repair scratch on car

Scratches look catastrophic until you realise most are just sulking in the clear coat. Do the fingernail test: if your nail doesn’t catch, wash the panel, then use a rubbing compound with a microfibre pad, polish it up, and seal—job done, ego restored. If your nail catches and you can see colour or metal, you’ll need touch-up paint (and possibly primer), building thin layers, then carefully wet-sanding with 2000–3000 grit before compounding and polishing. Keep the work area small; overzealous buffing can leave a hazy patch bigger than your weekend plans. DIY kits run about $30–$100 AUD, while a smart repair is typically $150–$400, with full repaints costing more. Work in the shade on a squeaky-clean panel, and if doubt creeps in, stop—paint is thinner than your patience.