How to remove scratches from car paint

From minor scratches to deeper ones, this article will show you how to remove scratches from your car , along with the best products to use!

You can take your car to a garage to have it fixed, but if the scratch is small, you can maintain your car at home yourself to save money.

Gareth Boyd, an experienced car blogger at Range Rover Fanatic, says paint scratches on cars are common and can be caused by a number of factors, from rocks and tree branches to bad weather or collisions. ' Repairing them is more than just a cosmetic fix ,' says Boyd. 'Paint scratches can expose the metal underneath, which can lead to rust over time if left untreated .'

However, a small scratch can be fixed easily and cheaply. To check the depth of the scratch, run your fingernail over it. If your fingernail can pass easily, you can fix it yourself. But if the scratch is too deep, it is best to call your nearest auto repair shop.

How to remove very small scratches on cars

Tool

1. Cordless Drill
2. Polishing pad

Material

1. Sandpaper (3000 grit)
2. Microfiber towel
3. Polishing compound
4. Rubbing compound

You should start with 3000 grit sandpaper. If you can't find any, try the toothpaste method. Toothpaste is a natural abrasive and can be used to polish. However, it is only effective on very small or shallow scratches.

' The grit is so fine that it requires a lot of toothpaste and a lot of rubbing ,' says Chris 'Moose' Pyle, automotive expert at JustAnswer.com, so if toothpaste is taking too long, he recommends trying 3M rubbing compound and a pad.

Steps to follow

1. Sanding scratches on car paint

Start by dampening the scratch. Next, sand it with sandpaper. You'll know you've sanded enough when the scratch fades. Wipe the area clean with a microfiber towel.

2. Apply compound

Apply the buffing compound to the pad, then start spreading it out. Once the coating is applied to the scratch, run the polisher or drill. You should set the speed to 1,200 rpm. When the scratch looks dull, turn off the machine. Finish with polishing compound to restore the shine.

While many people use a cordless drill for this, Elite Customs founder Richard McClellan warns that this can be too fast and aggressive. Instead, he recommends using a cordless or corded sander, which is slower and won't burn through the paint. He shares:

" You don't need to press or stand still . Instead, the weight of the tool is enough, and the constant movement of your hand will ensure a smooth, even surface without burning the paint ."

How to remove small scratches on car

If you try using your fingernail and it gets stuck but you can't see any metal, it's a small scratch. With some effort, you can still remove it. As always, wash your car first to make sure the surface is clean.

Material

1. Microfiber cleaning cloth
2. Scrub
3. Scrubbing Compound

Steps to follow

1. Apply scratch remover

Start with a quarter-sized amount of rubbing solution on a sponge. Work the solution onto the sponge and onto the scratch.

2. Wipe off any remaining residue.

Once the area to be treated is covered, wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

3. Repeat two to three times

If one pass isn't enough, continue working on the scratch a second or third time. The scratch will become less visible with each pass, so keep going until you're satisfied.

How to remove deep scratches on car

If the scratch goes deep into the metal, don't worry. You can still remove the scratch yourself. Just gather your tools and get to work.

If you have no experience removing deep scratches on car paint, we recommend that you consult a professional or take your car to the nearest repair garage.

Tool

1. Sandpaper
2. Polishing pad
3. Microfiber cleaning cloth

Material

1. Tape
2. Automotive primer
3. Paint
4. Paper or film
5. Car wax

Steps to follow

1. Sand the scratched area

After washing your car, sand the area around the scratch until you can see the metal. Be sure not to sand in the opposite direction of the scratch. We are trying to fix a scratch, not add another one!

For some serious scratches, you may need to use a wet sanding process with fine-grit sandpaper. McClellan recommends starting by having a small bucket or bowl of water nearby and steadily dipping the sandpaper into it.

Then you can polish with a specialized solution and polishing solution with different pads in each process.

2. Spray primer, then paint over the sanded area

Next, prepare the scratched area for painting. Remember to divide the area with masking tape and paper. Apply automotive primer and let it dry. Once the primer is dry, apply the topcoat. If you are unsure about the color, ask the manufacturer.

3. Polish the area until it matches the rest of the car.

After the paint has dried, buff the area to blend in better with the rest of the car. Apply a dime-sized amount to a buffing pad or microfiber cloth and rub it over the car.

Marvin Fry

Update 12 July 2025