The most effective way to get rid of deep scratches depends on whether they have penetrated through the clear coat into the color coat or primer. For scratches you can feel with your fingernail, a DIY fix can significantly improve their appearance, but a professional repaint is often the only permanent solution for severe damage.
Start by thoroughly washing and drying the scratched area. This prevents you from grinding dirt into the paint. To assess the depth, run your fingernail across the scratch. If it doesn't catch, the scratch is likely only in the clear coat and can be polished out. If it catches, the scratch is deeper.
For clear coat scratches, use a dual-action polisher with a fine polishing compound. Work in small sections, applying light pressure. The compound contains abrasives that level the surrounding clear coat to fill the scratch. After polishing, always apply a fresh coat of wax or sealant to protect the area.
For deeper scratches that reach the color layer, you'll need a touch-up paint pen matched to your car's color code (found on the driver's side door jamb). Carefully clean the scratch with isopropyl alcohol, then apply the paint in thin layers, allowing each to dry. Once filled, lightly sand the area with 2000-grit sandpaper and polish to blend it.
| Scratch Depth & Recommended Method | DIY Success Rate | Estimated Cost (DIY) | Estimated Cost (Pro) | Time Required (DIY) |
|---|
| Clear Coat Scratch (shallow) | 90-95% | $25 (compound, polish) | $150-$300 | 1-2 hours |
| Color Coat Scratch (moderate) | 60-70% | $50 (touch-up paint, sandpaper) | $300-$600 | 2-3 hours |
| Primer Scratch (deep) | 20-30% | $75 (materials) | $500-$800 | 3-4 hours |
| Bare Metal Scratch (severe) | 0% (requires pro) | N/A | $800-$1500+ | 1-2 days |
If the scratch has exposed bare metal, seek professional help immediately to prevent rust. The table above outlines the predictability of different approaches. For deep scratches, a professional detailer or body shop can often perform wet sanding and cutting polish for a near-perfect finish, which is riskier for a novice to attempt.
