What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, we've all been there, you come back to the car and find a fresh mark that definitely wasn't there before. Before you go mental, most light scratches can be sorted in your own garage with a bit of elbow grease. I've spent 15 years chasing perfections on everything from beat-up utes to show-quality HSVs, and the secret is all in the prep. This checklist covers the gear you need and the process to follow so you don't make things worse (trust me, I've seen some DIY disasters).
The Essential Scratch Kit
What You'll Need
While you're here...
The 'Before You Touch It' Checklist
What You'll Need
The Repair Process
Wash and Decontaminate
Give the area a proper wash then hit it with the clay bar. You want the paint feeling smooth as glass before you start.
Tape it up
Tape off any nearby rubber seals or unpainted plastic. Trust me, you'll thank me later when you aren't scrubbing white crust off your trims.
Prime your pad
Put 4-5 pea-sized drops of compound on your foam pad. Don't go overboard, more isn't always better, it just makes a mess.
The Work Section
Work in a small 40cm x 40cm area. Move the polisher slow (like 2-3cm per second) in a cross-hatch pattern using moderate pressure.
Wipe and Inspect
Buff away the residue with a fresh microfibre. Use your IPA spray to strip the oils so you can see the true result.
Final Finish
If the scratch is gone but the paint looks a bit hazy, switch to a softer pad and your finishing polish to bring the shine back.
Final Inspection Checklist
What You'll Need
Watch Out
Pro Tip
Trusted by 50,000+ Aussie car owners
Professional advice for Australian conditions
Products We Recommend
Keep Learning
Ready to level up your car care?
You've got the knowledge—now put it into action. Explore more guides or check out our recommended products.
Get Weekly Car Care Tips
Join 12,000+ Aussie car enthusiasts
Keep Reading
How to Properly Decontaminate Your Car's Paint Like a Pro
Is your paint feeling rough like sandpaper even after a wash? That's embedded industrial fallout, rail dust, and iron particles that a normal bucket wash won't touch. We're diving deep into the chemical and mechanical steps to get that glass-smooth finish back.
Fixing Car Scratches Like a Pro
Found a nasty scratch on the door or a swirl of light marks in the paint? Don't stress, most surface damage can be fixed at home with the right gear and a bit of patience.
Sorting Out Scratches: A Real-World Guide to Fixing Your Paint
Nothing ruins a weekend faster than finding a fresh scratch on your pride and joy. Whether it's from a stray shopping trolley or a rogue branch on the tracks, I'll show you how to tell if it's fixable and exactly how to buff it out without making things worse.
Prepping Your Ride for the Shift: Autumn Car Care Basics
Summer in Australia is brutal on paintwork, from 40 degree heat to those nasty bat droppings. This guide shows you how to strip away the summer damage and protect your car before the winter rains hit.