how to get rid of scratches on car

There’s that sinking feeling when you walk up to your car and see a new scratch marring its beautiful finish. Whether it’s from a stray shopping cart, a careless door ding, or a branch on a narrow road, scratches are an unfortunate part of car ownership. The good news is that you don’t always need to rush to a professional for every single mark. With a little know-how, learning how to get rid of scratches on car surfaces can be a satisfying and money-saving DIY project.

Assessing the Scratch Depth

Before you grab any product, the first and most crucial step is to assess the damage. Run your fingernail gently across the scratch. If your nail doesn’t catch, it’s likely a clear coat scratch, which is the easiest to fix. If your nail does catch, the scratch has penetrated the color coat. For deep scratches that expose the primer or bare metal, a more involved repair is needed.

How to Get Rid of Scratches on Car Clear Coats

For those superficial clear coat scratches, you can often make them disappear completely. Start by giving the area a thorough wash and dry. Then, use a quality rubbing compound or a dedicated scratch remover. Apply a small amount to a clean, soft microfiber cloth and work it into the scratch using a circular motion. This process gently abrades the surrounding clear coat, leveling the surface and blending the scratch away. Follow up with a polish to restore the shine.

Tackling Deeper Scratches with Touch-Up Paint

When a scratch has gone through to the color layer, touch-up paint is your best friend. You can find an exact match using your car’s paint code, typically located on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb or glovebox. After cleaning the area, carefully apply the paint using the included brush or a fine-tip applicator, filling the scratch layer by layer. Let it dry completely according to the product instructions. Once cured, you can gently blend the edges with a fine polishing compound to make the repair less noticeable.

When to Call a Professional

For extensive damage, deep gouges, or if you’re simply not comfortable doing it yourself, seeking professional help is a wise choice. A skilled auto body technician has the tools and expertise to perform seamless repairs, especially for complex multi-layer paints or large damaged areas, ensuring your car looks its best.

Seeing a scratch on your car is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent eyesore. By correctly identifying the scratch type and using the right techniques, you can restore your car’s finish and keep it looking showroom-new for years to come.