polish out scratches on car Page 2

First, do the fingernail test: if your nail catches, it’s through the clear coat—polish won’t save it, you’ll need touch-up or a respray.

If it’s a light clear-coat scratch, wash, dry and clay the area, then work a cutting compound with a microfibre pad or dual-action polisher at low speed.

Buff in small sections with moderate pressure, follow with a finishing polish, then seal it with wax or a ceramic product so the mark doesn’t waltz back after the first rain.

Avoid edges and plastic trims, keep pads clean, and don’t chase heat like a seagull after chips—burn-through is forever.

Deep gouges, primer showing, or scratches you can spot from the moon? Call a pro; they’ve got paint depth gauges and steadier hands than your third coffee.