Help with a scratch
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 567
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From: Lodi Ca.
Help with a scratch
I noticed a fine scratch on the trunk of my car. It is very fine, but if you run your finger nail over it you can feel it...drives me crazy it's about 3 inches long. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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From: The Sunshine State
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First try using a premium car car swirl and haze remover product. I use Adams. Use it with a orbital buffer to see if you can get the scratch out.
If no, try wet sanding the area with 3000 or 2000 grit sandpaper and follow-up with some rubbing compound. You may have to go lower than 2000 if the scratch is deep. After the scratch is removed, follow up with a polish and wax.
If no, try wet sanding the area with 3000 or 2000 grit sandpaper and follow-up with some rubbing compound. You may have to go lower than 2000 if the scratch is deep. After the scratch is removed, follow up with a polish and wax.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 610
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From: Finleyville PA
^1 Perfect advice. Do a youtube search on wet sanding scratches for a more visual route. This is a good video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl30nnPE-Hg
good luck!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl30nnPE-Hg
good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 347
From: SC
First try using a premium car car swirl and haze remover product. I use Adams. Use it with a orbital buffer to see if you can get the scratch out.
If no, try wet sanding the area with 3000 or 2000 grit sandpaper and follow-up with some rubbing compound. You may have to go lower than 2000 if the scratch is deep. After the scratch is removed, follow up with a polish and wax.
If no, try wet sanding the area with 3000 or 2000 grit sandpaper and follow-up with some rubbing compound. You may have to go lower than 2000 if the scratch is deep. After the scratch is removed, follow up with a polish and wax.
This is exactly what I have done in the past.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: KcMo.
2018 C5 of Year Winner
First try using a premium car car swirl and haze remover product. I use Adams. Use it with a orbital buffer to see if you can get the scratch out.
If no, try wet sanding the area with 3000 or 2000 grit sandpaper and follow-up with some rubbing compound. You may have to go lower than 2000 if the scratch is deep. After the scratch is removed, follow up with a polish and wax.
If no, try wet sanding the area with 3000 or 2000 grit sandpaper and follow-up with some rubbing compound. You may have to go lower than 2000 if the scratch is deep. After the scratch is removed, follow up with a polish and wax.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10,742
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From: Marana, Arizona
First try using a premium car car swirl and haze remover product. I use Adams. Use it with a orbital buffer to see if you can get the scratch out.
If no, try wet sanding the area with 3000 or 2000 grit sandpaper and follow-up with some rubbing compound. You may have to go lower than 2000 if the scratch is deep. After the scratch is removed, follow up with a polish and wax.
If no, try wet sanding the area with 3000 or 2000 grit sandpaper and follow-up with some rubbing compound. You may have to go lower than 2000 if the scratch is deep. After the scratch is removed, follow up with a polish and wax.
Be careful not to go all the way through the clear coat.
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MSG C5 hit the nail on the head. Good luck getting the scratch out.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Columbia SC
Before you sand, see if you can apply some "colored wax" on the area. This can work for light scratches. Once applied, remove it so the colored wax remains in the scratch area. Let us know how it works out which ever way you go.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: hamilton alabama
there is also a compound made by 3m. they have a 3 stage compound. As said before it isnt hard to cut thru the clearcoat then you have to sand bend the paint then clearcoat the entire panel. So i would try a cutting compound to try and buff the scratch out as it isnt as hard to buff thru a panel as sand thru it ...BUT! you can buff thru it also if you buff to much you will burn thru the clear as well.
If you do decide to try and sand and you think you can go with the advice already stated. wet sand with say 1200 or 2000 then follow up with 3000 then buff it out but again dont get too agressive or you will cut thru
Rick
If you do decide to try and sand and you think you can go with the advice already stated. wet sand with say 1200 or 2000 then follow up with 3000 then buff it out but again dont get too agressive or you will cut thru
Rick
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 645
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From: Hermosa Beach CA
^^^ I prefer this method. Buff before wet sanding. Start with a foam polishing pad and cutting polish. If that doesn't work, try a lambswool pad and rubbing compound. Keep the RPMs at or around 300. Wet sanding should be an absolute last resort.