Scratch on inner slide

[Reedman1]

If there’s a small scratch on the outer surface of the stocking of an inner slide tube, is it better to get it buffed out or to get the tube replaced? The reason I ask is that I wonder if buffing out a scratch would create a surface divot that could collect dirt and cause more damage.
I’m sure it’s cheaper to buff, but is it the wiser choice?
Thanks in advance!

[Doug Elliott]

Chrome is really hard to scratch. Do you have any idea how it happened?

[Reedman1]

A previous owner. I suspect they mishandled the slide when putting it together, but I don’t really know.