How can I fix scratches on my car at home?
12/08/25 7:56pm
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This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: How to Remove Scratches from a Car.
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If you just have a tiny scratch in your car that's not a crazy color, an old trick is to fill it in with nail polish, just like you're painting your nails. You can also go to a dealership with your car, and they most likely will sell you touch-up paint for your car in its exact color. Slightly paint into the scratch a little at a time until you can't see it anymore. Then, use a clear coat nail polish to paint over it.
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To fix scratches on your car, start by determining how deep the scratch goes. If it's a small surface-level scratch in the clear coat, it will be the easiest to fix on your own. Use a microfiber cloth to apply car polish in a circular motion over the scratch. Then, use a clear coat pen to apply a thin coat over the scratch.
If your fingernail catches on the scratch and it has damaged the paint, you can still fix it at home. Clean the spot and apply some touch-up paint to the area. Wait for it to dry before sanding it lightly and buffing the spot with rubbing compound. Make sure to polish the spot when you're finished.
If you see exposed metal, the scratch is deep into the primer. You may be able to sand, paint, and buff the scratch out on your own, but it might be best to leave the job to a professional if you don't have a lot of experience.
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If your fingernail catches on the scratch and it has damaged the paint, you can still fix it at home. Clean the spot and apply some touch-up paint to the area. Wait for it to dry before sanding it lightly and buffing the spot with rubbing compound. Make sure to polish the spot when you're finished.
If you see exposed metal, the scratch is deep into the primer. You may be able to sand, paint, and buff the scratch out on your own, but it might be best to leave the job to a professional if you don't have a lot of experience.
For light surface scratches, you can usually fix them at home with a basic polish/compound kit. Clean the area, apply a small amount of scratch remover, and buff it out with a microfiber cloth.
Deeper scratches that catch your nail usually need touch-up paint or a professional.
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Deeper scratches that catch your nail usually need touch-up paint or a professional.
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