Remove scratches from your car

In everyday life, scratches occur faster than you might think: for example, when handling bags or if a bunch of keys or branches brush the car.

Modern car paints consist of several layers – the decisive factor is the depth of the scratch: 

• Superficial scratches: These only affect the clear coat. This is the paint layer that provides the gloss and protects the layers underneath. If you run your fingernail over the scratch and it doesn't catch, or if you can't see a different color, then it is a superficial scratch that can usually be removed with polish.
• Medium scratches: These scratches penetrate almost to the paint layer that gives the car its color. Here you can use a special polish or a repair kit, which you can buy at a DIY store, for example
• Deep scratches: These extend to the primer that protects the metal, or even to the metal itself. Deep scratches are clearly visible. If you run your fingernail over such a scratch, your nail will catch on it. In addition, the scratch is a different color to the car color. Such scratches require professional repairs to prevent rust and further damage. 

• You can treat superficial scratches with a commercially available car polish or a care set, for example. Clean the affected area first and apply the polish with a cloth. Rub the polish in well and then leave it to dry.
• You can remove slightly deeper scratches with a professional polishing set. This set usually consists of an abrasive paste and a polish. Apply the components according to the package instructions. If necessary, you can then use a touch-up pencil. As abrasive pastes can also worsen the damage, we recommend leaving the use of such pastes to a specialist if in doubt.

You can obtain polishing sets from car dealerships, DIY stores or various online shops, for example. Please follow the package leaflet. Excessive polishing can dull the paintwork or even damage the paint layer.

Smart Repair (Small to Medium Area Repair Techniques) is a professional method for removing small to medium spots of paint damage. This technique is particularly suitable for scratches and cosmetic damage. It is ideal if you want to have small scratches repaired quickly and inexpensively without having to repaint entire vehicle parts. These techniques are used for Smart Repair:

• Spot painting: With this technique, only the damaged area is treated locally. The remaining area of the vehicle part remains untouched, which shortens the repair time and reduces costs. Spot painting is particularly effective for minor scratches and chips and is typically used on bumpers and side body parts.
• Painting with airbrush gun: This technique uses an airbrush gun to apply the paint precisely to the damaged area. This achieves a seamless color and clear-coat match, making the scratch virtually invisible. It is ideal for fine paint damage and relatively small areas.

To be sure whether Smart Repair is suitable for your scratch, have the damage assessed by an expert in a specialist workshop. The expert can tell you with precision whether this method can be used or whether a more extensive repair is required.

If deep scratches are left untreated, moisture and dirt can easily penetrate into the deepest layers of paint. This can cause rust to form and spread more quickly, which can also weaken the vehicle body. If this happens, a comprehensive and usually expensive repair is required. At the same time, a rusty body considerably reduces the resale value of your vehicle.

It is worth treating scratches in good time. This not only preserves the aesthetic value of your vehicle, but also prevents long-term damage and the resulting repair costs. You can usually treat superficial scratches yourself. In the event of any doubt, you should consult a specialist for medium scratches. You should do this in any case for deep scratches.

Yes. If you do not use polish, abrasives or touch-up sticks correctly, the paint may become dull or the paint layer may be damaged. It is even possible for the scratch to become even bigger or for moisture to penetrate and promote rust formation due to incorrect treatment.

Incorrect treatment of car scratches can also have an impact on insurance coverage. If consequential damage results from the incorrect removal of scratches, this may affect the scope of cover.

• For deep scratches that reach the primer or the metal.
• For deep scratches through which a different color is visible.
• If you are unsure which repair method is correct or how to apply it correctly.
• If rust forms on the scratched area.
• In the event of extensive paint damage or multiple scratches (e.g. scratches caused by an accident, vandalism or chemical substances).

As a rule, car scratches are covered as follows, depending on the insurer:

• Single vehicle accidental damage insurance: As a rule, this insurance does not cover scratches – unless they are caused by vandalism, natural phenomena or wildlife accidents. The conditions of the insurer apply in each case.
• Comprehensive insurance: Comprehensive insurance offers more extensive protection and also regularly covers damage caused by the driver and vandalism. This also includes scratches caused by accidents or willful damage.
• Parking damage cover: Some insurance companies offer special parking damage cover, which covers damage caused by parking, such as scratches caused by other vehicles.