Have you ever noticed how small scratches seem to appear over time, no matter how well you look after your car? Even when the paint is still in good condition, fine marks can slowly build up over time. They might not stand out at first, but once you notice them, they are hard to ignore. Before you start looking around for a nearby scratch repair service, it helps to understand how you can buff out scratches on a car.
Ways to buff out scratches from a car
Common types of car scratches
Scratches cut into the paint at different levels, so each one needs its own way of being fixed, just like when you’re dealing with scratches on alloy wheels.
1. Clear coat scratches
These types of scratches only touch the clear protective layer. Every day contact, like washing, dust or light brushes against plants, usually results in these scratches.
How to buff clear coat scratches
To brush them out, add a small amount of polish or scratch remover to a microfibre cloth. Work gently in small circles and always make sure not to overdo it. These scratches usually fade well with steady hand buffing. Most of the time, DIY products are designed for this kind of repair.
2. Paint layer scratches
These marks cut into the colour coat beneath the clear layer. They usually look more noticeable and feel deeper when you run your nail over them.
How to buff paint layer scratches
Unlike evident coat scratches, this type of scratch requires more effort to repair. In order to remove them, use a cutting compound or a stronger polish and work the area slowly. A dual-action machine polisher can help blend the colour if the scratch is not too deep. But if the mark remains, you may need touch-up paint before giving it another buff.
3. Primer scratches
These scratches cut through the colour coat and reach the primer layer. They often show up as a dull or grey mark.
How to buff primer scratches
You will not be able to fully buff these out. Although polishing may soften the rough edges, the colour will not come back. Since the paint layer is missing, the area needs to be repainted. Small scratches can be handled with a touch-up kit but anything bigger is best fixed by a professional.
4. Bare metal scratches
These are the deepest scratches and cut right through the paint to expose the metal underneath.
How to buff bare metal scratches
Buffing will not repair this kind of damage. When metal is exposed, it can start to rust, so the panel needs to be rebuilt with primer, colour, and clear coat. Since the repair must be done carefully, it is safest to have a professional handle this type of scratch.
Mistakes to avoid when trying to eliminate scratches on a car
Many DIY car scratch repairs go wrong because the basic steps get overlooked. Using worn or dirty clothes can leave fine scratches you may not notice right away. This is why it is better to choose car safe products and a soft microfibre cloth. Polishing in the sun can also cause the product to dry too fast and leave streaks behind.
It is also important not to stay in one spot for too long because that can thin out the clear coat without you realising. If the mark still will not fade, it is usually a sign that buffing is not enough. In that case, it’s best to take your car to a scratch repair shop, especially if you plan to resell your car in the future. Those little details can cost you a lot of money in the end.
FAQs
Can you buff out all car scratches?
Buffing alone will not eliminate scratches on car panels that cut into the colour layer. Buffering can only be done on light surface marks in the clear coat layer.
How do I know if a scratch is too deep to buff?
It is already too deep for just buffing if your fingernail catches on the mark or you can see a different colour or primer.
Is it better to buff by hand or with a machine?
Both. You could use hand buffing for light scratches. Save the machine for deeper marks when you can use it steadily and with care.
Does toothpaste really remove car scratches?
Although toothpaste is not an appropriate car polish, it can be applied to remove light scratches.
How long should I spend buffing a scratch?
A few minutes at a time is usually enough for light scratches.
Will buffing scratch thin my paint?
Yes, it can if you overdo it. Gentle and controlled buffing is safe, especially when you are working on clear coat scratches.
