Fixing a Scratch

[Sky Render]

Something jumped up and left a 4" scratch on the bottom of my passenger side door.

Fortunately, the scratch DID NOT go all the way through the paint. (It looks more like a "crease." It just barely catches my fingernail) So that means I've got a good chance of fixing it, right?

I'm going to hit it with some polishing compound and then finish it off with Meguiar's Scratch-X. Any other advice to at least make it less noticeable?

 

[Grabber]

You can probably blend it very well.

Do you have a PC or a Flex/Rupes, etc? If so, use some medium compound and then follow it up with a light compound to remove any fine swirls.

It may not go completely away, but, you can definitely improve the looks of it significantly.

 

[Sky Render]

You can probably blend it very well.

Do you have a PC or a Flex/Rupes, etc? If so, use some medium compound and then follow it up with a light compound to remove any fine swirls.

It may not go completely away, but, you can definitely improve the looks of it significantly.

Do I have a what?

I currently do everything by hand.

 

[Grabber]

Do I have a what?

I currently do everything by hand.

PC = Porter Cable, Flex/Rupes Orbital/Rotary buffers, etc?

This is the detailing section, and if terminology is not mastered and you do not search 5,000 times, these fuckers will school you.

If you do it by hand, using compound will help, but, without a buffer/polisher, removing the scratch will be very trying.

 

[Sky Render]

I'm actually thinking of getting the PC DA buffer kit that Chemical Guys sells for $199. I haven't gotten one yet because I'm worried about damaging the paint.

I've had pretty good luck with removing fine scratches before by hand, though.

 

[GallopingFord]

I have a PC 7424 I don't even use.... take it off my hands.

 

[00blkvert]

You will be able to remove fine scratches and swirls by hand but fine I mean very fine. If you pick up a DA polisher like mentioned they are very safe to use even beginners. On the most part they finish better then a rotary also. A PC or Griots Garage are the 2 best for beginners. If you pick up Cams PC on a good deal I would do it. The a griots garage is a bit stronger and has a lifetime warranty.

Here's a link for the GG with pads. http://www.detailersdomain.com/Griots-Garage-6-inch-Random-Orbital-Polisher-Base-Kit_p_683.html

This link is the same polisher but with a complete starter kit with a compound, finishing polish, and a sealant.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Grio...Orbital-Polisher-Swirl-Remover-Kit_p_704.html

If your interested in them I have a 10% code I can give you just pm me.

 

[Sky Render]

Cam's sending me some pics of his DA, so I might give that a shot. I also emailed a local professional detailer to get a quote just for an FYI. Honestly, you can't even see the scratch even in direct sunlight unless your head is less than a foot from it. So a little elbow grease with some polishing compound might be more than enough.

 

[C.Love]

I guess personally I would get some medium-cut compound and a polisher (like the porter cable mentioned although i like the dewalts) with a foam wheel. You just need to be somewhat careful you don't burn through the paint (thus foam over wool). As mentioned doing it by hand probably wont get you the results you are going for.

i had a rock chip on my fender I ended up filling with paint, then layered clear over it until it was built up over the chipped area. Dry sanded with 1500 to even it down, then wet sanded with 1500 then buffed it to perfection. Hard to tell it was even there. I would guess with a scratch like you have it wont need nearly that type of craziness to fix.

 

[NaS197]

If you can feel it with your finger nail, it needs to be 320 grit sanded, polyester putty filled, 220 grit sanded, primed, 320 grit sanded, base coat (blend), clear coat (blend)

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

 

[C.Love]

^several ways to skin a cat. Under extreme circumstances when all other things are exhausted that's the ticket. It doesn't sound to me like his scratch is that deep after reading his additional comments.

 

[00blkvert]

That seems a little extreme for one scratch. I've removed quite a few that have been fairly deep on 2nd note he also he would like to atleast reduce how obvious it is not necessarily get rid of it.

 

[Sky Render]

Yep, it can only be seen in direct sunlight if you're looking right at it. So just making it even less obvious is all I want to do. Thanks for all the advice so far!

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[JEWC_Motorsports]

Vince, quit looking at the passenger side.

 

[GallopingFord]

Pics inc just got home.

 

[Sky Render]

Vince, quit looking at the passenger side.

 

[Lupo222]

I would try and use some 2000 grit wet sand paper and a 1200 grit rubbing compound (poorboys master cut and a yellow pad on a PC DA works awesome).

If that doesn't work, try 1500 wet sand. If that doesn't work, you are too deep for a DA anyways.

 

[Bullitt 3309]

This is a great how to for scratch repair:
http://www.ammonyc.com/detailing/paint-chip-touch-up/

 

[BlackReign]

This is a great how to for scratch repair:
http://www.ammonyc.com/detailing/paint-chip-touch-up/

I like that video a lot...wish all the videos on his channel worked.

 

[TxGt1]

Something jumped up and left a 4" scratch on the bottom of my passenger side door.

Fortunately, the scratch DID NOT go all the way through the paint. (It looks more like a "crease." It just barely catches my fingernail) So that means I've got a good chance of fixing it, right?

I'm going to hit it with some polishing compound and then finish it off with Meguiar's Scratch-X. Any other advice to at least make it less noticeable?

if your fingernail catches the scratch it is usually to deep to completely remove. You can make it look much better with a PC, compound, and a polish. Wet sanding then compounding would be the better option. check the link out this should help.
How To Repair Scratches