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Scratch Removal

  • June 8, 2025

Scratch Removal

  • Updated: June 30, 2025

Say Goodbye to Paint Scratches — Without Repainting Your Whole Car

You didn’t ask for those scratches — maybe it was a shopping cart, a car door in a tight parking spot, tree branches, or even your own keys slipping one day. Either way, those little marks are driving you crazy.

At RoamShine, we help San Diego drivers remove or dramatically reduce surface scratches without expensive bodywork. Whether it’s light swirls or deeper scuffs, we assess each scratch and use the right blend of polishing, buffing, and touch-up to bring your paint back to life.

Not All Scratches Are Equal

Here’s what we look at before we start:

  1. Clear coat scratches – Usually light, shallow, and very fixable with polishing
  2. Paint transfer – Common from bumpers or doors brushing up against another object
  3. Deeper scuffs – If you can feel it with your fingernail, it may need more aggressive correction or touch-up
  4. Body panel damage – If metal is exposed or the panel is dented, we’ll refer you to a trusted body shop instead

We’re honest about what can and can’t be fixed — and we never overpromise. If it can be safely corrected, we’ll take care of it.

How We Remove Scratches

We match our method to your vehicle’s paint type and the depth of the damage. Our process might include:

  1. Paint-safe compounding and polishing
  2. Wet sanding for isolated deeper scratches
  3. Spot correction using DA polishers and microfiber pads
  4. Removal of paint transfer or scuff marks
  5. Clean-up and protection with a sealant or ceramic booster
Everything is done by hand or machine with professional-grade tools and products — no auto wash gimmicks or buff-and-hopes.

Perfect For:

  1. Light scratches from keys, branches, or fingernails
  2. Swirl marks from poor washing or automatic car washes
  3. Paint transfer from bumpers or doors
  4. Cars prepping for resale or lease return
  5. Anyone who just wants their paint to look fresh again

Mobile Service You Can Trust

We’re fully mobile and come to you with all equipment — whether you’re in La Jolla, Point Loma, Chula Vista, or anywhere else in San Diego County.

You don’t need to drop your car off, wait days, or pay body shop prices. We’ll inspect, quote, and get started — all in one visit.

FAQs – Scratch Removal

Can you fix deep scratches?

If it’s through the clear coat and into the color or primer, we may not be able to fully remove it — but we can often reduce how noticeable it is by 70–90%. We’ll let you know honestly up front.

Will scratch removal damage my paint?

No. We use controlled machines and pads — and we always measure before we cut. Your clear coat stays protected.

Is this safe for ceramic-coated vehicles?

Yes. In fact, we often correct scratches on coated vehicles and reapply ceramic to that panel afterward.

How long does it take?

Most scratch removals take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number and severity of the areas.

Pricing

Type of ScratchTypical Price
Light Swirls / One Panel$75–$100
Paint Transfer / Multiple Panels$125–$175
Isolated Deeper Scratch (with wet sanding)$150–$225
Add Ceramic Panel Recoat+$40


We’ll assess everything on-site and give you a straight-up quote — no pressure, no surprise fees.

TL;DR — Scratches Don’t Have to Stay

A scratch may not ruin your car — but it sure can ruin how it looks. Let us fix what we can, polish what needs help, and bring the shine back without a trip to the body shop.

Book Scratch Removal with RoamShine — and fall back in love with your paint again.

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