Can Car Paint Scratches Be Removed by Polishing?

[Ezekiel]

Car polishing can remove scratches. Below is the relevant introduction: 1. The Function of Polishing: For car paint oxidation, dullness, or scratches on the body, car polishing can effectively treat these issues, making the paint smoother and shinier. Additionally, car polishing can clean the body, effectively removing dirt and corrosive substances, thereby restoring the cleanliness of the paint. 2. Polishing Techniques: Wash the entire car. Use a paint cleaner with strong stain-removal properties to wash the entire car. When using the cleaner, avoid causing new scratches from particle dust during the polishing process. Sand with water sandpaper. For defects like coarse particles, fine sandpaper marks, or flow marks on the paint surface, gently sand them flat with 600#~1000# water sandpaper wrapped around a small rubber block before polishing (be careful not to sand through the paint layer).

[LeElisa]

Last year, shortly after I bought my new car, I noticed a few small scratches on the body, which really upset me. I quickly searched online and found that polishing can indeed remove some minor scratches, especially those that only affect the clear coat and haven’t reached the base paint. So, I went to an auto repair shop to give it a try. The technician used a professional polishing machine with a mild abrasive compound to gently buff the surface, and the shallow scratches disappeared immediately. However, for deeper scratches—like those that expose the white primer or penetrate the paint layer—polishing won’t help and might even make things worse. Checking is simple: run your finger lightly over the scratch. If your nail doesn’t catch, it’s a shallow scratch suitable for DIY polishing; otherwise, it’s best to seek professional touch-up. Nowadays, I regularly use soft wax for maintenance, making it easier to handle minor damage. In short, polishing isn’t a cure-all—it depends on the severity of the scratch. Regular care keeps my beloved car in great shape and prevents bigger issues.

[AddysonRose]

I love tinkering with cars and have been using polishing tools for several years. Whether scratches can be polished out depends on their depth! Superficial scratches, like those on the clear coat, can be easily restored to a glossy finish with a regular polishing compound, either by hand or with a low-speed machine—I often use this method for parking lot scratches at my shop. However, deep scratches that reach the base paint shouldn’t be forced; polishing will only thin the protective layer, increasing the risk of rust. I keep a DIY kit with rubbing compound and polishing pads for quick fixes, but serious damage requires a professional paint job at a dealership. Oh, and when choosing polish, match it to the surface—fine compounds for soft finishes, coarse abrasives for hard ones, or you might leave marks. Prevention beats repair, so consider a paint protection film to keep minor scratches at bay.

[OBrooklyn]

As someone who frequently repairs cars, I've seen all kinds of paint scratches. Light scratches can be handled by polishing—like fine hairline marks that disappear after machine buffing. However, deep scratches can't be polished away, especially when they reach the metal body. Forcing a polish will only worsen the damage. In practice, I first check the scratch depth, then choose the appropriate polishing compound, working gently to prevent thinning the paint. Beginners shouldn't experiment with DIY tools—over-polishing can cause hazing, and I've seen plenty of failed DIY attempts. Ultimately, timely assessment and professional handling are the safest approaches.