buffing out scratches on car

First, do the fingernail test: if your nail catches, it’s through the clear and no amount of buffing will save it—think touch-up or a pro. If it’s just a clear-coat scuff, wash and decontaminate the panel, then mask edges so you don’t invent a new scratch while fixing the old one. Work a small blob of cutting compound with a microfibre pad or a dual-action polisher at low speed, keep it moving, and stop the moment the mark fades. Follow with a finishing polish to remove haze, then seal with wax or a ceramic/paint sealant so it doesn’t come back like last year’s tax return. Avoid body lines and thin edges—they heat up faster than a snag on the barbie and will burn through if you’re ham-fisted. Still visible or down to primer? Step away from the wheel and call a detailer—bravado is cheaper than repainting, but not by much.