication and mix it with other fillers in homemade capsules. Prescription medications can interact with one another and herbal supplements in dangerous ways.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://homesteadlady.com/diy-supplement-capsules/
2. ↑ https://homesteadlady.com/diy-supplement-capsules/
3. ↑ https://homesteadlady.com/diy-supplement-capsules/
4. ↑ https://homesteadlady.com/diy-supplement-capsules/
5. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/945.html
6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
7. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/644.html
8. ↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric/ataglance.htm
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/bQEpbeJ7Zbk?t=110
10. ↑ https://youtu.be/bQEpbeJ7Zbk?t=117
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/bQEpbeJ7Zbk?t=126
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=29
13. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=29
14. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=35
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=52
16. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=57
17. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=64
18. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=64
19. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=64
20. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=76
21. ↑ https://youtu.be/xo92dGCt1Rc?t=89

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