Can you buff out scratches on a ceramic coating?

Theoretically, buffing out a scratch on a car with a ceramic coating is no different to buffing out a scratch on a car without, however, because the ceramic coating is harder, harsher buffing pads and coarser cutting compounds are required.

This will mean that it can take far longer to buff out the scratch and great care is required.

The other difference is that when the scratch is removed or reduced and the repair is done, ceramic coating needs to be reapplied.

Of course, this is dependent on it being possible to buff out the scratch. As on any car, if the scratch is deeper than the clear coat, then it usually cannot be buffed out and may require a cosmetic repair.

What this question is really about

This question usually comes up when marks appear on a coated car and the owner is unsure whether those scratches are in the coating itself or in the paint underneath - and whether machine polishing will remove the coating.

Can you buff scratches out of a ceramic coating?

You cannot selectively “buff out” scratches from a ceramic coating on its own. Machine polishing removes material, and because ceramic coatings are extremely thin, polishing will remove the coating in the area being worked.

Where the scratches usually are

• Most visible swirl marks are in the clear coat, not the ceramic coating
• The coating sits on top of the clear coat and mirrors whatever is underneath
• If the paint is scratched, the coating will look scratched too

What polishing actually does on a coated car

• Removes or reduces scratches in the clear coat
• Removes the ceramic coating in the polished area
• Leaves bare paint that will need re-protecting

Common misconceptions

• “The coating has failed” - scratches are usually wash-related, not coating failure.
• “Polishing won’t affect the coating” - any abrasive polishing will degrade it.
• “Hard coatings stop swirl marks” - coatings reduce risk, they do not eliminate it.

What the correct process looks like

If scratches genuinely need removing, the correct approach is controlled correction followed by re-protection.

• Assess whether marks are actually worth correcting
• Polish only as much as needed to improve the paint
• Reapply ceramic coating to the treated areas, or recoat the panel

Best-practice takeaway

• You cannot polish scratches out without removing the coating locally
• Scratches usually come from washing technique, not coating failure
• Correction and re-coating is normal and manageable when needed
• Prevention through safe washing matters more than hardness claims

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 12/01/2026 16:14