Topic: Removing Minor White Scratch Marks from Black Car

[ramblinroseis]

I have a black car and when I first got it, I accidently tapped this cerment wall.  It didn't do any major damage, but it left a white scratch mark on the plastic coated bumper of my black car.  Is there anything I can do to get rid of it or make it less noticable?
Thanks

[wing]

It is probably down to the primer   Bonus with black is it can be easy to match some touch up paint might be needed.

[ramblinroseis]

I think it is just the surface of the plastic...surely they wouldn't put white primer in a plastic black bumper?

[wing]

Primer is generally grey so it is very possible.

[airbalancer]

Primer is generally grey so it is very possible.

Fearless masterful leader has spoke

[ramblinroseis]

If I were priming the car, I would use black... I did bodywork on a VW bug, and used grey for a blue car...

[Julie]

This is something I'm not understanding.

A few of the scratches on my black TSX are white too, but it feels (with the finger, at the touch) to be just superficial.

There's another scratch (like someone lightly keyed it) and it's a little deeper, and it isn't white.

 

[The Mighty Duck]

Scratches in the clear coat can appear white, I think.  I say this because I have the same problem with my black hood, and I KNOW it wasn't primed, and was flat black underneath.

[lasmith]

I would buy a set of 'touch up' paint pens from the dealer.

[KGCCS]

Do you have any pictures of it by chance?

[ktm525]

I have a black car and when I first got it, I accidently tapped this cerment wall.  It didn't do any major damage, but it left a white scratch mark on the plastic coated bumper of my black car.  Is there anything I can do to get rid of it or make it less noticable?
Thanks

Black Crayola crayon. Then buff of excess and wax. Lasts a surprisingly long time.

[CanuckG35]

The "white scratch" appearance is very typical, no matter what colour the pigmented paint is.  And the good thing is that in about 90% of the cases these types of paint imperfections can be easily removed.  Having said that though, if you move your fingernail across the scratch and it catches, unfortunately it cannot be removed and will need repair. 

Like KGCCS suggested, post up some pics so we can advise properly. 

[Railton]

The "white scratch" appearance is very typical, no matter what colour the pigmented paint is.  And the good thing is that in about 90% of the cases these types of paint imperfections can be easily removed.  Having said that though, if you move your fingernail across the scratch and it catches, unfortunately it cannot be removed and will need repair. 

Like KGCCS suggested, post up some pics so we can advise properly. 

Canuck, With your vast paint correction experience, have you ever tried any of those touch up paint systems you see advertised. Systems like Chip Fixx, Dr. Color Chip, chip master, etc., etc.
What's you view on them?
Railton

[rrocket]

The "white scratch" appearance is very typical, no matter what colour the pigmented paint is.  And the good thing is that in about 90% of the cases these types of paint imperfections can be easily removed.  Having said that though, if you move your fingernail across the scratch and it catches, unfortunately it cannot be removed and will need repair. 

Like KGCCS suggested, post up some pics so we can advise properly. 

Canuck, With your vast paint correction experience, have you ever tried any of those touch up paint systems you see advertised. Systems like Chip Fixx, Dr. Color Chip, chip master, etc., etc.
What's you view on them?
Railton

I have!!

[Railton]

The "white scratch" appearance is very typical, no matter what colour the pigmented paint is.  And the good thing is that in about 90% of the cases these types of paint imperfections can be easily removed.  Having said that though, if you move your fingernail across the scratch and it catches, unfortunately it cannot be removed and will need repair. 

Like KGCCS suggested, post up some pics so we can advise properly. 

Canuck, With your vast paint correction experience, have you ever tried any of those touch up paint systems you see advertised. Systems like Chip Fixx, Dr. Color Chip, chip master, etc., etc.
What's you view on them?
Railton

I have!!

I have what? Fleas?
What's the verdict?
Railton

[rrocket]

I have what? Fleas?
What's the verdict?
Railton

I've used Dr. ColorChip and Langka and one more..I forget what it was.  Dr. ColorChip seemed to work best, though they all do pretty darn good for what they are.  Basically you put a dollop of paint.  Smear it.  Let it start to harden, then level it off to the existing body.  Does a much, much better job than a touch up pen type of thing.  So much so, they are very difficult to see after the fact.  I'd recommend it!

Do a search at various forums and youtube.  Lots of before and after pics. Or google "Dr. Colorchip before after"

Here's a before/after or an old 911 from a 911 forum  Not the best of pics..but you get the idea.

[CanuckG35]

The "white scratch" appearance is very typical, no matter what colour the pigmented paint is.  And the good thing is that in about 90% of the cases these types of paint imperfections can be easily removed.  Having said that though, if you move your fingernail across the scratch and it catches, unfortunately it cannot be removed and will need repair. 

Like KGCCS suggested, post up some pics so we can advise properly. 

Canuck, With your vast paint correction experience, have you ever tried any of those touch up paint systems you see advertised. Systems like Chip Fixx, Dr. Color Chip, chip master, etc., etc.
What's you view on them?
Railton

IMHO, anything that you typically see "advertised" is not worth getting.  If it's advertised as " As seen on TV" stay far away from it as the products are nothing more than garbage.   Having said that, it really depends on how fussy you are.  One might be happy with the results of such kits, however you'll never see a professional detailer endorse or use one.  Any other questions just let me know.

[rrocket]

however you'll never see a professional detailer endorse or use one.  Any other questions just let me know.

Wrong, wrong and wrong.  Have seen SEVERAL professional detailers recommend Dr. ColorChip from various forums.   And even then, some of the "non-professional" peeps at AutoGeek put up results like pros (or better) and they also like it.

Unless you've used it, I wouldn't suggest you comment on it.  Just like everything else in auto detailing, paint repair for the consumer has come a long, long way.

I was skeptical until I tried them.  Dr. ColorChip flat out works.

Here's a decent thread with before/during/after pics from Autogeek (black car). Seriously...read through this thread and tell me honestly you wouldn't recommend this to people.  I've used it with similar success.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/30379-dr-colorchip-before-during-after.html

[Railton]

Thanks Rocket.
Railton

[CanuckG35]

however you'll never see a professional detailer endorse or use one.  Any other questions just let me know.

Wrong, wrong and wrong.  Have seen SEVERAL professional detailers recommend Dr. ColorChip from various forums.   And even then, some of the "non-professional" peeps at AutoGeek put up results like pros (or better) and they also like it.

Unless you've used it, I wouldn't suggest you comment on it.  Just like everything else in auto detailing, paint repair for the consumer has come a long, long way.

I was skeptical until I tried them.  Dr. ColorChip flat out works.

Here's a decent thread with before/during/after pics from Autogeek (black car). Seriously...read through this thread and tell me honestly you wouldn't recommend this to people.  I've used it with similar success.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/30379-dr-colorchip-before-during-after.html

That's great Ron.  You provided your thoughts on Railton's question as did I.  I don't see how that makes my viewpoint any less valid than yours.  You like the product, fine.  No problems here.  I am not going to tell you that you are wrong for offering your own opinion or experience on the subject.  And yes, I've used this product in case you weren't certain.

And of all the pro detailers that I am in constant contact with, not one has ever or will ever use this product.  Take that for what ever it's worth.