how to buff out scratches on black car

First, wash and dry the panel, then do the fingernail test — if your nail catches, it’s likely through the clear coat and needs touch-up or a respray, not just buffing.

For light clear-coat swirls and scuffs, clay the area, then use a quality cutting compound with a dual-action polisher (or a foam applicator by hand) in small sections with light pressure.

Work in the shade, keep the pad clean and the panel cool, and check your progress often; once the mark is diminished, switch to a fine polish to restore gloss.

Finish with a sealant or wax to hide micro-marring, and on black paint use soft pads and slow, patient passes — rush it and you’ll swap one scratch for a smudge orchestra.

Deep scratches showing basecoat or primer? Dab in matched touch-up, level carefully only if you know what you’re doing, then compound and polish — otherwise, let a pro handle it.