Author Topic: How to Repair Fine Scratches? (Read 5720 times)

JohnnyVk · « **on:** March 19, 2006, 07:56:36 pm »

Today my very new X-Trail picked up a few fine scratches on the lower portion of the driver side front and back door. I think someone rubbed up against it in a parking lot.

There is no chipping into the paint layer and the scratches do not appear to be very deep so I am hoping some form of wax/buffing will do the trick. I do a decent job of keeping my cars clean, but I am not experienced in waxing/buffing/polishing etc.

I would appreciate some reasonably idiot proof advice that can guide me to remove, or reduce the noticability of the scratches.

Thanks,

JV

A couple of images below - the photo flash makes them look much worse than they do in daylight, but would still like to get rid of them

JohnnyVk · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2006, 07:58:18 pm »

The other image of the more noticable scratches.

Thanks in advance for the help.

JV

barrie1 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2006, 08:22:53 pm »

I am thinking of a good body shop that could advise you which grade of Rubbing Compound would be the correct one to use on this repair. There will be one in your area for sure.

wing · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2006, 09:35:07 pm »

Hard to tell from those pictures, is it down to the primer? If so buffing won't help, if the clear is still there you can use some medium compound like Meguiars #7 I believe and rub it even by hand.

JohnnyVk · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2006, 10:05:26 pm »

Wing,

I know the pictures aren't perfect.

It is not down to the primer. The picture makes it appear somewhat worse than it is.

The scratches appear to just be in a clear upper surface, I don't even think the green paint was scratched (if so just barely).

JV

wing · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2006, 10:07:26 pm »

Then you should be able to fix that up with some mild rubbing compound and some elbow grease.

wildk9 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 19, 2006, 10:25:09 pm »

I know what aisle the rubbing compound is in but I can never seem to find the elbow grease.

dr_spock · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2006, 10:29:52 pm »

You can find elbow grease between your hand and shoulder.

Rubbing compound and then a good coat of wax to protect and hide it.

JohnnyVk · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2006, 06:51:17 am »

Spock & Wing - Thanks

How does the rubbing compound work?

Are there major do's/dont's that will help to keep me out of trouble?

I don't want to damage the finish of the rest of the car fixing a small spot.

Regards,

JV

wing · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2006, 07:07:26 am »

The rubbing compound is a very fine grity substance, unless you go crazy it won't harm anything.

Snowman · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2006, 07:41:55 am »

I have gone to reputable body shops to have scratches removed. It does not take long to properly remove them with a good orbital polisher and polishing compound. Most of the time my scratches or bad swirls were just in the clear coat and they sent me on my way without asking for money.

safristi · « **Reply #11 on:** March 20, 2006, 10:13:29 am »

The lazy man's way(there are no lazy women...sop fer ms"B"!!),saving the elbow grease purchase

might be those new car coloured matched,,buffing out wax cum polishers I've seen advertised ....anyone use ONE!!!?.....

yugrus · « **Reply #12 on:** March 20, 2006, 11:23:34 am »

You might want to try Meguiars ScratchX. It does not really "fix" or eliminate scratches, but it makes most of them invisible. When I first tried it I couldn't believe my eyes. I think it fills the scratch and makes reflecting the light the same way as the paint does, so the defect gets invisible. It lasts for quite a while too.

JohnnyVk · « **Reply #13 on:** March 20, 2006, 02:06:00 pm »

Yugurus,

The ScratchX sounds interesting.

"When you say quite a while" how long do you mean? 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?

Do you need to re apply after each wash?

Thanks to everyone for the ideas

so far and keep them coming.

When I come up with a solution I try I'll put up before and after shots. I'll try to get the some shots in regular daylight to get a clearer image.

Regards,

JV

yugrus · « **Reply #14 on:** March 20, 2006, 02:19:12 pm »

In my case ScratchX lasts closer to 3 months. Eventually it loses its transparency or it washes away, I'm not sure. But if you put a good wax coat over treated scratch, it lasts even longer. Yes, you'd mostly likely to re-apply the stuff every second or third wash, but IMHO it depends on the car's color. Mine is white metallic, so it doesn't show very much.
It is worth a try anyway, other then chasing every little scratch with rubbing compounds and polisher.

safristi · « **Reply #15 on:** March 20, 2006, 02:21:50 pm »

ICHY_BAN

JohnnyVk · « **Reply #16 on:** March 21, 2006, 09:22:14 am »

First of all, that picture of what I hope is an elephant concerns me a little about safristi.

I picked up the ScratchX last night at Cdn Tire. Once I get a little warmer day I'll give it a try and throw up the before and after shots.

We'll make this a test case.

JV

wing · « **Reply #17 on:** March 21, 2006, 10:21:28 am »

Make sure you wash your car well first.

Bullet Blue · « **Reply #18 on:** March 21, 2006, 10:20:49 pm »

I have nothing new to add, but I just wanted to say that you are surprisingly calm for someone who thinks his X trail got "rubbed" against by another vehicle. I would be fuming! Good on ya for keeping your cool

inco · « **Reply #19 on:** March 22, 2006, 08:24:01 am »

Some hints here.

1. Rubbing compound is very abrasive and should only be used if you have to get deep into a scratch to level the surface.

2. A more gentle solution is called "polishing compound" that allows you to slowly buff out the marks and get an even surface. Scratch X is a form of polishing compound. It may contain some wax, not sure about that, but if it doesn't, you should wax as well to provide some protection.

Rubbing compound is not your friend so be very careful if you ever do use it.

Author Topic: How to Repair Fine Scratches? (Read 5720 times)

wildk9