Formula 1 Scratch Out Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’re fed up with car scratches ruining your ride’s look, buy Formula 1 Scratch Out—it’s a budget-friendly fix!

Written at 10:56 PM +06 on Thursday, September 04, 2025, this 3100-word review shares my six-month journey with this 7 oz paste since February 2025, covering pros, cons, maintenance tips, and comparisons. Let’s get your car shining together!

My Experience With Formula 1 Scratch Out

I hit 40 in January 2025 and grew tired of my black Sedan’s swirl marks from a parking lot scrape, a constant eyesore as I rolled into the garage.

After ditching cheap polishes that left a hazy mess, I picked up Formula 1 Scratch Out for $8 on February 1 at a local auto store, intrigued by its 7 oz bottle and micro-polish claims, and planned to test it that weekend.

 On February 5, I squeezed a dime-sized amount onto a microfiber cloth, rubbed it in circles on a test spot near the door, and by February 15, the scratches faded, revealing a gleam after a thorough rinse—my first real hope.

By March 10, I tackled a key scratch from a bush branch during a weekend wash, working under garage lights, and the paste smoothed it out, though it dried fast in the warm air, pushing me to hurry.

 I started a log in my garage notebook, jotting down weekly changes, and by April 20, I buffed the hood after a bird dropping incident, noticing the gloss return, but over-rubbing left a slight haze I had to rinse off with the hose.

On May 5, I layered a wax coat post-application, and a week later, during a rainy commute, the paint held up better, though the bottle cap got sticky with paste buildup.

July’s heat arrived, and on July 1, the paste thickened, so I moved it to a cool drawer, applying it to a shopping cart ding on August 1 with careful rubs under a tree’s shade. By August 15, I helped a friend with his SUV, and it worked on his deeper scratches, though I needed more effort and a second cloth.

I’ve used it over 25 times by September 1, tweaking my approach, and on September 3, it polished a new scrape from a bike rack. Now, at 10:56 PM +06 on September 04, 2025, with my garage still warm from a late polish, I’m sold—let’s see if it’s your go-to too!

Also read: My Experience With Liqui Moly Motor Oil Saver

Pros Of Formula 1 Scratch Out

• Effective scratch removal: I buffed out swirl marks by February 15, restoring my Sedan’s shine with just a few rubs on a quiet Sunday.
• Easy application: The paste spread smoothly by March 10, a quick fix for parking lot dings without needing fancy tools.
• Glossy finish: My hood gleamed by April 20, protecting against bird droppings with a slick layer that caught the sunlight.
• Budget price: The $8 bottle by February 1 lasted months, a steal compared to the $50 I’d shell out for pro detailing.
• Haze-free results: No cloudy residue by May 5 when rinsed properly, leaving a mirror-like shine I admired in the driveway.
• Versatile use: It worked on my friend’s SUV by June 10, tackling key scratches with the same ease across different paints.
• Quick dry time: It set fast by July 15, letting me drive off without waiting around in the midday heat.
• Paint protection: The micro-polish guarded against UV by August 1, keeping my black paint vibrant through summer rays.
• Non-abrasive: My paint stayed safe by March 25, no damage from circular rubs on sensitive hood spots.
• Long-lasting shine: The gloss held by April 30, even after a rainy drive with puddles splashing the sides.
• Surface versatility: It smoothed scratches on plastic bumpers by May 20, expanding its use beyond metal panels.
• User-friendly scent: The mild smell by June 1 didn’t overwhelm me, unlike harsher competitors I’ve sniffed in the past.
• Repeat performance: A second application on August 15 refreshed the shine, proving its reliability over months.
• Quick setup: I was rubbing within minutes by March 30, no prep needed beyond a clean cloth.
• Fade resistance: The color stayed rich by July 20, resisting sun fade on long parking lot waits.

Cons Of Formula 1 Scratch Out

• Dries fast: The paste hardened by February 20 in heat, rushing my buffing process before it crusted over.
• Haze risk: Over-rubbing left a cloud by April 10, needing extra rinse to clear, which annoyed me mid-job.
• Messy cap: Residue built up by May 5, making the bottle sticky to handle after each garage session.
• Not for deep scratches: Surface marks faded by June 1, but deeper gouges from a cart stayed visible on the door.
• Short bottle life: The 7 oz ran out by July 10 with frequent use on my car and a friend’s, pushing me to restock.
• Thick texture: It clumped by August 1 in humidity, needing a stir before applying on a muggy afternoon.
• Rinse required: No residue-free claim held by March 30, always needing a water wash to avoid streaks.
• Limited shine: The gloss dulled by April 25 on dark paint, needing a wax top-up to restore depth.
• Abrasion worry: Soft paint showed swirls by May 30 if pressed hard, a caution I learned after a heavy rub.
• Scent quirk: The chemical smell by June 20 lingered in the garage, bugging me during long polish sessions.
• Heat sensitivity: It thickened by July 20 in the sun, making application trickier without a shaded spot.
• Cap leakage: The lid dripped by August 10, leaving a mess in my storage bin if not stored upright.
• Texture change: It felt gritty by September 1 after months, requiring more effort to spread evenly.

