How Do You Fix A Deep Scratch On A Car?

Most of us have had that horrible moment where we misjudge a parking space, or don’t see a bollard, only to scratch our cars. Sometimes you might come back to where your car was parked, only to discover it’s been scratched by someone else. 

Although it can be tempting to ignore scratches and treat them as cosmetic blips, it’s important that you repair them both to protect the underlying bodywork of your vehicle and to ensure that it maintains its value. 

According to WeBuyAnyCar, scratches and dents can devalue your car anywhere between five and 15 per cent, particularly if it’s a deep scratch. 

But how do you fix a deep scratch in your car’s paintwork? While we’d recommend professional car scratch repair for the best results, it can be helpful to understand the steps required to fix this kind of damage. 

Regardless of the type of scratch, the first step is always to clean the area thoroughly. This prevents you from accidentally causing more damage by working pieces of grit and dirt into your paintwork as you attempt to fix the initial scratch. 

You can then try using a car scratch repair kit if you feel confident in your abilities. These typically consist of a putty to fill the scratch – which will be necessary if it’s a deep mark – as well as a clear coat to cover the repair. 

However, it’s not quite as simple as just filling the scratch and then applying the top coat. You also need to remove any excess putty and sand back the finish to ensure that your paintwork retains its even appearance. 

This is why it’s often better to go to a professional body shop if you’ve got a deep scratch on your car’s paintwork, as we can not only fill the scratch, but also ensure that the finish seamlessly blends with the rest of your car’s bodywork.