Many scratches, from light to moderately deep, can be buffed out at home with some effort. However, scratches that penetrate to the primer or metal should be professionally addressed to avoid long-term damage.

Many scratches can be buffed out, especially if they're not too deep. The ultimate approach is to use a car buffer with a suitable polish or compound.

For buffing out scratches, consider using a medium-cut polish for deeper scratches and a fine polish for lighter ones. Brands like Meguiar's, Menzerna, and 3M are popular. Pair it with a foam or microfiber pad on your buffer for the best results.

How to buff out scratches on a car ？

Here's a step-by-step guide to buffing out scratches on your car:

Clean the Area: Wash the scratched area thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Dry it completely.

Inspect the Scratch: Determine the depth. Light scratches that only affect the clear coat can be buffed out, while deeper scratches may require more work.

Select the Right Products:

For light scratches: Use a fine polish (e.g., Meguiar's Ultimate Polish).

For deeper scratches: Use a medium-cut polish (e.g., Menzerna 2500).

Choose the Right Pad: Use a foam pad for the buffer; a softer pad for fine polish and a more aggressive pad for medium-cut polish.

Apply the Polish: Put a small amount of polish on the pad and spread it evenly over the scratched area. You can also apply a bit of polish directly on the paint.

Buff the Scratch:

Set your buffer to a low speed (about 1,500–2,000 RPM).

Work in small sections, using overlapping passes.

Apply light pressure and let the buffer do the work.

Keep the buffer moving to avoid burning the paint.

Wipe Off Residue: After buffing, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any residue.

Inspect and Repeat if Necessary: Check the scratch. If it's still visible, you may need to repeat the process or try a more aggressive approach.

Finish with Wax: Once satisfied, apply a good wax or sealant to protect the area.

Always test any product in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your car's paint.