Light Buff
Light swirls & minor defects
Starting at $299
Typical time · ~2 hours
- ✓Light machine buff
- ✓Swirl mark reduction
- ✓Surface gloss enhancement
- ✓Minor scratch reduction
- ✓Hand wipe & inspection
- ✓Exterior rinse & dry
Mobile Cut & Buffing
Mobile Cut & Buffing Services & Packages
Remove Surface Scratches, Faded Paint, and Oxidation. Machine Buffing at Your Location.
Cut and buff uses cutting compound and a machine polisher to level scratches, scuffs, and oxidation in the clear coat, then a finishing polish restores gloss. Mobile Detailing Expert assesses scratch depth with the fingernail test and PTG before compounding begins.
4.9 StarsFully InsuredMobile Service80+ US Cities
ABOUT THIS SERVICE
When Your Paint Needs Cut & Buffing
Mobile exterior detailing is a multi-stage clean and protect service performed at your location. It goes far beyond a drive-through wash with hand wash technique, chemical decontamination, wheel and door-jamb attention, and wax or sealant before we leave.
Why Cut & Buffing Really Matters
Your paint takes daily damage you cannot see. Iron from brake dust embeds in clear coat. Sap and bugs bond chemically. UV breaks down resins in the clear coat. A standard wash removes dust but leaves bonded contaminants in place.
Regular professional exterior detailing strips that layer off, restores smooth paint, and re-seals the surface so the next round of grime sits on protection instead of attacking the finish underneath.
How Cut & Buffing Protects Your Vehicle
Decontamination removes embedded particles that cause rust speckling, water-spot etching, and dullness. Wax or sealant adds a hydrophobic layer so water sheets off and contaminants bond less easily.
A vehicle detailed every three to four months ages dramatically slower than one washed only at a tunnel. The clear coat stays thicker longer, and that layer holds gloss and trade-in value.
PROCESS
What's Included in Our Cut & Buffing Package
Every exterior detail follows the same six stages in order. Package level changes time and product passes, not which stages get done.
Stage 1. Pre-Service Scratch and Paint Assessment (10 to 15 min)
Fingernail test and PTG on affected panels, scope confirmed before compounding.
Stage 2. Decontamination Wash (15 to 25 min)
Wash and clay when needed, never compound over dirty paint.
Stage 3. Compound Stage (30 to 90 min)
Cutting compound levels scratches, scuffs, or oxidation in the clear coat.
Stage 4. Polish and Finishing Stage (20 to 45 min)
Finishing polish removes compound haze and restores gloss.
Stage 5. Panel Wipe and Protection (15 to 20 min)
IPA wipe, inspection light walk-around, same-day wax or sealant add-on.
Add-ons such as headlight restoration, engine bay detailing, overspray removal, or ceramic coating upgrades are confirmed before we start.
Who Is This Service For
If your paint feels rough after washing, that is bonded contamination, exactly what this service is for.
- Visible scratch or scuff that does not catch your fingernail
- Dull, chalky, or faded paint from UV oxidation
- Older vehicles, RVs, or boats with hazed gel coat
- Buffer trails or holograms from prior shop work
- Boat and RV gel coat oxidation restoration
- Targeted panel work without full correction scope
PRICING
Cut & Buffing Cost & Pricing
Mobile service included. Packages aligned with city blueprint rates.
How Much Does Cut & Buffing Cost?
Light Buff from $299, Heavy Cut & Buff from $359 (most popular), Heavy Cut & Buff + Oxidation from $599 on sedans and compact SUVs.
MOST POPULARHeavy Cut & Buff
Deeper scratches & paint refinement
Starting at $359
Typical time · ~3 hours
- ✓Heavy machine cut
- ✓Deep swirl removal
- ✓Paint clarity restoration
- ✓Moderate scratch treatment
- ✓Machine polish finish
- ✓Exterior rinse & dry
Heavy Cut & Buff + Oxidation
Heavily oxidized & neglected paint
Starting at $599
Typical time · ~4 hours
- ✓Everything in Heavy Cut & Buff
- ✓Full oxidation removal
- ✓Paint color restoration
- ✓Heavy scratch & etching treatment
- ✓Multi-stage machine polish
- ✓Exterior rinse & final QC wipe
Important: Final price depends on vehicle size and condition. You can also customize your package.
What Affects Cut & Buffing Price?
Variables that move the final price:
- Vehicle size. Sedans take less time and product than full-size SUVs or lifted pickups.
- Vehicle condition. Bonded contamination, oxidation, and heavy brake dust add labor.
- Paint protection state. Neglected clear coat needs more decontamination passes.
