Can all scratches be removed?

No. Ideally, if your fingernail catches in the scratch, it is too deep to polish out safely. It will require wet sanding or touch-up paint.

Can I fix deep scratches at home?

Deep scratches require touch-up paint. While possible at home, blending it to look invisible is an art form best left to professionals.

How do I prevent swirl marks when washing?

ALWAYS use clean microfiber mitts and the two-bucket method. Never wipe a dirty car with a dry towel.

How to Remove Scratches from Car Paint & Protect It

Walking out to your car and finding a scratch is a heart-sinking feeling. Whether it's a malicious key mark, an accidental door ding, or just years of swirl marks, paint defects ruin the look of your vehicle.

Before you grab a bottle of compound, you need to understand what you are dealing with. Treating a deep scratch like a surface swirl can ruin your clear coat.

Understanding Car Paint Scratches: The 3 Levels

Level 1: Clear Coat Swirls (Spiderwebs)

These are surface-level mars that look like spiderwebs in the sun. They are in the top layer of clear coat.
Fixable? Yes, easily polished out.

Level 2: Base Coat Scratch (The White Line)

The scratch has penetrated the clear coat and hit the color layer. It often looks white. Your fingernail might slightly catch.
Fixable? Requires wet sanding and heavy compounding. Might not be 100% removable.

Level 3: Primer/Metal (Deep Gouge)

You see grey (primer) or silver (metal). This is a wound.
Fixable? Requires touch-up paint or a body shop respray. Polishing will not fix this.

How to Remove Surface Scratches (DIY Guide)

Warning

If you are unsure, do not wet sand your own car. You can burn through the clear coat in seconds.

Wash & Decontaminate

Step 1

Wash the area thoroughly. Clay bar it to remove embedded contaminants. You don't want to grind dirt into the paint.

Polishing (Correction)

Step 2

Use a dual-action polisher and cutting compound. Work in cross-hatch patterns. The abrasive breaks down the edges of the scratch.

Refining (Jeweling)

Step 3

Switch to a finishing pad and fine polish to remove the haze left by the cutting step. This restores the mirror gloss.

Protection

Step 4

Seal the exposed paint with Ceramic Coating or PPF to prevent future damage.

Prevention is Cheaper than Correction in Calgary

Method	Cost	Protection Level
Wax / Sealant	$	Low (Stops UV only)
Ceramic Coating	$$	Medium (Stops Swirls/Stains)
Paint Protection Film (PPF)	$$$	High (Stops Rocks & Scratches)

Is Your Paint Too Far Gone?

Bring it in for a free paint inspection. We can tell you exactly what can be polished out and what needs paint work.

Book Paint Correction

How to Remove Scratches from Car Paint & Protect It