From barely-there scratches to deeper notches, we show you how to remove scratches from a car, along with the best products to use!
Removing Car Paint Scratches: Methods for Every Level of Damage
Updated on Nov. 27, 2024
It’s not the end of the world, but it’s certainly an inconvenience when you discover a scratch in your car’s paint. You can take it to a body shop for detailing, but if the scratch is shallow enough, you can save yourself money with some DIY car maintenance.
Gareth Boyd, an experienced automotive blogger at Range Rover Fanatic, says paint scratches on cars are pretty common and can be caused by various factors, from gravel and branches to lousy weather and keys. “Getting them fixed isn’t just about maintaining your car’s aesthetics,” Boyd says. “Paint scratches can expose the underlying metal, leading to rust over time if left untreated.”
However, a minor scratch is an easy, cheap fix. To check the depth of the scratch, run your fingernail across it. If your nail can pass over it without snagging, it’s DIY-able. But if it’s a deep gouge, your best bet is to call your local body shop.
Also, don’t forget to check out how to repair the chipped paint on car.
On This Page
How to Remove ‘Barely There’ Scratches from a Car
Tools
- Cordless drill
- Polishing compound pad
Materials
- Sandpaper (3000-grit)
- Microfiber towel
- Polishing compound
- Rubbing compound
We recommend starting with 3000-grit sandpaper. If you can’t find that, try the toothpaste method. Toothpaste is naturally abrasive and can be used for polishing. However, it will only work on the shallowest of scratches.
“The grit is so fine it can take a lot of paste and a lot of rubbing,” says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert at JustAnswer.com. So, if the toothpaste is taking too long, he suggests also trying 3M rubbing compound and a buffer.
Step-by-Step
1. Sand the car paint scratch
Start by dampening the scratch. Next, sand it down with your sandpaper. You’ll know you’ve sanded enough when the scratch looks faded. Wipe the area clean with a microfiber towel.
2. Apply compound
Apply your rubbing compound to the pad, then begin spreading it. Once you’ve coated the scratch, run the polisher or drill. You’re aiming for 1,200 rpm. When it looks hazy, you’ve run it enough. Finish with a polishing compound to bring back the shine.
While many people use a cordless drill for this, Richard McClellan, founder of Elite Customs, warns that this can be too fast and aggressive. Instead, he recommends cordless or corded buffers, which have lower speeds and will not burn the paint.
“You don’t press or stay still in one spot,” he says. “Instead, the weight of the tool is enough, and a constantly moving hand will ensure a smooth, even finish without burning the paint.”
How to Remove Small Scratches from a Car
If you try the fingernail test and your nail snags, but you don’t see the metal, you’ve got a small scratch. As long as you’re willing to put in some elbow grease, you can still get it out. As always, wash your car first, so you’re starting with a clean surface.
Materials
- Microfiber towel
- Scrubbing pad
- Rubbing compound
Step-by-Step
1. Apply scratch-removal product
Start with a quarter-sized dollop of the rubbing compound. Apply it to your scrubbing pad and start working it into the scratch.
2. Wipe away the residue
Once you’ve covered the area, wipe it clean with a microfiber towel.
3. Repeat two to three times
If one pass isn’t enough, go ahead and give the scratch a second or third pass. It should get harder to see the scratch each time, so keep going until you’re satisfied.
Also, sometimes this size of a scratch requires painting, says Pyle. “A scratch looks bad, but repairing it without re-paint will require you to remove a top layer of paint to get the finish smooth,” he says. “So over time, this area will have a paint failure from being too thin.”
How to Remove Deep Scratches from a Car
If the scratch goes all the way down to the metal, don’t fret. It’s still possible to remove the scratch yourself. Simply gather your tools and get to work.
If you don’t have prior experience with removing deep automotive paint scratches, we recommend consulting an expert or taking your car to a local body shop.
Tools
- Sandpaper
- Polishing pad
- Microfiber towel
Materials
- Masking tape
- Automotive primer
- Paint
- Paper or drape film
- Car wax
Step-by-Step
1. Sand the scratched area
After washing your car, sand down the area around the scratch until you can see the metal. Remember not to sand in the opposite direction of the scratch. We’re trying to repair one scratch, not add more!
For some bad scratches, you may need to use a wet sanding process with fine sandpaper. Start by getting a small bucket or bowl of water close, says McClellan, and dunk your sandpaper in it periodically.
“Then, you can buff and polish using the buffing compound and polishing compounds with different pads in each process,” he says.
2. Spray primer, then paint onto the sanded area
Next, prep the scratched area for painting. Be sure to use masking tape and paper to section off the area. Apply automotive primer and wait for it to dry.
After the primer dries, apply the paint. If you’re unsure about the color, check with the manufacturer.
3. Polish until the area matches the rest of the car
Once the paint dries, polish the spot so it blends better with the rest of the car. Apply a quarter-sized amount onto a polishing pad or microfiber cloth and work it into the car.
About the Experts
- Richard McClellan is a lifetime auto enthusiast and the founder of Elite Customs, a luxury car customization shop in Franklin, Tennessee.
- Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer.com since 2006.
