DIY Guide: How to Remove Deep Car Scratches at Home

Car scratches are a regrettable aspect of owning a car. Whether it's a careless parking lot incident or a rogue shopping cart, those unsightly lines on your vehicle can be frustrating. The good news? You don’t always need to run to a professional auto body shop for deep scratch repair. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can handle even a deep car scratch at home.

This DIY guide: how to remove deep scratch from car will walk you through the step-by-step process to make your vehicle look new again.

Understanding Deep Car Scratches

Before diving into the repair process, it's important to know the types of scratches. Light scratches may only affect the clear coat, while deep car scratch types can reach the base paint or even the metal underneath.

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A simple rule: If your fingernail catches the scratch, it's likely a deep scratch that requires more intensive care.

What You’ll Need

To perform car scratch repair at home, gather the following supplies:

• Microfiber towels
• Sandpaper (2000–3000 grit)
• Rubbing compound
• Polishing compound
• Touch-up paint (matching your car’s color code)
• Primer (optional, for very deep scratches)
• Wax or sealant

Optional but recommended:

• Dual action polisher
• Masking tape
• Spray bottle with water

Step-by-Step: How to Fix Deep Scratches on Car

Here’s the ultimate guide on how to fix deep scratches on car surfaces without professional help.

1. Clean the Affected Area

Start by washing the scratched area thoroughly using car shampoo and water. Dry it with a clean microfiber towel. This guarantees that no debris or dirt will obstruct the restoration.

2. Assess the Depth

To find out how deep the scratch is, use your fingernail. If it reaches the primer or metal, you’ll need to use paint and possibly primer.

3. Sand the Scratch

Sand the scratched area gently using sandpaper rated between 2000 and 3000 grit. Keep the area wet using a spray bottle during sanding. Sand in a circular motion until the edges of the scratch blend with the surrounding paint.

Tip: Mask off the surrounding area with tape to avoid damaging unaffected parts.

4. Apply Rubbing Compound

Take a small amount of rubbing compound on a microfiber cloth or applicator pad. Apply it in a circular motion to the sanded area. This aids in sanding marks removal and paint smoothing.

5. Apply Touch-Up Paint

Use your car’s color code to buy the correct touch-up paint. Apply a thin coat using a fine brush or applicator. Let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. If necessary, apply a second or third coat. Allow each layer to dry thoroughly.

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If the scratch goes down to bare metal, apply a thin layer of primer before painting.

6. Polish the Area

Use a polishing compound to bring back the shine after the paint has fully dried. For optimal effects, use a dual-action polisher or a fresh microfiber towel.

7. Seal with Wax

Complete the procedure by using a premium wax or sealant. This adds protection and blends the repaired area with the rest of the car.

Maintenance Tips After Repair

After your deep scratch repair, maintain the area properly:

• Avoid washing the car with harsh chemicals for 7–10 days.
• Use a pH-balanced car shampoo.
• Apply wax every 2–3 months to preserve the finish.

When to Seek Professional Help

While this guide shows you how to remove deep scratch from a car at home, not all scratches are repairable without professional equipment. If the scratch is large or across multiple panels, it’s safer to contact a professional service like KJ Car Cleaner for expert car scratch repair.

Our trained technicians use advanced tools and factory-grade paint to restore your car to showroom condition—saving you time and ensuring lasting results.

Why Choose KJ Car Cleaner?

At KJ Car Cleaner, we believe in quality, convenience, and customer satisfaction. While DIY methods work well for small areas, we provide cost-effective, high-end solutions for complex jobs. We specialize in Ceramic Coating, polishing, and detailing that brings your car back to life.

Conclusion

Knowing how to fix deep scratches on car surfaces can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. Whether you choose to do it yourself or trust professionals like KJ Cleaner Car, the key is to act quickly. Neglecting scratches can result in rust and additional harm. 

So next time you see an unsightly line on your car, follow this guide on how to remove deep scratch from car, and get your vehicle looking its best again.