I've just noticed this scratch on my front passenger door. Since I've had it up for sale I haven't been driving it, so I know it happen in my own driveway...either from a vistor's door hitting mine or the kids riding bikes in the driveway. I'm not getting straight answers from one of them...but no matter, I need to fix it if possible! Aside from getting a body shop to do it, what can I do........can anyone help me?! I'm not knowledgable in this area and don't want to make it worse. I know you sometimes can buff things out, but I don't think this is the case here! Please if someone can explain what to do in a very detailed way, since I'm stupid in this area, would be greatly appreciated!! Details, like in what products and how to use those products. This is very important to me since I'm in the process of selling the car and know that any potential buyer will be bothered by this scratch. I have taken some pictures, to the best of my ability,and maybe they will help with some sugestions. And if I end up going the route of the body shop...what should I expect in the cost? Thanks guys!!!!

pictures....... http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p311/sabofitts2/

password...... scratch

 

Settle down, it's not that bad. Get some touch-up paint and dab it on lightly. Let it dry and then use polishing compound on it. Do this again and then finish up with some wax. There's no need to worry too much and don't take it to a body shop.

 

Thanks, docTL.......but would it not look smooth??

 

I would advise against using polishing compound, that is a leftover material from the single stage paint era. You may end up hazing your clear coat with that if you are not extremely carefull. The first thing I would try is to go to the store and get some Meguair's Scratch-X Use it by hand with an applicator pad on the scratched area. you will need to rub very firmly, dont be afraid you cannot rub it to hard. Do at least 3 applications of scratch-x wiping off the material between each application. If this does not work to your satisfaction go ahead and apply some touch up paint carefully into just the scratch with a toothpick or match head, and repeat with the scratch-x.

 

Thanks.....pohljm....I'm just afraid to make it worse....I'll probably try your advice first thing in the morning.

 

Its not bad at all, just use touch up paint. At least there is not dents!

 

u sure thats a scratch and not bird poop right? lol

 

is that actually paint that's been chipped off? if not ... i think you should be able to buff it out with some wax and an orbital ... or use scratchx with an orbital and then finish it off with some colorx as well ...

 

Unfortunately it's not bird poop. The pics I took don't do this scratch justice...I can see it a mile away!! I don't know about car finishes......I assume the paint has been scratched off....A greyish metalic looking apearance is now there where black paint should be. I know this might sound stupid...but what is a orbital.....are you talking about a powered buffer tool?

 

You are past the point of buffing it out if that white mark is missing paint. Using touch up to fill in the missing spots then wet sanding the DRY touch up paint will blend it nicely. I don't know how simple this will be for an amatuer, but I have watched the guys in my detail shop work magic in these situations.

Essentially you are filling in the divit where the paint is missing (actually over filling it), then smoothing down the touch up paint with wet sanding.

My main advice was already mentioned. Do Not Use the brush that comes with the touch up paint, I have found that a thin slice of a business card or a match (the paper kind not the wooden kind) works best to apply the paint. And lastly shake the paint until your arm hurts.

 

Can you physically feel a lip where the paint has been chiped or is it more of a scuff.

 

Almost looks like a scuff mark. I would recommend using the paint pen rather than the brush. I feel I have better control with that. I've already had to use it on my door. Wife was driving and heard a loud bang and noticed an SUV w/dirt I guess on it.

Some pebble/rock hit the door and nicked in two places. Washed it and applied touch up, still need to add the clear coat. Oh BTW only have had the TL for about a month and half. Bumper has already been scratched by some idiot side swiping it. Luckily it was a minor scratch and minor scuff marks that hard to see unless you get right on the bumper's edge. Oh and the window has a small chip. I'm just glad these are minor things. Still upsetting but how ya gonna act?

 

I'm not at home right now to really check........but I think its more like a scuff...I've had other things that I had a dealer buff out , like when someone keyed my car( it was so light that it didn't do any damage) but this seems way more severe! I'm sure it's probably more simple than I'm making it out to be, but I am a novice when it comes to these things. When something happens I always just bring it to someone else more qualified, but since finding this forum I thought I'd try getting you guys' expertise on the matter! And of course I appreciate it!!

 

^^^^^ perhaps it is the paint from the offending door that is actually remaining on your car and the scratch-x and buffing will remove all traces. wait to hear after you investigate more thouroghly.

 

I'm by no means a body man, so I would recommend taking it in to a professional. My Explorer had a 4" spot on the tan fender flare where a red car brushed up against it. It was a combination of red paint transfer and missing tan paint that exposed the gray plastic underneath. I took it to the Ming detailing shop in my area and for $125 it's good as new. I believe Ming is a chain so maybe there's one near you. They gave me a free estimate before doing anything and even took me to work when I dropped off the car. At least this way you know it's a professional doing it and if they mess it up you have some recourse.

Keep us posted on what you end up doing a post a pic of the repair if you have time so we can see how it turned out. I got my first door ding on my TL a week ago and it about made me sick! I hope it turns out well!

 

Now that someone mentions it, it does infact look like a scuff mark. Let us know if it is one or not.

 

I agree, it looks like a scuff mark. The primer or the bare metal shouldn't look white.