Also read: My Experience With Steelwater Gun Safes 

Maintenance Tips For Formula 1 Scratch Out

• Apply in shade: I buffed in the garage by February 15 to avoid fast drying in the afternoon sun on a warm day.
• Use microfiber: Switching to a soft cloth by March 10 prevented new swirls on my black paint during a weekend wash.
• Rinse thoroughly: Washing off residue by April 20 left no haze on my hood after a careful scrub with the hose.
• Store cool: Keeping it in a drawer by May 5 preserved the paste’s texture in hot summer weather.
• Test spot first: I checked a small area by June 1 to ensure no damage on a hidden panel before going all out.
• Circular motions: Rubbing gently by July 10 maximized removal without leaving marks on the door during a rain break.
• Wax after: Adding a coat by August 1 sealed the shine for weeks against rain and dust on a highway drive.
• Clean cloth: Switching cloths by March 25 avoided transferring dirt back to the surface on a dusty day.
• Avoid heat: Storing away from the car by April 30 kept it potent during a heatwave in June.
• Shake bottle: Mixing well by May 30 ensured even application on a humid day with sticky air.
• Use sparingly: A dime-sized amount by June 20 stretched the bottle longer for multiple scratch fixes.
• Dry surface: Wiping the car first by July 15 improved adhesion on a dusty hood after a windy week.
• Check paint type: Confirming matte or gloss by August 1 avoided mistakes on my friend’s SUV with a different finish.
• Buff lightly: Gentle pressure by March 30 prevented over-abrasion on soft paint areas near the bumper.
• Store upright: Keeping it straight by April 20 stopped leaks in my storage box during a garage shuffle.
• Clean tools: Washing cloths by May 5 kept them ready for the next scratch fix on a busy Saturday.
• Monitor results: Noting changes by June 10 tracked effectiveness over weeks in my notebook.
• Avoid rain: Applying on dry days by July 20 ensured lasting shine after a storm passed.
• Test on plastic: Checking bumpers by August 1 confirmed safety on non-metal parts during a friend’s help.
• Use gloves: Wearing them by March 25 avoided skin irritation from the paste on a long session.
• Rinse tools: Cleaning cloths after by April 30 preserved them for future use on a rainy day.
• Store dry: Keeping away from humidity by May 30 prevented clumping in the jar during a damp month.
• Shake before use: Mixing by June 20 ensured consistency on a sticky afternoon with high dew.
• Apply evenly: Spreading thin by July 15 maximized coverage on large scratches from a bike rack.
• Check cap seal: Tightening it by August 10 stopped drips in my toolbox after a spill scare.
• Avoid over-buffing: Limiting rubs by September 1 prevented haze on dark paint during a late polish.
• Test shine: Checking gloss by March 20 guided my waxing schedule for the next month.
• Clean surface: Wiping dust by April 10 ensured better paste grip on a windy day.
• Use fresh paste: Opening a new bottle by May 20 avoided texture issues from an old batch.
• Store sealed: Keeping the lid tight by June 30 prevented air exposure in my humid garage.
• Check progress: Pausing by July 5 to inspect results helped adjust my technique mid-job.
• Avoid scratches: Using a soft touch by August 20 prevented new marks on polished areas.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Versus Meguiar’s ScratchX: Meguiar’s smoothed scratches by March 10, but lacked Formula 1’s quick gloss by February 15.
• Versus 3M Scratch Remover: 3M tackled deep marks by April 5, though its rough feel missed Formula 1’s gentle touch.
• Versus Turtle Wax Scratch Repair: Turtle Wax faded marks by May 1, but didn’t match Formula 1’s fast dry time.
• Versus Carfidant Scratch Remover: Carfidant polished by June 10, yet its strong scent outdid Formula 1’s milder formula.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: For Formula 1 Scratch Out

If you’re fed up with car scratches ruining your ride’s look, buy Formula 1 Scratch Out—it’s a budget-friendly fix! Written at 10:56 PM +06 on September 04, 2025, this review guides you through my six-month experience to ensure you get the most from this paste. Let’s get your car shining together!