How to Remove Scratches from Paintwork
Close up of scratches on and around door handle on a black car

Before you start...we recommend performing a "nail" test on the scratch; if the scratch is deep enough to catch your fingernail when you run your fingertip over the surface then sadly polishing it will only diminish its appearance and your panel is likely in need of repainting... but If it does not catch your fingernail then good news! The scratch can usually be polished out.

For optimum results, we recommend the use of a Dual Action Polishing Machine paired with the G3 Pro D.A. Cutting Compound and Foam Cutting Pad.

For scratch removal by hand... we recommend G3 Pro All-In-One Polish with a damp clean microfibre cloth for medium and light scratches and Scratch Remover (Paste or Liquid) with a white G3 Pro Waffle Applicator Pad for coarser scratches.

Before Polishing: Clean

Before doing any form of paint rectification, it's important to ensure the surface is sufficiently clean of any dirt or contaminants; we recommend you follow our best practice guide to Safely and Effectively Clean Paintwork before following this guide - Snow Foam followed by Shampoo application with the "Two Bucket" Car Wash Method will lift harmful contaminants and allow you to properly assess the surface condition.

  • G3 Pro Snow Foam being sprayed onto a black car via a pressure washer

    We recommend a: Pre-wash with snow foam

  • Lambswool wash mitt being used on the side of a car

    ... followed by a shampoo wash

Remove Scratches - By Machine

Use a Dual Action Polishing Machine paired with the G3 Pro D.A. Cutting Compound and Foam Cutting Pad to remove scratches and imperfections.

This combination glides and cuts evenly over the surface with little effort - removing scratches, swirls and holograms, whilst restoring oxidised and dull paintwork.

On darker colours and for a true, mirror shine, swirl-free finish, you may wish to follow on with the G3 Pro D.A. Fine Polish and G3 Pro Foam Polishing Pad

  • Checking the temperature of a car panel by touch

    Make sure the surface is cool

  • Attaching a blue foam cutting pad to a dual action polishing machine

    Attach the cutting pad...

    For hard OE lacquers use the microfibre cutting pad
  • G3 Pro Dual Action Compound being applied to a blue foam cutting pad attached to a dual action polishing machine

    ... and a small amount of G3 Pro D.A. Cutting Compound

  • Using a Dual Action Polishing Machine with a Foam Cutting Pad on a car door

    Polish!

    Drive at 3500 opm. The polisher should glide over the surface. If it feels rough, you need more abrasive on your pad.
  • Wiping a black car door with a G Plus Cloth

    Buff off!

    Wipe residue off with a soft, clean microfibre cloth.
  • G3 Pro Dual Action Polish being applied to an orange foam polishing pad attached to a dual action polishing machine

    Optional: Perfect finish

    CONTINUE with G3 Pro D.A. Fine Polish and G3 Pro Foam Polishing Pad to remove swirls, holograms and minor imperfections - leaving a mirror-smooth finish.

For Medium to Light Scratches - By Hand

G3 Pro All-in-One Polish is a versatile product that's ideal for removing medium and light scratches by hand when applied in a crosshatch motion with a microfibre finishing cloth

All-in-One Polish can be made coarser with the use of a white waffle pad - but there may be some dulling and we would recommend following with a cloth application of All-in-One Polish

Heavier defects may require the use of a machine and dedicated compound / polish.

DID YOU KNOW? G3 Pro All-in-One Polish is highly lubricated and can also be used with a Dual Action or Rotary Polishing Machine! For swirls we would recommend using with a Dual Action polisher with foam pads at 3500 opm.

  • Checking the temperature of a car panel by touch

    Make sure the surface is cool

  • Shaking a bottle of All-in-One Polish in front of a black car

    Shake the bottle...

  • G3 Pro All-in-One Polish being applied to a microfibre cloth

    ... and apply a small amount to a clean microfibre cloth.

  • Rubbing G3 Pro All-in-One Polish into a scratched door handle with a microfibre cloth

    Rub the polish over the defect

    Work the polish in in small, cross-sanding motions. G3 Pro All-in-One polish is highly lubricated, but some prefer to lightly dampen the cloth to ensure an even smoother application.
  • Scratches removed from on and around door handle

    ... and buff to a shine! 😎

    Either turn the cloth to the clean side - or take a second clean microfibre cloth - and buff the residue off to a shine.
  • Attaching a blue foam cutting pad to a dual action polishing machine

    Optional: For larger areas

    DID YOU KNOW? G3 Pro All-in-One polish is versatile and can be used by hand or machine. For more effective scratch removal and larger areas, combine it with a foam applicator and an eccentric polisher.

For Coarser Scratches - By Hand

G3 Pro Scratch Remover (available as a Liquid or Paste) eliminates light scratches and diminishes the look of deeper defects using proprietary Farécla technology.

Scratch Remover offers a permanent solution for removing minor scratches from the surface of your vehicle. We recommend using with the G3 Pro White Waffle Applicator Pad for optimum performance.

Polishing by hand can result in some minor dulling on dark colours; be prepared to follow on with Colour Restorer or All-in-One Polish.

There is a limit to what hand application can achieve - heavier defects may require the use of a machine and dedicated compound / polish.

