How do you remove light scratches from paint? (Black Paint).

[Back N Black]

I used a cleaner and wax and still have light scratches

[twodko]

Take it to an auto body shop you trust and get their opinion. You could try a reputable detail shop too.

[440]

Buy one of those gimmick miracle pens from the TV ad. 

[bill440rt]

Look into one of these systems:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/machine+polish+%26+wax+kit+gen2.do?sortby=ourPicks

They sell several different kits at different prices.
VERY easy to use. I have a right-angle polisher for initial heavy sanding & buffing, but wanted something more gentle for polishing & waxing so I got one about 2 years ago. It works FANTASTIC. Their polishes & waxes are also top-notch, they are easy to use & give excellent results. I've been using their stuff for years.

It's basically a random orbital polisher, with foam pads. Very gentle on the paint, & is very effective for removing light scratches & swirl marks. Excellent on black.

[Ryan]

you need to be more specific about the scratches.

Can you catch your finger nail in them?

There are many options that do not include painting but it all depends on how bad the scratch is.

Alot of times a good compound followed by a buffer will remove scratches, sometimes you will need to wetsand first depending how bad the scratch is.

[Back N Black]

you need to be more specific about the scratches.

Can you catch your finger nail in them?

There are many options that do not include painting but it all depends on how bad the scratch is.

Alot of times a good compound followed by a buffer will remove scratches, sometimes you will need to wetsand first depending how bad the scratch is.

Its just light swirl scratches from washing and polishing.

[Ryan]

you need to be more specific about the scratches.

Can you catch your finger nail in them?

There are many options that do not include painting but it all depends on how bad the scratch is.

Alot of times a good compound followed by a buffer will remove scratches, sometimes you will need to wetsand first depending how bad the scratch is.

Its just light swirl scratches from washing and polishing.

I good investment would be a random orbital polisher. Porter cable makes a nice one.
check out autogeek.com

they sell kits that include the polisher, various pads and good professional grade polishes and sealers.
When I get home I can try and look up the exact kit I am thinking about and forward the info to you.
It'll take care of your swirl marks. And the nice thing about the random orbital polishers is that they are very forgiving. Almost impossible to burn the paint.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Here is a cool video with some good tips and tricks.   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYed_Hnrql4&list=PL96D52AF54166C886&index=1&feature=plpp_video

[TXcharger70]

Agreed. That Video was very informative

[1970Moparmann]

Very cool video.

[Patronus]

Agreed. Always work your way from finer to more abrasive compounds. Also, I think they did a great job of showing you the damage. On a black car it can be hard to even capture the issues. Working with good light is also key for a great finish. The issues here were quite constant (from a quick video assessment) in pattern. It looks more like someone didn't know what they were doing rather than the elements. 
Some interesting tips, thanks for posting.