How to Remove Car Scratches Using G3 Pro Scratch Remover

Photo - Tube of G3 Pro Scratch Remover in front of a before and after photo - Scratch visible on left side. Gone on the right side.

Car scratches are one of the most common and frustrating forms of paintwork damage - whether caused by keys, bushes, car parks or general wear. While deeper gouges may require professional repair, many light car scratches can be safely and permanently removed at home using the right product and technique.

G3 Pro Scratch Remover is a hand-applied compound that offers a permanent solution; using engineered abrasive particles to eliminate fine scratches and scuffs without the need for fillers, touch-up paint or machine polishing.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to remove car scratches using G3 Pro Scratch Remover for a long-lasting, high-gloss finish.

[!] IMPORTANT! This guide is specific to the NEW and IMPROVED G3 Pro Scratch Remover formulation (Part No. 7262 and 7263). See "Before You Begin" for further details.

Before You Begin: Check Your Product

What’s the difference between Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263), Paste (7163) and Liquid (7164)? What’s the difference between Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263), Paste (7163) and Liquid (7164)?

G3 Pro Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263) contains a new and improved formulation – building upon the strengths of our award-winning original Paste (7163) and Liquid (7164) formulations with some major improvements:

Easier Application
The new formulation is highly lubricated. No water needed. Applicators and Cloths glide with ease over the surface, letting the polish do the work.

Better Finish
Unlike its predecessors, the new formulation leaves a fine, high gloss finish and removes the need for a follow-on polish (such as G3 Pro Colour Restorer)

Cleaner Chemistry
The new formulation is VOC-Free (Volatile Organic Compound-free); no harmful vapours, no strong odours and a lower environmental impact.

G3 Pro - Scratch Remover - 7262 and 7263 with a Green Tick

New & Improved Formulation

This guide is specific to the NEW and IMPROVED Formulation G3 Pro Scratch Remover (7262 & 7263) See the FAQ above for further details but the improved formulation makes for a simpler process: no water required in use and a better finish without the need for a follow-on product.
G3 Pro Scratch Remover - Paste and Liquid Formulations

"Paste" (7163) & "Liquid" (7164) Formulations

Our original award-winning formulations follow a different process. Do NOT follow this guide if you have one of these products. They still work a treat and will remove scratches and scuffs BUT they typically require more work and a follow-on product due to dulling. Please follow the directions on the product packaging.

Before You Begin: Check the Scratch Depth

Can my scratch be repaired with G3 Pro Scratch Remover? Can my scratch be repaired with G3 Pro Scratch Remover?

First - carry out a visual test; if the scratch hasn't penetrated through the top layer of the paint to the point where you can see the metal or black plastic underneath then it may be treatable:

Second - carry out a "fingernail" test by running a fingernail across the scratch:

  • If you can run a fingernail over a scratch mark without your nail catching, then G3 Pro Scratch Remover can remove it – quickly, easily and permanently.
     
  • For deeper scratches that catch your nail, Scratch Remover can reduce the appearance of the defect by following the same process.
What is the "fingernail" test? What is the "fingernail" test?

The "fingernail" test is a quick way to check the depth of a scratch before using G3 Pro Scratch Remover:

Simply run a fingernail across the scratch:

  • If you can run a fingernail over a scratch mark without your nail catching, then G3 Pro Scratch Remover can remove it – quickly, easily and permanently.
     
  • For deeper scratches that catch your nail, Scratch Remover can reduce the appearance of the defect by following the same process.

it's important to also visually assess the scratch:

  • Defects that have scraped the paint to the point where you can see either the metal or black plastic underneath are simply too deep for any simple scratch removal process and will require rectification work to be done by a trade professional.
     
  • Paint transfer as a result of a light collision can be removed with G3 Pro Scratch Remover
Photo - Close up of a deeper defect on a silver car

The "Visual" Test

Defects that have scraped the paint to the point where you can see either the metal or black plastic underneath are simply too deep for any simple scratch removal process and will require rectification work to be done by a trade professional.
Photo - Close up of a fingernail running across a visible scratch on a silver car

The "Fingernail" Test

If you can run a fingernail over a scratch mark without your nail catching, then G3 Pro Scratch Remover can remove it – quickly, easily and permanently.

