buff out light scratches on car

First, give the car a proper wash and dry—polishing dirt is just sanding with extra steps.

Do the fingernail test: if your nail doesn’t catch, it’s a clear‑coat scratch and you can usually fix it; if it does, you’re into paint and need touch-up or a pro.

Apply a dedicated scratch remover or a light cutting compound on a foam pad, work a small area with moderate pressure in overlapping passes, then wipe and inspect.

Repeat once or twice; if you’re still chasing it, stop before you chew through the clear coat like a seagull through hot chips.

Finish with a polish and a decent wax/sealant to hide any micro‑marring and keep the shine alive.

Avoid the drill-with-a-random-pad hack—heat and edges can get spicy, fast.