7 Types of Car Scratches and How to Fix Them

Surface Scratches

Surface scratches are the most common and least severe type of car scratches. They typically affect only the clear coat of the car's paint. These scratches are often caused by light abrasions, such as brushing against a tree branch or minor contact with another car's door.

Here's how to deal with surface scratches:

1. Wash the Area: Start by washing the affected area with mild soap and water. This will remove any dirt and debris, making it easier to assess the scratch.
2. Inspect the Scratch: Examine the scratch to ensure it hasn't penetrated the paint layer. If it's a superficial scratch, you can proceed to the next step.
3. Apply a Scratch Remover: Use a high-quality scratch remover or a polishing compound. Apply it to a microfiber cloth and gently rub it over the scratch in a circular motion. Continue until the scratch is no longer visible.
4. Wax and Buff: Finish by applying car wax to the area and buffing it to a shine. This will protect the clear coat and blend the repaired area with the rest of the paint.

Clear Coat Scratches

Clear coat scratches, like surface scratches, affect the clear protective layer of your car's paint. They can result from various sources, including car washes with abrasive materials or brushes. 

Here's how to address clear coat scratches:

1. Clean the Area: Begin by cleaning the scratched area as you would with surface scratches.
2. Assess the Damage: Ensure that the scratch hasn't gone beyond the clear coat. If it's limited to the clear coat, you can proceed.
3. Use a Clear Coat Repair Kit: Purchase a clear coat repair kit, which typically includes sandpaper, clear coat, and a polishing compound. Sand the scratch gently, apply the clear coat, and use the polishing compound to finish the job.
4. Wax and Buff: As with surface scratches, apply car wax and buff the area to achieve a seamless finish.



Paint Scratches

Paint scratches go beyond the clear coat and affect the underlying color layer of your car's paint. They often result from more significant impacts or accidents.

Here's how to tackle paint scratches:

1. Clean the Area: Clean the scratched area to remove dirt and debris.
2. Assess the Extent: Inspect the scratch to determine its depth. If it has penetrated the color layer, it will require touch-up paint.
3. Use Touch-Up Paint: Purchase touch-up paint that matches your car's color. Carefully apply it to the scratch, layer by layer, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
4. Sand and Blend: After the paint dries, sand it gently to ensure it's level with the surrounding paint. Then, wax and buff to achieve a smooth finish.

Deep Scratches

Deep scratches penetrate both the clear coat and the color layer of the paint. They often result from more substantial impacts like a rouge shopping cart or brushing up against a building in a tight space. Repairing deep scratches typically requires professional assistance. It's best to consult an automotive body repair specialist.

Key Scratches

Key scratches are a common frustration. They often affect the clear coat and, in some cases, the paint layer. 

To address key scratches:

1. Clean the Area: Begin by cleaning the scratched area.
2. Assess the Damage: If it hasn't penetrated the paint layer, you can follow the steps for clear coat scratches. For deeper damage, consult a specialist.

Scuffs and Scrape Marks

Scuffs and scrape marks are usually superficial and affect the clear coat. They may accumulate from driving on unpaved roads when dirt and small rocks kick up, or even minor parking lot mishaps. 

Here's how to address scuffs and scrape marks:

Rust and Corrosion Scratches

Rust and corrosion scratches are severe and often involve the underlying metal of the car's body. These require immediate attention by a professional automotive body repair specialist to prevent further damage.



The Bottom Line

As much as we’d like to keep our vehicles as shiny and new as they were when we drove them off the lot… unfortunately, life happens. When scratches, scrapes, and scuffs appear on your car it’s important to tend to them as quickly as possible before they turn into larger issues later down the line. Whether it’s a weekend job in your garage or paying a visit to your local automotive repair shop, hopefully, you’ve learned some helpful tips to keep your car looking immaculate.