Scratch Removal for Cars: What Can (and Cannot) Be Fixed
How to tell whether a car scratch can be polished out, what spot scratch correction costs, and when touch-up paint or a body shop is needed.
Not all scratches are equal. Some disappear with careful polishing; others need paint. Here is how to tell the difference.
The fingernail test
Run a fingernail gently across the scratch. If it does not catch, the scratch is likely in the clear coat and may polish out. If it catches, it may be too deep to remove completely.
What polishing can fix
- Swirl marks and wash marring.
- Light scratches and scuffs in the clear coat.
- Transfer marks from other vehicles or objects.
Our Spot Scratch & Scuff Correction starts at $150 per area and targets isolated marks with machine or hand polishing where it can be done safely.
What polishing cannot fix
Scratches through the clear coat into the color or primer. These may need touch-up paint (a quoted add-on) or body-shop repair. We will always tell you honestly before starting.
Whole-car scratches
If the whole car is covered in light scratches, a one-step or multi-step paint correction is better value than spot repairs.
Send us a photo through the quote form and we will advise.
