buff scratch out of car Page 9

If the paint’s just lightly scuffed, you can buff a scratch out of a car without turning the driveway into a Greek tragedy. First, wash and dry the panel, then do the fingernail test—if your nail doesn’t catch, it’s likely clear-coat and polishable. Dab a small amount of cutting or polishing compound on a clean microfibre and work a small area with light pressure, 20–30 seconds at a time.

Wipe, inspect in good light, and repeat until the haze fades; don’t chase it like a pokies jackpot or you’ll thin the clear. Finish with a finer polish and a wax/sealant to protect the shine. If your nail catches or you see primer/metal, you’ll need touch-up paint (and possibly wet-sanding), which is best left to someone with more patience than a traffic warden.