Car Scratch Repair
Not all scratches are the same, and knowing the difference matters. A surface scratch that only affects the clear coat is a completely different repair than a gouge that cuts through to bare metal. The depth determines the approach, the cost, and the urgency — because once metal is exposed, rust can start within days, especially in Ontario’s climate.
Clear coat scratches are the most common type. They look white or hazy and you can’t feel them with your fingernail. These can often be buffed out with machine polishing — no paint needed. Primer-level scratches are deeper: you can see a different color underneath your paint (usually gray or white). These need to be sanded, primed, and repainted. Deep scratches that reach bare metal are the most serious and need immediate attention to prevent corrosion.
We assess every scratch under proper lighting and determine the most effective — and most economical — repair method. Sometimes a $100 buff is all you need. We’ll never upsell you into a $500 paint job when polishing will do the trick.
Our Process
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1
Scratch Assessment
We determine the depth and extent of each scratch under controlled lighting. Clear coat only? Primer-deep? Down to metal? The depth determines the repair method and cost.
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2
Surface Preparation
The damaged area is cleaned and prepped. For clear coat scratches, this means cleaning and decontaminating. For deeper scratches, we sand the area and apply primer as needed.
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3
Repair & Refinish
Clear coat scratches are machine-polished. Deeper scratches are filled, primed, color-matched, and repainted with basecoat and clearcoat. We blend into surrounding areas for an invisible repair.
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4
Final Polish
The repaired area is polished to match the gloss level of your surrounding paint. We check from multiple angles to ensure the repair is completely invisible.
What to Expect
Clear coat scratch removal can be done same-day, often in a few hours. Deeper scratches requiring paint work take 1-2 days. We’ll give you an accurate estimate after seeing the damage — the depth of the scratch is the biggest factor in both cost and timeline.
Cost Guide
Scratches from a collision or vandalism are typically covered by your insurance. Key scratches fall under comprehensive coverage. Minor scratches from everyday wear are generally out-of-pocket — and are usually inexpensive enough that filing a claim doesn’t make financial sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can scratches be buffed out?
Clear coat scratches — the most common type — can often be removed entirely with machine polishing. If you run your fingernail across the scratch and it doesn’t catch, it’s likely a clear coat scratch that can be buffed out. Deeper scratches that catch your nail need paint repair.
How much does scratch repair cost?
A clear coat buff starts around $100-150. Primer-level scratches requiring paint run $200-500 per panel. Deep gouges with metal exposure can cost $500-1,000 depending on the area. We provide exact pricing after inspecting the damage.
Will the scratch repair be visible?
Not if it’s done properly. We color-match your exact paint shade and blend into surrounding areas. Under normal lighting, a professional scratch repair is invisible. That said, there’s a reason we do this in a controlled environment — proper technique matters.
Should I fix a scratch right away?
If the scratch has reached bare metal, yes — fix it promptly. Exposed metal starts to rust quickly, especially in Ontario where road salt accelerates corrosion. Clear coat scratches aren’t urgent but should be addressed before they deepen or collect contaminants.
Can I use touch-up paint from the dealer?
Touch-up paint is fine for tiny chips where you just need to seal the metal. But for visible scratches longer than a centimeter or so, touch-up paint usually makes things look worse — you end up with a visible line of slightly-wrong color. Professional repair gives you an invisible result.
Related Services
Available Across the GTA
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Tell us about the damage and we’ll provide a detailed quote — usually within a few hours.
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