How to Fix Scratches with Polishing
Light scratches can often be polished out. Learn how to fix them safely.
Scratches are every car owner’s nightmare. From grocery store mishaps to improper washing, light scratches can make even a new car look worn out. But here’s the good news: not all scratches mean a repaint. Many light and moderate scratches can be corrected with polishing. Knowing which scratches can be fixed—and how to polish them safely—will save you time, money, and frustration.
Step 1: Identify the Scratch
Not all scratches are created equal. Some can be polished away, others cannot. Use this simple test:
- Surface-level scratches: Invisible to the fingernail. These are in the clear coat and polishable.
- Moderate scratches: Catch slightly with your fingernail. These may be reduced with polishing.
- Deep scratches: Your nail drops into them. These have likely penetrated past the clear coat and require touch-up or repaint.
Step 2: Prep the Area
Before polishing, wash the car thoroughly with The Super Soaper. Clay the area to remove bonded contaminants. A clean surface ensures you’re polishing paint—not dirt—into the scratch.
Step 3: Choose the Right Tools
- Machine: Dual-action polisher for safety.
- Pad: Cut and Finish Pad for correction with good finishing ability.
- Polish: Picture Perfect Polish for pad-dependent performance.
Step 4: Apply Polish
Prime the pad with a thin layer of polish, then add 3–4 pea-sized drops. Work in a 2x2 foot area or directly on the scratch if it’s localized. Spread on low speed, then polish at medium speed with moderate pressure.
Step 5: Work the Scratch
- Keep the pad flat and overlapping your passes by 50%.
- Polish slowly, allowing abrasives to break down.
- Wipe residue with a microfiber towel and check progress.
- Repeat if the scratch is still visible, but don’t over-polish one area.
Step 6: Inspect Results
After a few passes, inspect under good lighting. Many light scratches will disappear completely, while moderate ones may be significantly reduced. Deep scratches may still show but will appear less noticeable.
Step 7: Protect the Paint
Once scratches are corrected, protect the paint. Apply Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray for slickness and durability, or step up to The Gloss Boss for long-term ceramic protection.
When Scratches Can’t Be Fixed with Polish
If you can see primer, bare metal, or if the scratch is wide and deep, polishing won’t restore it. In these cases, consider touch-up paint or professional refinishing. Polishing can improve appearance but cannot replace missing clear coat or paint.
Common Mistakes When Polishing Scratches
- Over-polishing one area: Thins the clear coat too much.
- Using the wrong pad: Too aggressive risks burn through, too soft may not correct.
- Skipping prep: Dirt and contaminants worsen scratches when polished.
- Expecting perfection: Some scratches are beyond polishing repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will all scratches come out with polishing?
No. Only scratches within the clear coat can be removed. Deep scratches that go into the base coat or primer require paint repair.
Can I polish out scratches by hand?
Yes, for very light scratches. Hand polishing works for small spots but is less effective than using a DA polisher.
How do I know if a scratch is too deep?
If your fingernail catches heavily in the scratch, it’s probably too deep for polish alone.
Will polishing scratches make them worse?
Not if done properly. Using safe products like Picture Perfect Polish with the Cut and Finish Pad on a DA polisher ensures safe correction.
Final Thoughts
Scratches don’t have to mean a trip to the body shop. With the right tools and products, many light to moderate scratches can be safely polished out at home. Always test the scratch, polish safely with Picture Perfect Polish, and finish with protection like Tough As Shell. With patience and proper technique, you’ll be surprised at how many scratches you can remove or dramatically reduce.
