Not all car scratches are created equal. Understanding the type of scratch your vehicle has is the first step in determining the best repair approach. At Volk On-Site Auto Restoration, we've repaired thousands of scratches across DC, MD, and VA—and we can fix most of them right at your location without repainting.
Let's break down the three main types of scratches and how our sprayless repair techniques can restore your vehicle's appearance.
1 Clear Coat Scratches (Minor Surface Scratches)
What They Are:
Clear coat scratches are the most common type. They only affect the transparent protective layer on top of your paint—not the colored base coat underneath.
How to Identify:
- Light, superficial marks
- You can't feel them with your fingernail
- The color of your car shows through
- Often caused by car washes, fingernails, or light contact
Our Repair Method:
We use professional-grade polishing compounds and techniques to level the clear coat and remove the scratch. This process is completely sprayless and restores the original factory finish. Most clear coat scratches can be buffed out in under an hour—right in your driveway.
2 Base Coat Scratches (Moderate Depth)
What They Are:
These scratches penetrate through the clear coat and into the colored base coat layer. They're more serious than clear coat scratches but still repairable on-site.
How to Identify:
- You can see a different color (often white or gray)
- You can feel the scratch with your fingernail
- Caused by keys, shopping carts, door dings
- The scratch is visible from a distance
Our Repair Method:
For base coat scratches, we use precision paint touch-up techniques with factory-matched colors. We carefully fill the scratch, blend it with the surrounding area, and seal it with clear coat. The result? A seamless repair that's virtually invisible. Most base coat repairs take 1-2 hours on-site.
3 Primer & Deep Scratches (Severe Damage)
What They Are:
These are the deepest scratches, penetrating through all layers down to the primer (or even bare metal). They require more extensive repair but can still often be fixed on-site.
How to Identify:
- You can see white/gray primer or bare metal
- Deep, noticeable grooves
- Often from collisions or major impacts
- May show rust if left untreated
Our Repair Method:
Deep scratches require a multi-step process: we clean and prep the area, apply primer if needed, build up color-matched paint in layers, and finish with clear coat and polishing. While more involved, we can handle many deep scratches on-site. In severe cases, we'll provide honest guidance on whether a body shop visit is needed.
Why Choose Mobile Scratch Repair?
Convenience
We come to your home, office, or anywhere in the DMV area
Cost-Effective
Save money vs. traditional body shops
Fast Turnaround
Most repairs completed in 1-3 hours
Professional Results
15+ years of experience, guaranteed quality
Got a Scratch? We Can Help.
Upload photos for a free quote or call us directly