Portuguese 
Spanish 
Not every scratch on the bodywork means an expensive repair. The depth of the scratches determines if the problem can be treated at home with cleaning, mild polish, wax, or white toothpaste, or if the damage has reached paint, primer, or metal and needs professional repair
Scratches on the car’s bodywork scare any driver, especially when they appear after a stop in a parking lot. Before imagining an expensive repair, however, the most important step is to understand the depth of the damage and avoid wrong solutions.
Not every scratch requires bodywork and painting. Some only reach the varnish layer, while others reach the paint, primer, or even the metal. This difference determines if the repair can be done at home or if it needs a professional.
The simple test to know the severity of scratches
The most practical way to assess the problem is to carefully run your fingernail over the scratch. If it doesn’t catch, or if the relief is hardly felt, the scratch tends to be superficial.
-
Electric Car with Extended Range: Company Patents Hybrid Transmission System Using Gasoline Engine for Backup
-
GM Developed the Chevette to Rival the Beetle, Launched it in Brazil Before Europe, Sold 1.6 Million Units, and Left a Generation with Gas Station Trauma
-
Caoa Changan CS75: New Model with 1.5 Turbo Flex Engine and 8-Speed Automatic Priced $4,000 Less in Brazil
-
Cost Analysis: Maintaining a Fiat Cronos 1.3 Drive 2026 – Parts, Taxes, Insurance, Fuel, and Maintenance
In this case, the damage is likely in the varnish, a transparent layer that protects the paint. When the nail stops at the scratch, the problem may have reached deeper layers.
This test avoids unnecessary expenses and prevents the driver from insisting on home methods when they have no chance of working.
Polishing can disguise superficial scratches
When scratches are only in the varnish, mild polishing is usually the most effective and safe alternative. The varnish is between 38 and 50 microns thick, and light polishing removes about 2 to 5 microns.
This small removal helps to even out the surface without causing noticeable damage. Therefore, the human eye usually doesn’t notice a difference when the process is done correctly.
The procedure starts with cleaning the area. It is necessary to wash with water and automotive shampoo, dry with a microfiber cloth, and apply a mildly abrasive polish.
Then, the product should be spread in circular motions, without excessive force. In the end, just remove the excess, repeat if necessary, and protect the area with wax.
For those without experience, the manual method is more recommended. The electric polisher can be aggressive when used without control.
Toothpaste helps, but only in mild cases
White toothpaste can also work on very superficial scratches because it contains slightly abrasive particles. The process is similar to polishing, using a damp microfiber cloth and gentle circular motions.
The application should last about 3 to 5 minutes. Afterwards, you need to rinse and dry the area. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated once or twice.
But there is a limit. If there is no improvement after a few attempts, the scratch is too deep. Continuing to rub may wear down the varnish and worsen the result.
Corrective pens and sprays don’t work miracles
Corrective pens and brushes seem like quick solutions, but they usually don’t deliver a good finish. Car paint ages with sun, rain, and time, so the applied color is unlikely to match the original.
Instead of disappearing, the scratch may turn into a line of a different shade. Spray varnish or lacquer can protect dull areas but does not remove the scratch.
When to seek a workshop
A workshop becomes necessary when the nail clearly catches, the primer shows, the metal is visible, the scratch is extensive, or there are several affected areas.
Cars with matte paint also require special care, as this finish does not allow for polishing or home touch-ups. In these cases, the specialist can sand, apply the correct paint, and adjust the tone to the aging of the paint.
Have you ever tried to remove scratches from your car or did you prefer to take it straight to a workshop? Share your experience in the comments, tell us which method you used, if it worked, and in what situation you think it’s worth trying to save money more safely before seeking a professional.
