How do you "buff it out"?
 

I see jokes on here all the time about totaled cars that can just be "buffed out", but in this case, I really do think that is an answer for me.

Last week, I purchased a 2002 Honda Accord. It looked brand new and only has 18,000 miles. Two days later, I was parked at a restaurant for breakfast, and it appears that someone sideswiped me. They took some paint off the bumper, and left about five scrapes down the side of the passenger door.

After I cooled off and actually looked at the scratches, it appears that they are just in the clear coat, and with the exception of some paint taken off the front bumper, look like they could be buffed out.

Is this something a DIYer could do, or is the risk of really screwing up great enough that I should just take it somewhere? If it is DIY-able, where should I start?

Pics would be good.

It depends on what final product you want. If you want it back to a factory finish I'd turn it in to your insurance and pay your ded and have if fixed & painted by professionals.

If you want to tackle this yourself you can wet sand with 2000 grit to remove most all of the scratches and rubbing & polishing compound with a buffer. Then put on imperial hand glaze for final polish. Next, would touch up with paint the small areas that need it. When it's all dry wax it.

Let me also add that you don't want to over-sand cause then you'd have to have paintwork done. A good rule I always use is if you can feel the scratch with your thumb nail it needs paint.

Good Luck!