Car Scratch Repair

What Is Car Scratch Repair?

Car scratch repair is the process of restoring damaged vehicle paint after it has been marked, chipped, scraped or removed. The correct repair depends on how deeply the scratch has travelled through the vehicle's paint layers.

A minor clear-coat mark may only need polishing. A scratch that has removed the colour coat normally requires touch-up paint. Deeper damage exposing primer or bare metal requires more preparation, primer, colour-matched paint and clear lacquer.

What Causes Car Scratches?

Vehicle paint is exposed to damage every day. Some scratches are caused by direct contact, while others result from poor washing methods or contamination being dragged across the paint.

• Branches, hedges and overgrown roadside vegetation
• Shopping trolleys and car park door impacts
• Keys, rings, clothing fasteners and bags
• Automatic car washes with worn or contaminated brushes
• Dirty sponges, cloths and drying towels
• Road debris, stones and grit
• Incorrect snow or ice removal
• Vandalism and deliberate key scratches

Can Car Scratches Be Repaired at Home?

Many scratches can be repaired at home when the damage is limited to a manageable area and the correct products are used. Stone chips, narrow scratches, door-edge damage and small bumper scuffs are often suitable for DIY repair.

Large dents, widespread peeling paint, major corrosion or structural damage may require professional bodyshop attention.

How to Repair a Light Car Scratch

First clean the area thoroughly and inspect the paint under bright lighting. If the colour is still intact, begin with the least aggressive repair method.

1. Wash and dry the damaged area.
2. Remove wax, polish and contamination.
3. Apply a small amount of finishing compound.
4. Work gently using a clean microfibre cloth.
5. Inspect the result before repeating.

How to Repair a Deep Car Scratch

A deep scratch needs more than polishing because the colour layer has been removed. The damaged section must be cleaned, prepared and filled carefully using paint matched to the vehicle.

1. Clean and degrease the area.
2. Remove rust, loose paint and sharp edges.
3. Apply suitable primer if the underlying surface is exposed.
4. Build several thin coats of colour-matched paint.
5. Allow each layer to dry correctly.
6. Apply clear lacquer where required.
7. Allow the repair to cure fully.

How Is Car Paint Matched?

Car paint can be identified using the vehicle registration, manufacturer paint code, VIN, model, production year and colour name. The paint code provides the manufacturer reference used to select the correct formula.

Avoid choosing paint using a broad description such as black, silver or red. Manufacturers produce many different shades that can look similar until placed directly beside the vehicle's original finish.

Read our guide on finding your car paint code by registration .

Does Car Touch-Up Paint Need Lacquer?

Most metallic and pearlescent basecoat colours require clear lacquer. The colour coat supplies the colour and visual effect, while lacquer adds gloss, depth and protection.

A basecoat may look dull, flat or lighter than expected before lacquer has been applied.

When Is Primer Required?

Primer is normally required when the scratch has exposed bare metal, plastic, filler or another uncoated surface. It improves adhesion and helps create an even foundation for the colour coat.

Choose the primer according to the substrate rather than using one primer for every repair.

How to Stop a Car Scratch from Rusting

Bare metal should not be left exposed. Moisture and road salt can reach the metal and begin corrosion. Clean away contamination and rust before applying a suitable primer and paint system.

Simply applying paint over active rust will not stop the corrosion from continuing underneath.