Can You Polish Out a Scratch?

You hear the scrape before you see it.

That sound is enough to make any driver’s heart sink. Then comes the inspection. Is it a light scratch you can sort out yourself, or is the damage deeper than it looks? And the question: “How much is this going to cost?”

Fortunately, not every scratch needs the same treatment. Knowing the difference could save you an unnecessary trip to the panel beater and a whole lot of stress.

How deep does it go?

Your car's paintwork is built in layers: primer, colour and a clear topcoat. How deep a scratch cuts through those layers determines what kind of repair is needed.

Try this: run your fingernail gently across the mark. If it glides over, the scratch is usually only in the clear coat, and a good clean and the right polish can often improve its appearance.

If your nail catches, or you can see a different colour or bare metal underneath, the scratch has gone through the paint, and that’s usually a job for a professional.

How to polish out a light scratch…

A light scratch can often be polished to make it much less noticeable.

Once you've confirmed the scratch is limited to the clear coat, start by washing and drying the area properly. Dirt and grit can cause more scratches if you rub or polish before the surface is clean. Then use a suitable scratch remover or polishing compound, working gently and following the product instructions.

The key word here is light. Abrasive products used too aggressively can damage the surrounding paintwork.

When should you call a professional?

Deep scratches, chipped paint and dents may require specialist repair, especially when the damage exposes the metal underneath. It may be tempting to put off fixing it if it looks minor, but leaving exposed areas untreated can lead to bigger problems over time.

And sometimes what looked like a simple scratch can come with a dent you didn’t initially notice.

A professional can assess beyond the surface and confirm what the repair involves and the associated cost.

A small scrape doesn’t have to become a big headache

Scratches and dents happen. A trolley in a car park, a tight garage, a careless door opening.

The trick is knowing which ones you can deal with and which are best left to the experts.

And for damage that polish can't fix, there's The Unlimited Scratch & Dent cover to help deal with those little mishaps.

Less stress. More peace of mind.

Because when life leaves its mark on your car, it shouldn’t put a big dent in your day.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SCRATCH & DENT COVER

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Product benefits, limits, eligibility requirements and terms and conditions apply. The Unlimited Group (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 21473).