Otter

I foolishly scratched my car while trying to remove some grime from a door ding.
The pad I was using wasn't wet enough.

What is the best move for trying to restore my finish?

I got some NuFinish Clearcoat Scratch remover, but I haven't applied anything yet.

My plan was to use that, then apply some wax to the spot to restore the shine before putting a fresh coat on the entire car.

Hawhyen51

If your fingernail catches on the scratch, it might be too deep. If not, try something like Megs Scratch X. Here are some other threads about it.......
https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/my-megs-scratch-x-experience-342510/
https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/product-year-my-book-344303/

exceldetail

Give the NuFinish a shot, but dampen the applicator first. Use lineal motion (either up and down, or left to right) instead of circular. Then reseal....

Bambo2888

you may of may not just have to invest in a PC... which would be a good excuse to get one. Either way, the PC will definitely help you with the scratches you made.

pohljm

Meg's scratch-x applied at least 3x with more pressure than you would think your supposed to apply. Its hard to tell without pictures, but on small areas megs by hand will work, but you really have to push hard. dont let it dry, when you see it change consistency wipe off and apply again a minimum of 3 times.

xenonhid

Question, isnt that just temporarily "Filling" in the scratches?

Wouldnt the solution be is to get a professional treatment to level down the clearcoat?

Because I bet after the next car wash that scratch is going to show again.

exceldetail

Im assuming if he used a pad and product to remove some debris, it cant be that bad. All you would need would be a light polish and foam applicator. It doesnt even have to be a dedicated "scratch remover" which is just a polish marketed as a "scratch remover". Now when we're talking a 3M scouring pad, thats a different story.
Obviously a PC would be of significant value for total car care maintenance.