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.

Photo - G3 Pro Snow Foam being sprayed onto a Silver car

We recommend a: Pre-wash with snow foam...

Photo - G3 Pro Shampoo washing the rear passenger side of a Silver car

... followed by a shampoo wash

Remove Scratches: by Hand

G3 Pro Scratch Remover uses engineered abrasive particles to eliminate minor scratches and scuffs from the surface of your vehicle (cars, bikes, motorhomes, boats and more).

Everything needed to remove scratches by hand quickly, easily and permanently is included in the G3 Pro Scratch Remover Kit (7262):

  • G3 Pro Scratch Remover (100 ml Tube) [7263 x1]
  • G3 Pro Applicator Waffle Pad (White - Single) [Part of 7167]
  • Microfibre Cloth (Grey)

How to Use

How to Use: G3 Pro Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263) | @G3Professional

00:02:25
How to Use: G3 Pro Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263) How to Use: G3 Pro Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263)

Important!: Before doing any form of paint rectification, ensure the surface is sufficiently clean of any dirt or contaminants. Dirty surfaces can cause unwanted scratches during polishing!
See: "How to Safely and Effectively Clean Paintwork" 

  1. Before polishing, run a fingernail across the scratch:

    If your nail does not catch the scratch you can remove it fully. 

    If it catches, you won't be able to remove the defect entirely, you can reduce the appearance of it following the same process.

  2. Apply a small amount of product to the waffle side of a clean G3 Pro White Applicator Waffle Pad OR a clean, dry microfibre cloth.
     
  3. Rub the compound over the scratch in a crosshatch motion (back and forth, up and down) – timing is subject to scratch depth so if you are unsure, follow this pattern for up to 60 seconds.
     
  4. Buff the surface with a clean, dry microfibre cloth and inspect:
    If the scratch remains – or if you want a finer, high gloss finish - apply some more product and repeat Step 3

TIP! We recommend following on Scratch Remover with a high-quality wax for an enhanced gloss finish and protection.

See: "How to Protect a Painted Finish" 

What’s the difference between Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263), Paste (7163) and Liquid (7164)? What’s the difference between Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263), Paste (7163) and Liquid (7164)?

G3 Pro Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263) contains a new and improved formulation – building upon the strengths of our award-winning original Paste (7163) and Liquid (7164) formulations with some major improvements:

Easier Application
The new formulation is highly lubricated. No water needed. Applicators and Cloths glide with ease over the surface, letting the polish do the work.

Better Finish
Unlike its predecessors, the new formulation leaves a fine, high gloss finish and removes the need for a follow-on polish (such as G3 Pro Colour Restorer)

Cleaner Chemistry
The new formulation is VOC-Free (Volatile Organic Compound-free); no harmful vapours, no strong odours and a lower environmental impact.

Photo - G3 Pro Scratch Remover being applied to a White Applicator Waffle Pad

Apply Scratch Remover

Apply a small amount of product to the waffle side of a clean G3 Pro White Applicator Waffle Pad OR a clean, dry microfibre cloth. The applicator will give you a faster cut.
Photo - G3 Pro Scratch Remover on a White Applicator Pad being applied in a Back and Forth motion

Back and Forth...

Applying light pressure and moderate speed, rub the compound over the scratch in a crosshatch pattern (#); by alternating multiple passes in a back-and-forth motion...
Photo - G3 Pro Scratch Remover on a White Applicator Pad being applied in a Up and Down motion

...and Up and Down

...followed by multiple passes in an up-and-down motion. Keep repeating this crosshatch pattern over the defect for quick and efficient scratch removal.
Photo - G3 Pro Scratch Remover being wiped with a Grey Microfibre Cloth

Wipe & Inspect

Timing is subject to scratch depth - if you are unsure how long to polish for, we recommend following the crosshatch motion for around 60 seconds, then wipe and check your progress.
Photo - Visible Scratch on a Grey Car BEFORE using G3 Pro Scratch Remover

Remaining Scratches?

