Scratch

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Aug 5, 2007 | 05:46 AM

mrfredo82

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Scratch

Hey guys, whats the best way to repair this scratch? I cannot fit my fingernail into it, which I have read is the rule of thumb to determine if it will need repainting.

I have heard that Scratch-X is a good product for fine scratches. Should I use this product?

What do you guys recommend?

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/91403/scratch.1.jpg">

Aug 5, 2007 | 07:53 AM

AWOT extra 23052

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Pretty much any polishing compound will work....but here is a warning

When you remove a scratch, you are actually bringing the surrounding paint down to the same level as the scratch....so the deeper the scratch the more paint you're going to remove. If its into the color I would fill the scratch with clear, wet sand then polish (assuming colored cars have a clear similar to say my silver paint). Make sense?

Aug 5, 2007 | 05:37 PM

Mexican Audi (Shane)

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You only have to knock the sharp edges off of the scratch to make it less visibile.

The sharp edge is what catches the light.

Aug 5, 2007 | 05:40 PM

Mexican Audi (Shane)

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Does it catch your fingernail if you rub you finger over it? To me that looks more like

paint from something else rather than a scratch- ie you might be able to take it off with some polish or cleaner wax.

Start with mild (cleaner wax or windex) and work your way up to scratch remover, compound etc. Then once the scratch is out, work your way back down to polish to get any haze out.

Aug 6, 2007 | 04:13 AM

AWOT extra 23052

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???? So the last ten years of prototype work I've been doing it wrong?

You could have saved me so much time!! Half assed = take the edge off .... correct = level the paint then smooth.

Aug 6, 2007 | 05:02 AM

Mexican Audi (Shane)

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Yeah pretty much ;-) In some cases, half arsed is better...

Level the paint= thinner, weaker clear coat in FL sun (ask Bling Bling Bill)....round the edge off- same visual result, stronger clear coat.

Not to mention you will now have one spot on the car entirely devoid of orange peel which will stand out almost as bad as the scratch.

If the scratch is deep enough, then you may have to level the paint with wet sanding and compounding- but that should always be a last resort option as you run the risk of either burning through the clear or causing premature failure due to overly thin film thickness.

IMO, the latter option should be left up to a reputable shop- not a detailer or weekend warrior.