Author Topic: Long scratch...can I fix it? (Read 7294 times)

Essdez · « **on:** June 21, 2016, 01:56:05 pm »

Hi all,

I've attached a picture of this scratch I just noticed on my car. Not exactly sure where it's from. i just hate it now that I know that it's there. Before taking it in somewhere, is there anything/any products I can use on my own to fix it? Is it fixable?

It's brand new (since April) and it's on a lease, so I'm also worried that this will somehow bite me in the butt later, too!

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. (Apologize if the pic isn't as clear as possible, I only just noticed).

Fobroader · « **Reply #1 on:** June 21, 2016, 02:01:05 pm »

Our local specialist Canuck should be able to help ya.

Essdez · « **Reply #2 on:** June 21, 2016, 02:04:28 pm »

I did see a few posts about keyed cards and scratches. Seems like there's plenty of help around here.

I should say I am looking for the most economical option haha. I just bought this thing!!

Fobroader · « **Reply #3 on:** June 21, 2016, 02:35:05 pm »

What is that, FR-S/BRZ??

Essdez · « **Reply #4 on:** June 21, 2016, 02:58:33 pm »

2016 Mazda 3

Would it be worth it to take into the dealer and see what they could do?

Fobroader · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2016, 03:01:12 pm »

Quote from: Essdez on June 21, 2016, 02:58:33 pm

2016 Mazda 3

Would it be worth it to take into the dealer and see what they could do?

Try a detailing shop or a body shop before.

CanuckS2K · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2016, 03:03:51 pm »

If you move your finger nail across the scratch, does your nail catch?

Also, definitely DO NOT take it to your dealership. If you take it anywhere, you'll want to take to a local professional detailing shop.

Essdez · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2016, 03:13:33 pm »

haha, okay okay. I won't take it to the dealer!

Canuck, very, very slightly. Just taking a good look at it now, it's not very deep at all. It's hard to explain.

I just kept on scratching at it just now, wondering if it was a mark as opposed to a scratch. It's a bit different down the strides of the scratch.

Essdez · « **Reply #8 on:** June 21, 2016, 03:54:27 pm »

I'm seeing some videos and some people suggest McGuire's or Mother's scratch remover?
Would that be sufficient here?

tooscoops · « **Reply #9 on:** June 21, 2016, 04:01:12 pm »

likely... that doesn't look very deep at all. you'll likely be able to get that out without even going beyond a polish. at most, a compound should work that down. if you aren't comfortable doing it, a detail shop/body should can do it... but it shouldn't be too bad.

good luck!

Essdez · « **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2016, 12:49:34 pm »

Quote from: tooscoops on June 21, 2016, 04:01:12 pm

likely... that doesn't look very deep at all. you'll likely be able to get that out without even going beyond a polish. at most, a compound should work that down. if you aren't comfortable doing it, a detail shop/body should can do it... but it shouldn't be too bad.

good luck!

Okay cool.

Any particular compound that you suggest? Any tools or things you'd say I'd need to do it?

Also... what shouldn't I do? I don't want to go into something and watch a youtube video or something and use something I absolutely shouldn't lol

tooscoops · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2016, 09:43:41 am »

don't use too much pressure... a clean cloth... rotate the cloth often... it's not tough.

as for a compound, there are probably really nicer ones, but nufinish scratch doctor is the go-to for amateurs i found.

CanuckS2K · « **Reply #12 on:** June 26, 2016, 08:47:33 pm »

Quote from: Essdez on June 21, 2016, 03:13:33 pm

haha, okay okay. I won't take it to the dealer!

Canuck, very, very slightly. Just taking a good look at it now, it's not very deep at all. It's hard to explain.

I just kept on scratching at it just now, wondering if it was a mark as opposed to a scratch. It's a bit different down the strides of the scratch.

Sorry, I haven't been on the forum in a number of days. Based on the pic and your description, it should be able to be removed without issue. For something local at your CT store, pic up Meg's Scratch X. Use a clean foam applicator, in the shade, and work it in no more than a 10" square at a time. Also make sure that your pressure when working is with your palm and not your fingers. Work the product for a good minute or so and wipe off.

Essdez · « **Reply #13 on:** June 29, 2016, 12:30:40 pm »

Thanks everyone!

I'm gonna give this a shot in the near future. Canuck, is there a "how-to" video you would be able to show me. I know it probably sounds easy.... I'm super cautious with this thing.

CanuckS2K · « **Reply #14 on:** July 04, 2016, 07:50:07 pm »

Quote from: Essdez on June 29, 2016, 12:30:40 pm

Thanks everyone!

I'm gonna give this a shot in the near future. Canuck, is there a "how-to" video you would be able to show me. I know it probably sounds easy.... I'm super cautious with this thing.

Sorry, I haven't been on here in a few days. Work in a circular motion in a small area, which fortunately your scratch appears to be, with a foam applicator. This vid should give you good idea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BCRlEZMXaA

Essdez · « **Reply #15 on:** November 05, 2016, 01:29:54 pm »

FYI an update on this:

I haven't done anything to it. Just didn't wanna risk doing more damage to it and on the other hand, didn't want to risk treating it the wrong way.

I'm such a wimp.

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 05, 2016, 01:43:26 pm »

so if you don't want to do it. Take it to a detailer, at least for a quote. Winter's coming, if you have the whole car detailed, they may give you a deal.

Essdez · « **Reply #17 on:** November 06, 2016, 06:35:19 pm »

Quote from: Solstice2006 on November 05, 2016, 01:43:26 pm

so if you don't want to do it. Take it to a detailer, at least for a quote. Winter's coming, if you have the whole car detailed, they may give you a deal.

I know I should get on this, particularly with the doors dented in the way it is... almost looks like it's been kicked.

canadianshelby · « **Reply #18 on:** January 02, 2017, 11:03:58 pm »

Pick yourself up a good rubbing compound from canadian tire or such.

Put some elbow grease in, that dosn't look to deep. I have recovered much worse.

Should clear out.

UCD · « **Reply #19 on:** January 04, 2017, 11:59:55 am »

See a professional detailer. The scratch doesn't seem to be deep. Might have to use a 3000 grit. But as always start with the least aggressive approach first.

Don't do anything by hand. If you do, you are gonna leave deep scratches and haziness. You need to use a DA (dual action) buffer as abrasives need to breakdown.