How to remove scratches from a car body at home is a question that concerns many car owners in Germany. Even with careful use, small defects on the paintwork inevitably appear — from tree branches, small stones, or an unfortunate parking maneuver. Timely removal of scratches not only improves the car’s appearance but also prevents rust from developing. It’s not always necessary to go to a car service: some work can be done independently using accessible materials and tools. The main thing is to correctly assess the depth of the damage and choose the right treatment method. The best techniques, prices, and recommendations are presented by the editorial team G.Business.
Assessing the Depth of the Scratch
Before starting, you need to determine how badly the body is damaged. Light surface scratches that only affect the clear coat can be removed by polishing. If the damage has penetrated to the paint or primer layer, more serious treatment will be required. To check, run your fingernail over the damaged area: if the nail catches, the scratch is deep. In Germany, special markers for identifying damage boundaries are often used, available in auto stores for €5–10. Proper diagnosis at this stage will help avoid unnecessary costs and preserve the factory finish.
Methods for Removing Surface Scratches
Surface defects are easiest to remove with abrasive or non-abrasive polish. The process includes cleaning the body, applying the polishing product, and working in circular motions with a soft microfiber cloth or polishing machine. The average price for quality polish in Germany is €10–20 per tube, enough for several treatments. Work should be carried out indoors or in the shade to prevent the compound from drying too quickly. After polishing, it is recommended to apply protective wax to increase coating durability. This will help keep the car’s color and shine for longer.
List of popular polishes in Germany
- Sonax Polish & Wax — €15–20
- Nigrin Lack-Politur — €10–15
- Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound — €18–25
- Koch Chemie Micro Cut — €20–30
- Dr. Wack A1 Speed Polish — €12–18
Removing Deep Scratches with Touch-Up Paint
If a scratch reaches the primer or metal, repainting is unavoidable. In Germany, special repair kits (Lackstift-Sets) are sold with paint matching the body color, primer, and clear coat. The average price of a set is €15–30, depending on brand and paint type. Before applying the paint, the area should be sanded with fine-grit sandpaper (P2000), degreased, and given a thin coat of primer. Once dry, paint is applied, followed by clear coat. The final stage is light polishing to even out the shine. This method avoids costly visits to workshops, where similar work can cost from €100 per panel.
Useful Tools for DIY Scratch Repair
| Tool / Material | Purpose | Price in Germany (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber cloths | Polishing and removing product residue | 5–10 |
| Polishing machine | Quick removal of small defects | 50–150 |
| Abrasive polish | Removing the top layer of clear coat | 10–20 |
| Touch-up paint kit | Restoring deep scratches | 15–30 |
| Sandpaper (P2000–P3000) | Pre-painting surface preparation | 3–5 |
How to Choose the Right Scratch Removal Product
The German market offers a wide range of products for eliminating paint defects, but their effectiveness depends on the type of damage. Abrasive compounds are suitable for removing fine scratches and oxidation, but overuse can strip away too much clear coat. Non-abrasive polishes are safer but less effective on severe defects. For deep scratches, it’s best to use localized repainting followed by polishing. It’s also important to consider body color: small shade mismatches are acceptable for light-colored cars, while even minimal differences will be visible on dark vehicles.
Common Mistakes When Removing Scratches
Many German car owners make mistakes that lead to even greater damage. Excessive pressure during polishing can “burn through” the clear coat to the paint, while working in direct sunlight can cause the polish to dry too quickly, leaving streaks. Another common mistake is using household sponges or cloths that create new micro-scratches.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Using sandpaper that is too coarse
- Polishing with a dirty surface or without washing the car first
- Skipping degreasing before painting
- Using cheap or counterfeit products
- Applying paint too thickly, making polishing difficult
When to Go to a Car Service
While many scratches can be removed by yourself, some situations are best left to professionals. If the damage is deep, jagged, or rusty, DIY repair may only be a temporary solution. In Germany, removing one medium-sized scratch in an authorized service costs from €80 to €150. In premium centers servicing BMW, Audi, or Mercedes, the price can reach €250 per panel. The advantage of a service center is perfect color matching and long-lasting results.
Where to Buy Scratch Repair Products in Germany
| Store / Platform | Features | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| ATU | Wide range of car cosmetics and tools | from €10 |
| Obi | Touch-up kits matched to car VIN | from €15 |
| Bauhaus | Polishes and waxes from well-known brands | from €12 |
| Amazon.de | Fast delivery and wide selection | from €8 |
| eBay Kleinanzeigen | Used polishing machines and repair kits | from €20 |
Professional Tips
Experienced auto painters and detailers recommend slightly warming the scratch area with a heat gun before polishing so the clear coat becomes more elastic. Masking tape can be used to protect surrounding areas from abrasives. For a final gloss, a ceramic spray can be applied to create a hydrophobic effect — in Germany, such sprays cost €15–25 and last up to three months.
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