Types of Scratches on Cars & Ways to Fix Them

Owning a car comes with a great sense of freedom; it’s also a big responsibility! Addressing those pesky scratches that seem to come out of nowhere is a big part of car ownership, so we’ll explore various types of scratches on cars and how to fix them.

Surface-Level Scratches

Surface-level scratches are the most common type on cars. These minor marks don’t go deeper than the car's clear coat and usually occur due to contact with natural debris. You can fix surface-level scratches yourself with a good polishing compound. Dab a small amount of polish onto a microfiber cloth and apply it to the scratch, buffing it out with the cloth in circular motions. Rinse and repeat until the scratch is barely visible or completely gone.

Paintwork Scratches

Paintwork scratches are tricky to fix. They penetrate the car's paint layer, leaving a more visible mark than surface scratches. These scratches generally require more intensive fixes.

Start by cleaning the affected area with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. You’ll need some touch-up paint that matches your car's color, so purchase it directly from the manufacturer or a reputable third-party vendor. Apply the touch-up paint carefully with a fine brush or the provided applicator. Then, let it dry for 24 hours. Finish with a polishing compound to blend the new paint and create a seamless finish.

Deep Paintwork Scratches

Deep scratches dig into a car’s base coat, or primer, revealing the layers beneath the paint. Deep paintwork scratches require extra care to fix, as they are more visible than other scratches.

Follow the same steps for the paintwork scratches repair, but add a layer of primer before the touch-up paint. Once the primer is dry, follow the instructions for paint application, and finish with the polishing compound.

Dents and Dings

Dents and dings take us to another realm of car damage—they’re not quite as simple to fix as surface scratches, but fear not! There is still hope.

The most efficient way of handling dents and dings is by seeking professional help. You can find small dent repair kits at your local hardware or auto parts store, but larger dents require professional servicing.

Owning a car means addressing the scratches and dents your beloved vehicle may accumulate. While you can fix surface-level scratches with some DIY tricks, deep scratches and dents call for professional help. If you're looking for paintless dent repair in Chicago, choose a trusted auto body shop to take care of your car's cosmetic needs, such as River North Collision Repair. Drop by one of our shops for fast and reliable service. If you have any questions about our services or want to book an appointment, contact us anytime, and we’ll happily assist you.