Does detailing remove scratches?

Detailing can remove scratches, but only if they sit within the clear coat. Machine polishers and rubbing compounds level the surrounding paint until the surface is smooth. Scratches that expose the base coat, primer, or bare metal cannot be polished away.

On the Sunshine Coast, UV oxidation and coastal salt amplify the appearance of swirl marks, making them look deeper than they are. A professional paint-depth gauge check ensures the clear coat is thick enough to safely polish.

Use the fingernail test to check whether a scratch is polishable:

• Clean the area — remove dirt and grime so the scratch is visible.
• Run a fingernail across the scratch — if the nail does not catch, it is a light surface scratch that can be polished out.
• If the nail catches — the scratch has penetrated past the clear coat and needs touch-up paint or bodywork.

What detailing can and cannot fix:

• Clear-coat scratches — light surface scratches and swirl marks are levelled out by machine polishing.
• Deep scratches — those reaching the base coat, primer, or metal require touch-up paint, repainting, or professional bodywork.
• Edge softening — polishing can reduce the appearance of deep scratches by rounding the edges, even when full removal is not possible.

To safely assess and remove scratches without risking clear-coat damage, consider booking professional on-site car detailing from Auto Emporium.