How to remove scratches from a car

There are several methods for removing scratches, scuffs, and minor paint damage on a car : painting or polishing. However, it's important to understand which scratches can be removed by polishing and which require painting.

Various body defects can occur due to improper parking, small stones and pebbles thrown up by car tires, and many other causes. However, not every minor scratch requires a visit to the workshop, especially if the damage is minor. Many car owners prefer to remove scratches themselves to restore their vehicle to a well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing condition and a consistent shine.

Types of scratches and methods for removing paint damage

All minor paint defects are divided into different categories depending on the severity of the damage to the paint:

1. Only the top layer of the paint is damaged – the car's paint without damage to the paint layer. This can be due to wear and tear, numerous superficial scratches caused by accidental contact with obstacles, or simply the result of normal use of the car (e.g., areas around door handles or trunk buttons that are frequently scratched).

In such cases, it is sufficient to polish the damaged area with special agents.

2. Scratches or minor paint damage penetrate the paint layer but don't reach the metal of the body. Such defects can also be polished, but it's better to at least restore the paint layer first to ensure the surface appears even.

3. Scratches, paint damage, and scuffs that expose the metal of the bodywork must be painted over (preferably after priming) and covered with a layer of varnish. Polishing will not help restore a uniform surface for medium to deep damage, nor will it protect against rust formation.

4. Deeper scratches and paint damage require the restoration of all paint layers: primer, paint and a varnish coating.

5. Older defects – Wear and tear, paint damage, and scratches that haven't been repaired for a long time must be removed, painted, and polished, even if they aren't too deep. This is because driving with damaged paint can expose the damaged area to rain, automotive chemicals, frost, wind, and UV rays, which can further deepen and spread the damage, damaging the adjacent layers of paint. Rust can quickly form and spread beneath the undamaged paint layer.

Such old damage with traces of rust must first be cleaned of rust before painting and treated with a rust converter – a special solution that prevents rust formation and enables better adhesion of subsequent layers.

A primer should also be used to fill deep paint damage and scratches. For old and deep damage, it's better to use an epoxy or zinc-based primer—this protects the metal from rust and helps restore the geometry of the damage. An acrylic-based primer can be used to paint fresh damage.

Scratch remover – repair pen with car paint

After priming, the car paint can be applied. The most convenient way to remove scratches on a car is to use a touch-up pen with car paint in the matching color. There are many touch-up pens on the market from various manufacturers. The most important thing is to correctly select the paint color based on your vehicle's VIN code.

The paint is applied in 1 to 3 coats, depending on the depth of the damage. Each coat of car paint should dry for 10-20 minutes (refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the exact time). After that, a coat (1-2 coats) of clear coat can be applied. Clear coat for cars can also be purchased in the form of pens or small bottles with a brush for easy application on minor damage.

If you failed to maintain the correct geometry when painting the scratches and paint damage, and the repaired area protrudes above the surface of the paint, or the car paint doesn't leave a sufficient gloss finish, you can sand and polish the repaired area. Applying a finishing coat of paint and polishing can smooth out the edges to conceal the repair.

Repair kit for scratches and paint damage: primer + paint + clear coat

A car scratch and paint repair kit is a complete set of products for restoring the car's paintwork. The kit includes a primer (acrylic, epoxy, or zinc-based primer), car paint, and a clear coat in 15-50 ml bottles with a brush or markers (packaging varies by manufacturer). When choosing such a kit, it's important to select the paint color based on the VIN code.

This repair kit isn't intended for one-time use. Even with its small packaging, the contents are sufficient to repair dozens of scratches and paint damage, keeping your car in excellent condition at all times.