Scratch removal is not instantaneous. If the Scratch is still there, simply apply more compound and repeat the crosshatch pattern for 60 seconds and inspect.
Photo - A previously visible scratch on a Grey Car successfully removed using G3 Pro Scratch Remover

Final Pass

If you desire a finer, high gloss finish, apply a small amount of Scratch Remover to a clean microfibre cloth, repeat the polishing step and wipe off for a perfect finish.

Remove Scratches: by Machine?

Can I use G3 Pro Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263) by Machine? Can I use G3 Pro Scratch Remover (7262 / 7263) by Machine?

Yes - G3 Pro Scratch Remover can be used by machine (Rotary or Dual Action).

It was designed for hand use, but the improved, more lubricated formulation helps applicators glide more easily and for longer without the need for water. This makes it more machine-friendly than previous Scratch Remover products.

That said, for machine polishing, a dedicated product like G3 Pro D.A. Cutting Compound may be better suited – especially depending on the surface area of the defects and the machine / pad size you intend to use.

Polishing by machine typically requires more compound. This is due to the larger pad surface, heat build-up, and pad absorption. For smaller or isolated defects, hand application gives more control and is often easier for less experienced users.

If you do choose to machine polish with G3 Pro Scratch Remover, we recommend:

If the finish isn’t as glossy as expected after Machine polishing, apply more product by hand using a cloth and follow our "by hand" instructions.

Please note – machines vary widely in speed, throw, pressure and pad type. Incorrect use may cause unwanted defects. We recommend machine polishing with Scratch Remover only for those with prior experience.

In summary – G3 Pro Scratch Remover can be used by machine, but you may get better results by hand on smaller areas, or by using a dedicated machine compound on larger panels.

Photo - G3 Pro Scratch Remover being applied to a White Applicator Waffle Pad

Designed for "By Hand"

G3 Pro Scratch Remover was designed primarily for hand use, but the improved, more lubricated formulation makes it Machine friendly - either with a Rotary or Dual Action polishing machine.
G3 PRO FOAM CUTTING PAD - In Use Photo - G3 Pro D.A. Compound Being Applied to Pad attached to Dual Action Polisher

Machine Polishing Alternatives

That said, for machine polishing, a dedicated product like G3 Pro D.A. Cutting Compound may be better suited – especially depending on the surface area of the defects and the machine / pad size you intend to use.
Photo - G3 Pro Scratch Remover being wiped with a Grey Microfibre Cloth

Finishing Touch

If the finish isn’t as glossy as expected after Machine polishing, apply more product by hand using a microfibre cloth and follow our "by hand" instructions.

After Polishing: Finish

Once restored, you'll want to protect and maintain your newly restored finish with a wax 

The G3 Pro range includes 3 different waxes which vary in ease of application and degree of protection required:

G3 Pro SuperGloss Paste Wax 2.0 being held in front of a black car

For long-lasting protection

G3 Pro SuperGloss Paste Wax 2.0 is an easy to apply, high quality wax blend with carnauba wax. It provides an exceptional high gloss finish and up to 6 months of protection.
G3 Pro Resin Superwax being held in front of a black car

For simple, durable protection

G3 Pro Resin Superwax is an easy to apply, high quality blend of liquid waxes and UV inhibitors that provides up to 4 months protection.
G3 Pro Spray Wax being held in front of a black car

For quick application & maintenance

G3 Pro Spray Wax is super quick to apply and increases shine and provides water repellency for up to 1 month. Ideal for maintaining and refreshing shine.

Products Used

Photo - G3 Pro Scratch Remover - Kit Contents - 100 ml Tube, White Applicator, Grey Cloth
New

G3 Pro Scratch Remover Kit (New Formulation) contains everything needed to eliminate light scratches and reduce the appearance of deeper defects by hand; quickly, easily and permanently

 

Photo - G3 Pro Scratch Remover - 100 ml Tube
New

G3 Pro Scratch Remover (New Formulation) eliminates light scratches permanently and reduces the appearance of deeper defects.

