Scratch Repair Detailed Steps
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 33
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From: Chicago NW Suburbs
Scratch Repair Detailed Steps
I have 2, 6-8” pencil width deep scratches on my lower rocker panel I want to repair. Not noticeable to most but they are to me! Because of the location I want to try to fix myself versus the $600 quote I got from a body shop. Are the steps below correct? What grit sandpaper, wet or dry do I use for steps 1, 2, 5, 8 and 9? Any other suggestions? Thanks for your input.
1) Sand scrape to remove rough edges, feather…. U shape versus V shape.
2) Sand/feather area approximately 1-2” beyond, above and below scratch.
3) Clean
4) Fill scratch using USG SMC/Fiberglass Filler.
5) Sand after dried.
6) Reapply filler and sand as needed.
7) Prime?
8) 3 coats color matching paint, sanding in between coats.
9) 3-4 coats of Clear Coat, sand in between?
10) Polish and Wax
1) Sand scrape to remove rough edges, feather…. U shape versus V shape.
2) Sand/feather area approximately 1-2” beyond, above and below scratch.
3) Clean
4) Fill scratch using USG SMC/Fiberglass Filler.
5) Sand after dried.
6) Reapply filler and sand as needed.
7) Prime?
8) 3 coats color matching paint, sanding in between coats.
9) 3-4 coats of Clear Coat, sand in between?
10) Polish and Wax
Popular Reply
Apr 4, 2022, 01:29 PM
Melting Slicks
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From: Fingerlakes Region NY
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Step 11: Stand back and look at it, then call the above mentioned body shop and make an appointment to have it done properly!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 345
From: Fingerlakes Region NY
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Step 11: Stand back and look at it, then call the above mentioned body shop and make an appointment to have it done properly!
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Instructor
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From: Arkansas
If you think you're the only one who can notice it now, just wait until you try to do the repairs yourself. If you've never done paint/body before you will run a higher risk of making it look worse, which at that point more people will notice it instead of just you. I would pay the $600. It'll save you the aggravation of spending the money for materials, the time doing the repairs, not being happy with it and then ultimately taking it to the shop anyway.
Le Mans Master
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From: Akron Ohio
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Sand after primer and then NO sanding after color coats or clear. Wait 10-15 minutes between coats, and 1 hour between color and clear. The bond between base and clear is a chemical reaction and does not need sanding.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 4,004
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From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
If you think you're the only one who can notice it now, just wait until you try to do the repairs yourself. If you've never done paint/body before you will run a higher risk of making it look worse, which at that point more people will notice it instead of just you. I would pay the $600. It'll save you the aggravation of spending the money for materials, the time doing the repairs, not being happy with it and then ultimately taking it to the shop anyway.
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