How to remove scratches from your paintwork

Ever come back from an afternoon’s shopping to find your car’s been dinged in the car park? Or maybe you’ve driven a little too fast down a gravelled road and ended up with a scratch on your bodywork?

It might seem like the odd scratch on your paintwork is simply an unavoidable part of modern driving, but that doesn’t make those unsightly scrapes any easier to stomach.

Can you fix it yourself or is it best left to a garage or mechanic? Here’s our ultimate how to guide on what to do if your car’s been scratched.

What should I do if my car’s been scratched?

If your paintwork’s been scraped or scratched, the chances are it’s been done accidentally, either by another motorist or from stones and gravel hitting your car while driving. Search for an RAC Approved Garage if you do need a repair. Alternatively, speak to a mobile mechanic.

If you suspect your car’s been deliberately vandalised, or it’s been more seriously damaged, you may want to file a police report and contact your insurance company to see if your policy covers vandalism.

If your car has been scratched following a collision with another vehicle then you may need to go through your car insurance to get the vehicle repaired.  

Can I fix car scratches myself?

That depends on the scratch and how deep it goes into the paintwork. There are three layers of paintwork on your car: clear coat, base coat, primer and beneath these is the metal body panel.

For smaller surface scratches and scrapes, you might be able to fix at home with the help of either a scratch removal kit or similar tools.

If the scratch is deeper, or you’d rather entrust the job to the professionals, you might prefer to check your vehicle into a local garage. It might seem costly, but it could be the best way to help smooth out that scratch. Some mobile mechanics can even carry out the job on your driveway or from your place of work.

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How do I use a scratch remover?

If the scratch is deeper than the clear coat and has gone onto the base coat, you might prefer to leave the toothpaste in the bathroom and use a dedicated scratch removal product, instead.

If you want to try using a scratch removal product, follow these steps:

1. First, wash and dry the affected area to ensure you don’t end up rubbing any debris or dirt into the scratch and making it worse. Use warm soapy water and then rinse down before drying with a clean, dry cloth.
2. Before applying any scratch removal agent, you should also read the manufacturer’s guidelines and check if any buffing tool or pad is sold with the agent to use on your paintwork.
3. Usually, you would apply around a 2p’s worth of product to the buffing pad and ensure that the product is evenly distributed around the pad to ensure even application.
4. Next, rub the product into the affected area using a circular motion, making sure you don’t change direction, to ensure an even covering.
5. Once you’ve finished, it’s important you don’t allow any excess product to dry on the car in case it affects the paintwork, so clean any product away with a clean microfibre cloth.

Before repeating the process, read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you don’t over-apply and end up unwittingly damaging your paintwork.

How much does it cost to repair a scratch on my car?

That obviously depends on the severity of the scratch and how you want to deal with it. Using toothpaste to repair a minor scratch will only set you back a couple of pounds, while a scratch removal agent will cost slightly more.

More severe, deeper scratches will likely cost a fair bit more, but could be well worth it if you want your motor looking good as new in no time.

Will my insurance pay for scratches on my car?

This depends on your policy, although the excess on many policies would be more than paying for the work yourself, meaning that making a claim is pointless.

Some insurers offer a separate scratch and dent product which allows you to get minor dents and scrapes fixed without claiming on your main policy, usually in the comfort of your own driveway.

If your MOT is due or if you would like to book your vehicle in for a full car service, you can book online with your local RAC Approved Garage today.

Tips for removing scratches on your car

Remember that if you are not confident in doing the work, speak to a mechanic or local garage. However, if you want to repair the scratches on your car, take this advice:

• Always work in a shaded area to avoid the product drying too quickly.
• Test the product in a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire scratch.
• Use soft microfiber cloths to avoid causing new scratches.

You might need to get your car repainted or use touch-up paint to fill in the scratch.

Many automotive shops sell touch-up paint that matches your car's color. This is usually a more permanent fix but may require some finesse to blend it in properly.

READ MORE: The pros and cons of Paint Protection Film (PPF) for your car

How do I repair a deeper scratch?

Deep scratches are more difficult to repair than light surface marks because they extend beyond the clear coat and into the paint layers beneath. Before attempting any repair, determine how deep the damage is.

Identify the type of scratch

Clear-coat scratches

These are the easiest to fix and affect only the transparent protective layer above the paint.

Signs:

• Scratch appears white in certain light.
• You cannot see primer or bare metal.
• The scratch often disappears when wet.

Repair method:

1. Wash and dry the area.
2. Apply a cutting compound or scratch remover.
3. Polish using a microfibre cloth or dual-action polisher.
4. Finish with wax or paint sealant.

Typical DIY cost: £10-£25+

Primer-level scratches

These scratches cut through the paint colour coat and expose the grey or white primer underneath.

Signs:

• Scratch remains visible after polishing.
• Grey, white or off-colour material can be seen beneath the paint.

Repair method:

1. Clean the damaged area thoroughly.
2. Lightly sand rough edges using 2000-3000 grit wet-and-dry paper.
3. Apply matched touch-up paint in thin layers.
4. Allow each coat to dry fully.
5. Apply clear coat.
6. Wet sand and polish to blend the repair.

Typical DIY cost: £20-£50+

Metal-exposed scratches

These are the most serious scratches because the paint, primer and protective layers have all been removed.

Signs:

• Bare metal is visible.
• There may already be signs of rust.
• The scratch catches your fingernail easily.

Repair method:

1. Remove any rust with fine sandpaper.
2. Apply an anti-rust primer.
3. Add colour-matched paint.
4. Apply multiple layers of clear coat.
5. Wet sand and polish once cured.

Typical DIY cost: £30-£80+

When repainting is unavoidable

DIY repair may not produce an acceptable finish if:

• The scratch covers multiple panels.
• Metal is exposed over a large area.
• Paint has started peeling around the scratch.
• The vehicle has metallic, pearlescent or matte paint that is difficult to match.
• The scratch is deeper than a touch-up kit can fill.
• The vehicle is leased or due for resale and requires a factory-quality finish.

Professional bodyshop repairs typically cost:

How to check whether a scratch can be repaired at home

A simple test is to run a fingernail gently across the scratch:

• Can't feel it? Usually polishable.
• Can feel it slightly? Touch-up paint may be needed.
• Deep groove that catches your nail? Expect a more extensive repair and potentially professional intervention.

Expected DIY costs

To help you find a mechanic you can trust, the RAC Approved Garage Network only includes garages that provide quality work and exceptional customer service, giving you peace of mind if your car needs attention.