Best Lighting for Spotting Scratches on Black Paint


Jimbo Balaam on

Scratches and swirls are hard to see on black cars. Here’s the lighting setup detailers use to catch every imperfection.

Best Lighting for Spotting Scratches on Black Paint


Best Lighting for Spotting Scratches on Black Paint

Black paint looks incredible in the shade, but under the wrong light it reveals every swirl, hologram, and scratch. The secret to perfect black paint is inspection lighting—using the right type of light at the right angle to see what most people miss. This guide breaks down the best lighting options for detailers and DIYers who want flawless black paint.

Perfect Finish Starts with the Right Light

Inspection lighting shows you swirls before your customer—or your own eyes in the sun—ever can. Pair good lighting with the right polish and ceramic spray for black-car perfection.

Why Lighting Matters More on Black Cars

Black cars hide nothing. Even the lightest wash-induced micro-marring can stand out under direct sunlight or showroom LEDs. Without proper inspection lighting, you might polish a car thinking it’s perfect—only to roll it into the sun and see holograms everywhere. Lighting is your truth teller.

Types of Lighting That Reveal Swirls & Scratches

  • Handheld LED Inspection Lights: Compact, portable, and designed for swirl-spotting. Ideal for close-up work on panels.
  • High-CRI Shop Lights: A CRI (Color Rendering Index) above 90 reveals true color and defects more accurately.
  • Sunlight Simulators: Specialized detailing lights mimic direct sun—perfect for black paint correction work.
  • Spotlights (Focused Beam): Point-source light exaggerates imperfections, making swirls and holograms obvious.
  • Cross Lighting (Multiple Angles): Using more than one light source at different angles ensures no defect goes unseen.

Best Angles to Check Black Paint

Lighting isn’t just about type—it’s about angle:

  • 45-degree angle: Most defects are revealed at this angle, not straight on.
  • Low glancing light: Place the light low and shine across the paint to highlight fine swirls.
  • Move around: Always shift the light and your viewing position. One spot may look perfect until you change your angle.

How to Use Lighting During Polishing

  1. Prep: After washing and claying (see how to clay safely here), inspect under strong light.
  2. Polish small sections: Work 2’x2’ areas, then check with handheld lighting.
  3. Adjust pads & polish: If swirls remain, switch pad aggressiveness or refine with finishing polish—see How to Polish Black Cars Without Holograms.
  4. Final inspection: Use different lights (handheld + overhead) before sealing the paint.

Lighting Mistakes to Avoid

  • Only checking under shop fluorescents: They hide swirls instead of revealing them.
  • Using only overhead lights: These wash out defects. Always add a handheld source.
  • Not re-checking outdoors: Always do a final walkaround in sunlight if possible.

Pro Setup for Home Detailers

You don’t need a $1,000 setup to see swirls. Here’s a simple, effective kit:

  • 1–2 handheld swirl-finding lights
  • LED shop light with CRI 90+
  • Adjustable tripod light for overhead or side-angle checks
  • Natural sunlight for final inspection

See the Swirls. Fix the Swirls.

With proper lighting, you’ll never miss a scratch on black paint again. Pair it with Picture Perfect Polish to correct defects, then lock in the finish with Tough As Shell.

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