How to Sand Car Scratches Before Touch-Up Paint (400, 600, 800, 1000 Grit Guide)

Car scratches can ruin the look of a vehicle, but with proper sanding, they can be prepped for touch-up paint or polishing. The right grit sequence ensures scratches are leveled without damaging the surrounding clear coat. This guide explains how to sand scratches step by step using 400, 600, 800, and 1000 grit sandpaper.

Why Sanding Scratches Matters

Clear coat and paint scratches scatter light, making them highly visible. Sanding blends the damaged area into the surrounding surface, creating a uniform profile for paint or polish. Without sanding, touch-up paint won’t bond smoothly and scratches remain noticeable.

Tools You’ll Need

• 400–1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper – for progressive smoothing.
• Sanding block – keeps pressure even across the surface.
• Spray bottle with water – essential for wet sanding.
• Touch-up paint & clear coat – for repairing deep scratches.
• Polishing compound & microfiber cloths – for restoring shine.

Best Grit Sequence for Scratch Removal

• 400 grit: Levels deeper scratches and damaged clear coat.
• 600 grit: Refines sanding marks from 400 grit.
• 800 grit: Smooths the surface for paint or polish.
• 1000 grit: Final sanding before polishing or touch-up paint.

Step-by-Step Scratch Sanding

1. Start with 400 grit. Level the scratch area carefully using 400 grit (100-pack).
2. Smooth with 600 grit. Refine scratches with 600 grit (25-pack).
3. Refine with 800 grit. Prepare the area for blending using 800 grit (25-pack).
4. Finish with 1000 grit. Wet sand lightly with 1000 grit (25-pack) for a paint-ready surface.
5. Polish or touch-up. Apply touch-up paint for deeper scratches, or polish for surface scratches.

Special Cases

For scratches through the clear coat into base paint, sanding alone isn’t enough—you’ll need touch-up paint and clear coat. For shallow scratches, start at 800 grit and skip coarse sanding. Always wet sand finer grits to avoid adding new scratches.

Pro Tips

• Work in small sections to avoid sanding too much clear coat.
• Sand in straight lines, alternating direction with each grit.
• Keep the surface wet at all times to prevent heat buildup.
• Polish immediately after sanding to restore shine.

Aftercare

• Protect with wax or ceramic coating after repairs.
• Wash with pH-neutral soap to maintain finish.
• Inspect scratches periodically and re-polish as needed.

FAQs

• Will sanding remove deep scratches? Only if they’re in the clear coat—deeper scratches need touch-up paint.
• Can I dry sand scratches? No—always wet sand to prevent damage.
• What grit should I stop at before painting? 1000 grit provides the ideal surface for paint adhesion.

Watch & Learn

For flawless auto scratch repair, explore our super fine sandpaper collection.