How to Remove Paint Scratches on a Vehicle

Paint scratches occur when an object grazes the surface of your vehicle’s paint and can vary in the severity and depth of the scratch itself. Scratches that don’t break the surface of the paint can often be removed without needing to touch up the damaged paint surface. With this detailed video and the right supplies, we’ll show you how to fix a car paint scratch. It is often easy to repair scratches, chips, swirl marks, and blemishes on your vehicle’s finish in no time and restore the look of your vehicle.

Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses
Gloves Gloves
Scratch Remover Polish Scratch/Blemish Remover Polish
Cotton Terry Towels Cotton Terry Towels
Microfiber Towels Microfiber Towels
Foam Applicator Pad Foam Applicator Pad
paint scratch repair pen Touch Up Paint
Shop Towels Paper/Shop Towel

Scratch Removal Steps

There will be some variation in the scratch repair products available, so be sure to follow the instructions included with the brands you choose for scratch removal.
If you don’t feel completely comfortable doing this yourself, we can refer you to a professional detailer in your area.
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Fine Scratch Repair

The polishes used for fine scratches are also effective for scratch removal of swirl patterns in the vehicle’s finish.
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Apply scratch remover polish and work in a circular motion

Step 1: Apply polish

Make sure the area you’re treating is clean and dry. Put a small amount of polish on a cotton terry cloth or foam applicator pad. Work the polish into the affected area in a circular motion, one section at a time.
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Remove excess scratch remover polish from car paint with a microfiber cloth

Step 2: Remove excess polish

Remove any excess polish with a quality microfiber or cotton terry cloth, and reapply as needed.
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Deep Scratch Repair

If you’re dealing with a scratch, scrape or chip that’s a little deeper, or if you’ve reapplied the polish and a chip is still showing in the clear coat, plan B is a paint repair pen.
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Prep car scratch removal paint pen

Step 1: Clean the area & prep the paint pen

If it isn’t already, make sure the area you’re treating is clean and dry. Shake the pen well for about thirty seconds.

Remove the cap, point the tip upward, and press against the felt tip with the lid of the pen once to let it ventilate.

Turn the pen over and press the tip down on a piece of paper until the clear coat flows to the felt tip. You may have to press the tip down as many as twenty times.

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Fill car scratch with scratch removal pen

Step 2: Fill the chip

Fill the chip carefully with the tip of the pen. Immediately remove only the excess clear coat – if there happens to be any – with a clean, dry paper towel. Let the clean, dry paper towel absorb any spillover from the paint to avoid spotting.
Reapply as needed.
If the chip or scratch is deeper, repeat each application after thirty minutes of drying time.


Do It Right: Storing your paint repair pen: To ensure the best performance from your paint repair pen the next time you need it, remove the tip and soak in lacquer thinner. Be sure to replace any caps to avoid letting the paint dry out.

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Additional Resources

DIY Car Wash Tips & Tricks

DIY Car Wash
Your vehicle is one of the biggest investments you make. Keeping things clean inside and out will help your vehicle last longer, look better and hold its value over time.
Shop Wash, Wax & Clean Products

Shop Wash, Wax & Clean Products
O'Reilly Auto Parts stocks hundreds of washes, waxes and cleaners to help keep your car clean, inside and out.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.