how to buff out paint scratch on car

[NolanFitz]

Whether you can buff out a paint scratch depends entirely on its depth. The core rule is that you can only fix a scratch that hasn't penetrated the clear coat. If you can feel the groove with your fingernail, it's probably too deep for a simple buffing job and will require touch-up paint or professional repainting.

First, you need to assess the damage. Wash and dry the area thoroughly. Run your fingernail gently across the scratch. If your nail doesn't catch, it's likely a clear coat scratch and a prime candidate for buffing. If it catches, you're feeling the base coat or primer, which means a more complex repair is needed.

For a clear coat scratch, you'll need a dual-action polisher or a lot of elbow grease, a polishing compound, and a fine finishing polish. Machine polishing is far more effective and safer for beginners than a rotary buffer. Apply the compound to a foam pad and work on a small, manageable section (about 2x2 feet). Use slow, overlapping passes, keeping the polisher moving to avoid burning the paint. The compound contains mild abrasives that level the clear coat, removing a microscopic layer to blend the scratch.

After compounding, wipe the area clean and inspect it. You'll then need to use the finer finishing polish to restore gloss and remove any hazing from the compounding step. This two-step process is crucial for a professional-looking result. Always finish by applying a fresh layer of wax or sealant to protect the newly exposed clear coat.

Scratch Depth	Repair Method	DIY Difficulty	Approx. Cost (DIY)	Key Consideration
Clear Coat Only	Polishing Compound	Easy	$30 - $80 (kit)	Completely removable; no paint needed.
Into Base Coat	Touch-Up Paint + Polish	Moderate	$50 - $150	Color match is critical; finish may be visible.
Into Primer	Professional Repaint	High	$300 - $1000+	Necessary for deep damage and rust prevention.
Through Metal	Professional Panel Repair/Replace	Professional Only	$1000+	Structural integrity and corrosion are concerns.

[AdamRose]

If it's a light surface scratch you can't catch with a fingernail, grab some toothpaste (non-gel, basic whitening kind) as a quick test. Put a dab on a damp microfiber cloth and rub it in small circles over the scratch. It acts as a very mild abrasive. Wipe it off. If the scratch is less visible, you can invest in a real polishing compound for a more permanent fix. This is just a hack to see if buffing will work before you buy anything.

[AryaFitz]

I was nervous about making it worse, so I started super gentle. I used a hand-applicator pad and a light-grade polishing compound instead of a machine. I worked on a tiny, inconspicuous area first to get a feel for the pressure. The key is patience—rushing it won't do anything. After a few minutes of careful circling, the scratch faded away. I followed up with a good car wax. It’s totally doable if you take your time and don’t press too hard.