How to remove scratches from your car

It doesn’t matter how bright your paint job shines, even the smallest scratches can ruin the overall look of your car. Scratches aren’t just annoying to look at, if you don’t fix them, they can start to look like rust spots.  

Fortunately, with the right tools, light scratches aren’t too difficult to treat — you can even do it at home. Before you get started, you’ll need to know what type of scratch you’re dealing with, what tools are best suited for the job and how to get the best results.  

What causes scratches in the paint? 

When it comes to scratches, there are the obvious culprits — scrapes from parking, small stones or gravel hitting your bodywork and minor accidents can cause anything from a surface level scratch to deeper gouges in the paint. However, once it goes beneath the clear coat, the only fix is repainting. 

Improper washing techniques can also cause scratches to the clear coat and can be treated. Before you treat a scratch, you’ll first need to identify it. 

How to identify swirl marks and scratches (spider webs) 

Swirl marks are those glistening fine lines that are sometimes visible after you wash your car, also known in the industry as spider webs. If you’re new to car detailing, swirl marks can be maddening, especially if you’ve spent considerable time lovingly washing, buffing and polishing your car.  

These marks are caused by poor washing techniques — like;  

• Using a wash mitt that's too abrasive 

• Not using multiple buckets when you wash (2 Bucket technique) 

• Not using grit guards 

They’re also caused by abrasive cleaning materials or exposure to sand, dirt and dust.  

Over time, if not treated these marks make your paint job look cloudy and dull. 

How to identify clear coat scratches 

Clear coat scratches are surface level and won’t remove the coloured paint from your car. These scratches appear as small white lines and are usually only visible up close. If you can run your finger along the scratch without feeling it, or if the scratch is no thicker than a piece of paper, it’s probably only caused damage to the clear coat.  

How to remove clear coat scratches 

Clear coat scratches are easily fixed.  

1. Use a car detailing cleaner like the CarPro Reset Intensive Car Shampoo to clean around the scratched area.  
   
   
2. On a microfiber cloth, apply a small amount of scratch remover compound like CarPro Fixer 1 Step Nano Compound & Polish and rub it into the scratch in a circular motion. Use light pressure and buff until the scratch is no longer visible.
   
   
3. Once the scratch has been removed, with a clean microfibre towel, wipe the area clean of any compound residue and buff to your desired finish.  

How to identify a base coat / colour coat scratch 

A base coat scratch is one that removes colour from your car’s paintwork as there is no clear coat over it. If you can’t see another colour beneath the scratch, it hasn’t gone deep enough to show the primer or metal. These scratches can’t be fully removed without risk to the surrounding paint. 

How to remove base coat or colour coat scratches 

Make sure you work carefully to avoid further damage to your paint. 

1. Use a car detailing cleaner like the CarPro Reset Intensive Car Shampoo to clean around the scratched area. Dry the area or wait until it's dry before carrying on. 
   
   
2. Apply a small amount of touch up paint to the scratch. For the best results, use something small such as a toothpick or very thin paintbrush. 
   
   
3. Once the paint is completely dry, lightly sand over the top of the paint with a 2000-grit sandpaper. Being careful not to only sand the areas directly around the scratch. This will help to smooth the surface.  
   
   
4. Apply a rubbing compound, like the CarpPro Fixer 1 Step Nano Compound & Polish to a micro fibre cloth and rub it onto the area in a circular motion. Continue buffing it in until the scratch is no longer visible.  
   
   
5. If you’re not using a compound with polishing attributes like above, apply a small amount of car polish to the scratch once it’s no longer visible. This will help restore the shine. 
   
   
6. Once the scratch has been removed, with a clean microfibre towel, wipe the area clean of any compound residue and buff to your desired finish.  
    

How to identify deep scratches 

A deep scratch is usually caused by a collision with another car or object. Unlike minor scratches in your clear coat, a deep scratch will tear through your base coat and primer right down to the metal of your car. If you can see the metal, you’ll need the help of a professional to fix your paint job. You’ll need to fix a deep scratch to prevent rust from setting in. We advise you to seek professional assistance for this. 

Detail Depot stocks a wide range of professional car detailing products to help restore your paint job after a scratch. Check out our range of paint correction solutions here.