Repairing cosmetic scratches... advice please.

[harrymaneuvers]

Ok so now that I have all parts needed to make the WRX wagon a widebody in the front, I was wondering what the best (and correct) way for taking out scratches.


The two fenders are literally perfect (freshly painted) condition. The front bumper is about a 9.5/10 condition.

These are really the only two scratches on the thing. Is it worth it to try to take these out? I have tons of time and am ADD so not worried about the effort.

http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy18/harrymaneuvers/IMAG0724.jpg?t=1331163764

http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy18/harrymaneuvers/IMAG0725.jpg?t=1331163855


I have some 3m 2000 Wetordry sandpaper and a Meguiars foam hi-tech backing pad. My pops also has this:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/03/41449481BQL_SL500_AA300_-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/03/3844_lg-1.jpg

Plus I have a multitude of scratchX, SwirlX, buffing compound, cleaner waxes and ultimate waxes.


I have read the "put shoe polish in the scratch and sand until it is gone" methond but I am wondering what is the correct method and what I should watch out for.

Is the chance for worsening the scratch more than what you would risk considering the location, size and current appearance?

Also, would I need to spray clear coat back on after I was done? If so, what is the best method for making sure that the new clear coat doesnt look any different from the current clear coat?

All help is appreciated.

[redlegacygt]

i would obviously start with the less harsh scratch stuff you have. The meguiars stuff I've seen people use with good results. That should work for the scratches in the first picture, the second picture the scratches looks like the scratches are a little deeper where paint is damaged. Using a good swirl compound like the meguiars with the a portable 7424 or something similar should do the trick. Once you have the scratch out a good sealant or wax should be good.

[harrymaneuvers]

So both of these scratches are felt under a fingernail dragged across... the second photo, the scratches are much shorter but fatter...

So should I start with the 2000 wet sandpaper on the foam sanding block or just try the medium cut and an applicator pad?

And no need for clearcoat when I am done?

[httrdd]

Can you fill the scratch with matching paint then try to buff it out?

[SativaMan04]

I had a 2" scratch on my hood that was pretty deep. I used meguiars clay bar, ultimate compund, ultimate wax and the scratch was gone. Can't even tell there was a deep scratch there. My car is so shiny and smooth now compared to how it was before.

[redlegacygt]

I think wetsanding should be your last resort. I believe you could get those scratches out of the clear coat with just using a good scratch compound and a good buffer.

[Dead91silvia]

Those little ones with come out with a buffer...

That big long one looks like you will need to wet-sand. for sure...


If you feel like tackling this, this is how you do it...

Get some wet/dry 1500 grit paper... Sand out scratches...

Use buffer (can be done by hand) and heavy compound and rub area till it is glossy again like it should be... You should also use some medium after it looks normal again. This will pull more scratches out and help it stay shinny longer...

Buffer...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/03/IMG_4413-1.jpg

Compound
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/03/IMG_4412-1.jpg


Those are scratches I could fix in about 20 minutes with the right tools. Hmm.... I have all the DIY pics... maybe I should post it... :smt017

[harrymaneuvers]

Please do... anything wrong with picking up a Harbor Tool hand polisher for this... I mean it is not like I am doing a whole hood or something.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-com ... 90219.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-compact-palm-polisher-90219.html)

So just to make sure I understand:

Is it still OK to put shoe polish in the scratch to accurately tell when you have sanded down enough?

Using 2000 Grit wetordry paper would just require a little more sanding than with 1500 grit right?

I dont have the diamond cut compound so am I OK to use the Heavy cut in its place and then follow with the medium cut?

Would I want to follow the medium cut with anything like swirlX or scratchX or just go straight to the final wax that will be applied to the entire bumper?

No clearcoat after any of this?

[jjay03]

I cant really tell from that first picture but if it is to the basecoat no amount of sanding will help. If its not that bad I would hit it with the orbital first with a orange or green pad and some medium cut. If it doesnt come all the way out sand a bit more and then hit it with the orbital again and check. A rookie with a rotary and a wool pad with heavy cut is askin for issues. If you needed to re clear you would want to scuff the whole fender and re clear it all for the best finish.