  • Checking the temperature of a car panel by touch

    Make sure the surface is cool

  • Spraying a G3 Pro White Waffle Applicator Pad with water

    Moisten the pad...

    Keeping the pad / cloth wet ensures an even and smooth application.
  • Shaking a green label G3 Pro product in front of a black car

    Shake the product...

    Scratch remover liquid is optimised for larger applications, paste works best in small areas.
  • G3 Pro Scratch Remover paste being applied to a G3 Pro White Waffle Applicator Pad

    ... and apply a small amount to the pad.

    The scratch remover can be applied with a cloth for a slightly less coarse application.
  • Rubbing compound onto a car door by hand with a white waffle applicator pad

    Apply the product with the pad.

    Work the abrasive in in a back and forth motion - spray the pad regularly to reduce drag. When you have finished, polish with a clean cloth.
  • G3 Pro Colour Restorer being applied to a Black G3 Pro Applicator Waffle Pad

    Recommendation for Darker Colours

    Due to the polishing process, the scratch remover may cause matting on darker colours. Follow with Colour Restorer or All-in-One Polish using either a microfibre cloth or the black G3 Pro Applicator Waffle Pad.

Products Used

  • G3 PRO D.A. COMPOUND - Photo of 1 L and 500 ml size SKUs on a White Background
    G3 Pro D.A. Cutting Compound

    G3 Pro D.A. Cutting Compound is an easy handling, low dusting paint correction liquid - optimised for use with a Dual Action Polisher.

  • G3 PRO FOAM CUTTING PAD - Photo of Foam Pad - Velour Side - Top and Side On View
    G3 Pro Foam Cutting Pad

    The G3 Pro Foam Cutting Pad offers a medium cut and is ideal for OE and refinished paints.

  • G3 PRO ALL-IN-ONE POLISH - Photo of 500 ml size SKU on a White Background
    G3 Pro All-in-One Polish

    G3 Pro All-in-One Polish removes swirls, holograms, minor defects and leaves a high gloss shine

  • G PLUS FINISHING CLOTH - 1 Unfolded Yellow Cloths on a White Background
    G Plus Microfibre Finishing Cloth

    G Plus Finishing Cloths are ideal for quick cleaning and drying jobs. Its microfibre technology grips dust and small dirt particles, and the cloth’s edgeless finish prevents damaging and scratches. 

  • G3 PRO COLOUR RESTORER - Photo of 500 ml size SKU on a White Background
    G3 Pro Colour Restorer

    G3 Pro Colour Restorer removes swirls, holograms and defects; restoring colour and shine to faded or oxidised surfaces.

  • G3 PRO APPLICATOR WAFFLE PADS - Photo of 1 White Pad, 1 Black Pad in front of Box
    G3 Pro Applicator Waffle Pads

    G3 Pro Applicator Waffle Pads allow for easy application of G3 Pro 'Restore' products and waxes for the ultimate finish.

Where to buy?

FAQs

How to Use: G3 Pro All-in-One Polish How to Use: G3 Pro All-in-One Polish

1. Wash and dry surface thoroughly
2. Shake bottle
3. Ensure surfaces are cool to the touch
4. Apply a small amount to the surface, microfibre cloth or foam pad
5. BY HAND: Apply with a dry, clean microfibre cloth in light, cross hatch motions
BY MACHINE Polish with a foam pad (dual action 3500 opm or rotary 800 – 1100rpm)
6. Remove residue and buff with a soft, clean, dry microfibre cloth
7. Reapply if necessary

How to Use: G3 Pro Scratch Remover Paste How to Use: G3 Pro Scratch Remover Paste

1. Wash surface thoroughly
2. Ensure surfaces are cool to the touch
3. Dampen a G3 Pro White Waffle Applicator Pad
4. Apply a small amount of product to the pad
5. Rub in a back and forth motion
6. Buff off with a clean, dry, soft microfibre cloth
7. Reapply if necessary

How to Use: G3 Pro Scratch Remover Liquid How to Use: G3 Pro Scratch Remover Liquid

1. Wash surface thoroughly
2. Ensure surfaces are cool to the touch
3. Dampen a G3 Pro White Waffle Applicator Pad
4. Apply a small amount of product to the pad
5. Rub in a back and forth motion
6. Buff off with a clean, dry, soft microfibre cloth
7. Reapply if necessary 

What is the difference between G3 Pro Scratch Remover Paste and Liquid? What is the difference between G3 Pro Scratch Remover Paste and Liquid?

They are only different in their consistencies, and when deciding which one to use it is purely down to personal preference! As a general rule however, G3 Pro Scratch Remover Liquid is fluid and is designed to provide easy use when renovating multiple scratches over large surface areas; whereas G3 Pro Scratch Remover Paste is more solid and is mainly for use on localised scratches.

How to Use: G3 Pro Colour Restorer How to Use: G3 Pro Colour Restorer

1. Wash surface thoroughly
2. Ensure surfaces are cool to the touch
3. Dampen a G3 Pro White Waffle Applicator Pad
4. Apply a small amount of product to the pad
5. Rub in a back and forth motion
6. Buff off with a clean, dry, soft microfibre cloth
7. Reapply if necessary