Deep scratch repair
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
Deep scratch repair
I managed to roll over a curb in my black '06 recently, and it deeply scratched the rocker panel under the passenger door. I'm inclined to fix this myself because it is not that noticeable, or at least won't be once repainted. The damaged area measures about 14" long and is confined to the rocker panel. Other than a couple deep scratches and a general scraping, there is no hidden damage such as cracking or separation of the panel from the frame. Can anyone tell me the types of sandpaper to use and whether or not suitable paint is available in a rattle can? Again, my car is a black '06.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 3
From: Dyer IN
do you have any pics of the scratch so I can see how deep it is? The general rule is, if you can catch your fingernail on the scratch, it's pretty deep and will need to be sanded pretty good. If you can't, it might just need to be smoothed over with some 2000 grit wet sandpaper and buffed out.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
deep scratch repair
No, I don't have any photos, but you definitely catch your fingernail on about 4-5 parallel scratches that are separated by less than 1/4" from each other. That's why I was wondering about what grades of sandpapers to use, particularly to do the initial smoothing.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 3
From: Dyer IN
Well 2000 grit won't even burn through the clear coat. I would say start off with a 1500, then if that doesn't do it, go down to 1000. Remember to just take your time and keep wiping it down and checking the progress until you get the look you desire. Also keep in mind that any small, shallow scratches will get filled in with some prime, so don't worry too much over them, concentrate on the deeper ones. Also remember to lightly feather the sanding out so your not putting grooves in the panel.
As far as cans of spray paint to use, I would say none. If anything, find a auto paint supply store and ask them to mix a small amount to color match your car and tell them what your doing, they will lead you in the right direction. They should also have small, single use, compressed air spray guns that will do the trick with their supplied paint. Good Luck!!
** keep in mind that you can always sand more but you can never undue what you already did. So really keep checking the progress as you sand. ( I really wanted to emphasize this point.
)
As far as cans of spray paint to use, I would say none. If anything, find a auto paint supply store and ask them to mix a small amount to color match your car and tell them what your doing, they will lead you in the right direction. They should also have small, single use, compressed air spray guns that will do the trick with their supplied paint. Good Luck!!
** keep in mind that you can always sand more but you can never undue what you already did. So really keep checking the progress as you sand. ( I really wanted to emphasize this point.
)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 843
Likes: 0
From: Frankfort Illinois
My 07' is in the body shop right now, ran into a parking curb a few weeks ago. I'm way too **** to let it go & would not attempt this myself. Similiar situation though, several deep scratches not enough to have nose removed, about $350 cash to fix.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 329
Likes: 17
From: Hudson, WI
Without pictures it is hard to tell, but I don't think you are going to get satisfactory results doing this. I bought a kit that I use for rock chips from DrColorChip.com that I think I would try before I sanded off the factory paint for this. While the rocker panel is low and you may be thinking you won't notice the rattle can repair, the sheer fact that you want to fix this shows that you are a bit bothered by the scratches. I think you'll be even more bothered by the rattle can repair. You won't be able to spot fix this without it standing out because the gloss of the paint just won't be anywhere near right. Try the touch up and if you don't like that, get someone to spray it professionally.
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