how to polish out scratches on car

First, decide if it’s just in the clear coat: if your fingernail doesn’t catch, it’s polishable; if it does, you’re in touch-up or respray territory.

Wash, dry and clay the area, then mask edges—start with a mild cutting compound on a microfibre pad (or a dual-action polisher) and work small sections.

Keep the pad flat, use light pressure and check often; heat and panel edges are where paint goes to die.

Refine with a finishing polish to restore gloss, then protect with a sealant or wax so the shine doesn’t do a runner at the first car wash.

If the scratch is through the colour or primer, hand it to a pro—rattle-can heroics rarely end in applause.