G3 PRO APPLICATOR WAFFLE PADS - Photo of 1 White Pad, 1 Black Pad in front of Box

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

BOOST CLOTH - Photo - Single Grey Cloth folded at a slight angle on a White Background

‘made by boost’ Microfibre Cloths are both edgeless and low lint making them ideal for a wide variety of tasks.

Where to buy?

Related FAQs

Can G3 Pro Scratch Remover be used on bare plastics or glass? Can G3 Pro Scratch Remover be used on bare plastics or glass?

No. G3 Pro Scratch Remover is for use on painted, lacquered and GRP surfaces, and is not for use on glass or plastics.

The exception is on clear plastics such as headlights which – when cloudy or faded - can be polished with G3 Pro Scratch Remover.

Can I use G3 Pro Scratch Remover to remove stone chips from paintwork? Can I use G3 Pro Scratch Remover to remove stone chips from paintwork?

No – G3 Pro Scratch Remover works on the top surface of clearcoats / paints, unfortunately, stone chips cause deeper damage. 

Defects like stone chips that have scraped the paint to the point where you can see either the metal or black plastic underneath are simply too deep for any simple scratch removal process.

Stone chips can be treated by a trade professional who will typically fill, level and respray to make them vanish.

I have faded fingerprint stains on my car. What caused them and how do I repair them? I have faded fingerprint stains on my car. What caused them and how do I repair them?

Fingerprint stains are typically caused by hand creams and sun lotions.

If you’ve applied cream to your hands and open your car door, the cream can transfer onto your paintwork and can eat away at the surface – this is what causes the staining. 

The stains however can be restored with G3 Pro Scratch Remover and a white G3 Pro Applicator Waffle Pad following the same process as our recommended scratch removal process.

Once restored, you'll want to protect and maintain your newly restored finish with a wax.

For further details, see our dedicated solutions pages:

"How to Use: G3 Pro Scratch Remover"

"How to Protect a Painted Finish"

I have stains in my paintwork caused by bird droppings. How do I remove them? I have stains in my paintwork caused by bird droppings. How do I remove them?

Bird droppings are very caustic and can eat into your paintwork. They need to be removed immediately to prevent damage. 

See our dedicated solutions page:

How to Remove Ingrained Dirt, Bugs and Bird Lime” 

If, however, etching occurs due to droppings remaining on the surface for too long they can usually be removed using G3 Pro Scratch Remover and a white G3 Pro Applicator Waffle Pad following the same process as our recommended scratch removal process.

Once restored, you'll want to protect and maintain your newly restored finish with a wax.

For further details, see our dedicated solutions pages:

How to Use: G3 Pro Scratch Remover” 

How to Protect a Painted Finish” 

How do I restore cloudy headlights? How do I restore cloudy headlights?

Headlight lenses becoming cloudy and faded from the UV rays in sunlight is a very common problem, but particular in hotter climates due to the intensity of sunlight and sandstorms.

There are 2 potential solutions depending on severity:

FOR LIGHTLY HAZED LENSES:

Using a G3 Pro “Restore” product like G3 Pro Scratch Remover (by hand) or G3 Pro All-in-One Polish (by machine) is a good choice for this, or any of Farécla’s trade range “Step 1” cutting compounds.

FOR SEVERE FADING:

If polishing alone does not remove all the yellowing, then a 5-step sanding process* (P500 -> P800 -> P1500 -> P2000 -> P3000) will be necessary, followed by polishing as above.

* It’s also good practice to use a guide coat between sanding steps.

[!] The sanding process will remove the original clearcoat, to protect the finished surface (i.e. after polishing) from future UV degradation it is a good idea to apply a layer of UV-resistant clearcoat where possible. If you are unable to apply a UV clearcoat afterwards, then we’d recommend a 2~3 monthly application of a UV inhibiting wax.