- Add-ons. Headlight restoration, overspray removal, engine bay, and ceramic upgrades are priced on top of the base package.
- Location and access. Mobile service is included in all cities; tight access may need a short adjustment.
Post-service wax, sealant, or ceramic coating is available as a same-day add-on where noted.
MOBILE VS. SHOP
Why Mobile Cut & Buffing Beats the Detail Shop
Compounding needs power and light, we bring both to your driveway, office, or marina.
| Body Shop or Detail Shop | MDE Mobile Cut & Buff |
|---|---|
| Their facility | Your driveway, office, or marina |
| Half day or more in transit and waiting | Zero. Keep working. |
| Varies, many quote without inspection | Fingernail test and PTG before compounding |
| Many shops require full-vehicle minimums | Single-panel and targeted work available |
| Separate appointment at many shops | Wax, sealant, or ceramic add-on same day |
VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY
Vehicles We Service
We perform mobile exterior detailing on every vehicle category we are insured to touch. Pricing scales with size.
Cars & SUVs
Single-panel scratch removal, full-vehicle oxidation on older sedans, and pre-lease scuff repair.
Trucks & Pickups
Rocker scuffs, door ding scratches, and UV-faded paint on trucks without regular waxing.
Minivans
Sliding-door scuffs and lower-panel parking-lot marks, efficient single-panel service.
RVs
Gel coat oxidation responds dramatically to compounding. Priced per linear foot for full-vehicle work.
Boats
Hull gel coat oxidation and above-waterline chalking restored with marine-rated compounds.
Motorcycles
Tank scratches and fairing scuffs with small-format pads sized for bike geometry.
RESULTS GALLERY
Real Cut & Buffing Results
Six finished vehicles, scratches and oxidation removed, gloss restored after cut and buff.
HOW BOOKING WORKS
How Mobile Cut & Buffing Works
Three steps. We handle everything else.
Step 1. Describe the damage and pick your package
Single scratch, multiple panels, or full-vehicle oxidation, photo in sun if unsure.
Step 2. We assess before we compound
Fingernail test and PTG before any machine touches paint.
Step 3. We buff, polish, and walk the results
Panel-by-panel work; payment after walk-around in natural light.
REVIEWS
What Customers Say About Our Cut & Buffing
FAQ
Cut & Buffing FAQs
What is cut and buff?
Cut and buff uses a cutting compound and machine polisher to remove clear coat material below scratches, scuffs, and oxidation, then a finishing polish restores high gloss, without repainting.
What does cut and buff do?
It levels clear coat defects, scratches that do not catch your fingernail, scuffs, buffer trails, and UV oxidation, then polishes the surface to a glossy, uniform finish.
How much does it cost to buff a car?
Mobile cut and buff starts at $299 for Light Buff, $359 for Heavy Cut & Buff (most popular), and $599 for Heavy Cut & Buff + Oxidation on sedans and compact SUVs. Larger vehicles and RV or boat work are quoted after inspection.
What scratches can cut and buff remove?
Scratches within the clear coat that do not catch your fingernail. If your nail catches, the scratch may have reached basecoat and needs touch-up or body repair before compounding can finish cleanly.
How long does cut and buff take?
Single-panel work takes 45 to 75 minutes. Targeted multi-panel takes 2 to 3 hours. Full-vehicle oxidation removal takes 4 to 6 hours. RVs and boats take longer.
How often should you buff your car?
Cut and buff is corrective, not routine maintenance. Use it when a new scratch appears or when oxidation returns after years without protection.
What is the difference between cut and buff and paint correction?
Cut and buff targets specific defects or oxidation zones. Paint correction is structured multi-stage work measured across all panels, Level 1 from $399, Level 2 from $499, Level 3 from $599.
Can cut and buff remove oxidation?
Yes. Chalky UV oxidation in clear coat or gel coat is removed by compounding, then polish and same-day sealant or ceramic coating prevent rapid return.
Is cut and buff the same as paint correction?
They share technique but differ in scope. Cut and buff fixes a specific problem area. Paint correction maps and removes defects across the full vehicle to a measured reduction goal.
Will cut and buff remove all scratches?
Only clear-coat scratches. Basecoat breaks improve in appearance but are not filled by compounding alone, touch-up or body repair comes first.
What should I apply after cut and buff?
Wax, sealant, or ceramic coating the same day. Freshly compounded paint has no sacrificial layer until you add protection.
Can you cut and buff RVs, boats, and motorcycles?
Yes. RV and boat gel coat oxidation is a primary use case. Marine-rated compounds and small-format motorcycle pads. RV and boat work quoted by size after PTG assessment.
SERVICE LOCATIONS
Mobile Cut & Buffing Near You
We perform cut and buff compound work at your location to remove heavy oxidation and deep defects.
