TromboneChat

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!

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

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