Car detailing can reduce or remove many scratches — but not all of them. Here’s what detailing can fix and when deeper damage needs more than polishing.
Scratches are one of the most common reasons people look into car detailing. The good news is that many scratches can be removed or greatly reduced through proper detailing techniques.
However, not all scratches are the same. Some sit on the surface of the paint, while others cut deeper into the clear coat or even the paint layer itself. Understanding the difference helps set realistic expectations.
Detailing works best on light surface scratches, including:
These types of scratches usually sit in the clear coat and can often be corrected with polishing or paint correction.
Some scratches are too deep for standard detailing. These include:
While detailing may reduce how noticeable these scratches look, full removal usually requires repainting or advanced repair work.
Car detailing can remove or significantly improve many scratches — especially surface-level damage. But deeper scratches need more than polishing to fully fix.
📍 If you’re in New York, RetroClean Detailing can assess your paint and recommend the safest way to restore your car’s appearance.
