Can these scratches be fixed?

Post by **jblackburn** » 13 Mar 2013, 08:04

Well...crap. I have no idea how this happened, but it looks like something scratched the paint just above my door. Looks deep, too.

Any advice as to what I can use to make these go away?

Post by **vjaneczko** » 13 Mar 2013, 08:12

Ouch! Are they through the clearcoat? If they don't go into the paint, you might try Meguiar’s ScratchX then follow it with a rubbing compound.

Post by **jblackburn** » 13 Mar 2013, 08:14

Yeah, it looks like it's through the clearcoat. =\

Post by **rmmagow** » 13 Mar 2013, 08:38

Check around. Some body shops can do a great job for pretty cheap. Try Craigslist, services, they'll come right to you. I had a paintless dent guy out one time, did a good job for small bucks.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 13 Mar 2013, 08:46

You might want to give it a try yourself, too. There's a few videos on YouTube on how to deal with paint. It doesn't look too difficult, but obviously practice is key for a professional look.

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Mar 2013, 10:51

I'm no paint pro, but try the paint crayons if the lighter remedies don't work. The one time I used it, I was surprised at how long the crayon material lasted over the scrape.

jblackburn wrote:Well...crap. I have no idea how this happened...

7-foot-wingspan condor's talon. Unmistakable.

Post by **jblackburn** » 13 Mar 2013, 10:54

The paint crayons! Ahh, yeah, my brother used one of those on the Volvo and said it worked great.

I'm going to see what I can do myself for it to see if it'll come out any with those or the scratch removal waxes. If not, I'll go get an estimate on it. I don't trust myself with touch up paint. If it was an older car, maybe...

7-foot-wingspan condor's talon. Unmistakable.

I think someone dragged something over the top of my car while it was at Home Depot. I made a scratch putting a mattress on top, but it sure as @#$@ wasn't this!

Post by **JDS60R** » 13 Mar 2013, 11:01

If the scratches are all white with no paint or primer visible.
Try some Meguiars ultimate compound with a microfiber towel.

If its down to the paint/primer then use a touch up pen or just stop by a body shop. If you fill with paint and clear you will be doing some sanding. I like the turtle wax scratch kit as it has small sanding pads.

Post by **jblackburn** » 13 Mar 2013, 11:12

As always,

Thanks JD!

timmyc · Post by **timmyc** » 23 May 2013, 21:33

To quickly tell whether or not it is past the clear, grab some clear nail polish and "paint" one of the deepest scratches. If the clear makes it go away, you are are in luck.
Honestly, if you can wrench on your car, you can repair scratches. PM me if you would like detailed instructions on how to repair the scratches with minimal work. I have been a painter for almost 20 years.