Identify the Scratch Depth First

Run your fingernail across the scratch. If your nail does not catch in it — it is a surface scratch in the clear coat only. If your nail catches — it is deeper and has gone through the paint layers. Different depths require different approaches.

Light Scratches — Clear Coat Only

  1. 1

    Wash and dry the area

    Clean the scratched area thoroughly with car shampoo and dry completely. Any dirt under the compound causes more scratches.

  2. 2

    Apply scratch remover compound

    Use a dedicated scratch remover (Meguiar's ScratchX, Turtle Wax Scratch Repair, or similar). Apply a small amount to a clean microfibre cloth.

  3. 3

    Rub in circular motions with moderate pressure

    Work the compound into the scratch using small circular motions. The mild abrasives level the clear coat surrounding the scratch to match the depth of the scratch itself. Work for 30–60 seconds then wipe away residue with a clean cloth.

  4. 4

    Repeat if needed, then apply wax

    Inspect in direct light. Repeat if the scratch is still visible. Finish with a coat of car wax to seal and protect the area.

Deeper Scratches — Through to Paint or Metal

  1. 5

    Find your colour code

    Your car's colour code is on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, in the engine bay, or in the owner's manual. It is typically a 3–6 character code. Order touch-up paint in your exact colour from your car dealer or a touch-up paint specialist (paintscratch.com, DrColorChip etc).

  2. 6

    Clean and prep the scratch

    Clean thoroughly. If the scratch has reached bare metal, wipe with rubbing alcohol. For deep scratches, apply a tiny amount of primer and let dry before painting.

  3. 7

    Apply touch-up paint in thin layers

    Apply touch-up paint in multiple very thin layers using the brush applicator. Let each layer dry for 30 minutes before the next. Build up to just above the surrounding paint level.

  4. 8

    Apply clear coat and blend

    Once paint layers are dry, apply clear coat. After full cure (24–48 hours), use scratch compound to blend the repaired area into the surrounding paint.

When to use a professionalLarge scratches, deep scratches through to metal (rust risk), scratches on plastic bumpers, or colour-matching issues on metallic paints are best left to a professional detailer or panel beater for the best result.

Frequently Asked Questions

White toothpaste (not gel) contains mild abrasives that can reduce very light clear coat scratches — similar in principle to dedicated scratch compound but less effective. It is a reasonable emergency fix for minor surface marks. Do not use for deeper scratches or regularly, as it is not optimised for automotive clear coat.
Park away from other cars when possible. Use a car cover if parked outside long-term. Apply paint protection film (PPF) to high-impact areas like the bonnet and door edges. Wash the car with proper car shampoo and a microfibre mitt — never a household sponge which drags dirt across the paint surface.