Cut & Buffing in AtlantaCut & Buffing in BaltimoreCut & Buffing in BirminghamCut & Buffing in ColumbusCut & Buffing in DallasCut & Buffing in DenverCut & Buffing in HuntsvilleCut & Buffing in IndianapolisCut & Buffing in JacksonvilleCut & Buffing in Los AngelesCut & Buffing in MemphisCut & Buffing in MinneapolisCut & Buffing in New YorkCut & Buffing in NorfolkCut & Buffing in OrlandoCut & Buffing in San AntonioCut & Buffing in San JoseCut & Buffing in SavannahCut & Buffing in SeattleCut & Buffing in TampaCut & Buffing in TulsaCut & Buffing in Wilmington
FURTHER READING
Cut & Buffing Guides
More reading on compounding and scratch assessment, from our blog:
Cut & Buffing
What Is Cut and Buff? How Machine Compounding Restores Paint
Cut and buff is the two-step machine process that levels clear coat defects with compound, then restores gloss with polish. Here's exactly what each step does.
Read article
Cut & Buffing
Cut and Buff vs Paint Correction: Which Service Do You Need?
Cut and buff is targeted compounding to fix specific defects. Paint correction is a measured, multi-stage process. Here's how they differ in scope, time, and result.
Read article
Cut & Buffing
How to Tell If a Scratch Is in the Clear Coat or the Paint
The fingernail test plus a careful visual inspection tells you whether a scratch can be polished out or needs touch-up paint. Here's how to check.
Read article
Cut & Buffing
Removing RV Oxidation: What Cut and Buff Can and Can't Restore
Most RV exteriors are gel coat over fiberglass — not painted metal. Cut and buff can restore mild to moderate oxidation, but severe chalking has a point of no return.
Read article
Cut & Buffing
How Much Does a Cut and Buff Cost? (2026 Price Guide)
Wondering about cut and buff cost? See real price ranges by vehicle size, what affects the bill, and when a cut and buff is worth it.
Read article
Cut & Buffing
Wet Sanding vs Cut and Buff: When You Need Each
Wet sanding vs cut and buff explained. Learn when to wet sand a car, what each removes, and whether wet sanding is safe for your clear coat.
Read article
Paint Correction
What Is Paint Correction? A Complete Explanation of the Process
Paint correction is a measured, machine-polished process that removes swirls, scratches, water etching, and oxidation from clear coat. Here's exactly how it works.
Read article
Paint Correction
1-Step vs 2-Step vs 3-Step Paint Correction: Which Level Do You Need?
Level 1 correction removes 60–70% of defects, Level 2 removes 85–95%, Level 3 approaches perfection. Here's how to choose based on defect severity and expected results.
Read article
Paint Correction
Paint Correction Before Ceramic Coating: Why the Prep Matters More Than the Coating
Ceramic coating locks in whatever's underneath. Skip paint correction and the coating preserves your swirl marks for years. Here's why prep is the most important step.
Read article
Paint Correction
How to Tell If Your Car Needs Paint Correction: A Direct Inspection Guide
Sunlight inspection, raking-light checks at night, and the contamination test together tell you whether your paint needs correction, decontamination, or just a wax. Here's how to inspect like a pro.
Read article
Paint Correction
How Much Does Paint Correction Cost? (2026 Price Guide)
Paint correction cost ranges from $200 to $2,000+. Learn what drives the price, what a 2-step job runs, and if mobile paint correction is worth it.
Read article
Paint Correction
How to Remove Swirl Marks from Car Paint (Guide)
Learn how to remove swirl marks from car paint by hand or machine. We cover what causes swirls, the best removal methods, and how to stop them coming back.
Read articleService Explanation
What Is Paint Correction? Everything You Need to Know
Paint correction removes swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation from your car's finish. Learn what it involves, how it works, and whether your vehicle needs it.
Read article
DIY / How-To
How to Wash Your Car Without Scratching the Paint
Learn how to wash your car without scratching the paint. Step-by-step guide covering the two-bucket method, proper tools, and pro tips from mobile detailing experts.
Read article
Problem-Solution
Why Your Car Paint Looks Dull (And How to Fix It)
Is your car's paint looking faded and flat? Learn the real causes of dull car paint and the most effective ways to restore that showroom shine.
Read articleCoverage
Mobile Detailing Available Across the United States
We serve 80+ cities across every major region of the country. Find your city below.
Book Your Mobile Cut and Buff Service
Machine compounding and polish for scratches and oxidation. Scratch depth assessed before compounding. Fully insured.
4.9 StarsFully InsuredMobile Service80+ US Cities