Best way to fix this scratch?

[derekivey]

Hi guys,

I have a 2012 Mazda 3 hatchback and just found a few scratches on my driver's side fender today. I'm not sure how I got them (a rock maybe?). I always park away from other cars. Any ideas how I can fix it (or conceal it really well)? Will Scratch X help? So far I've tried clay barring, cleaning the area with Isopropyl Alcohol really good, applying Black Fire Gloss Enhancing Polish, and then applying Black Fire All Finish Paint Protection. That seemed to help hide the 2 smaller scratches, however the long one is still there. Does it look like this scratch is down to the primer? I'm thinking I might need to take the wax off again and touch it up with Dr. Color Chip.

Before I started trying to fix it, I rubbed my fingernail against it and could barely feel it.

Before:


After:


Thanks,
Derek

[Murr1525]

None of those products are really designed for swirl removal.

ScratchX 2.0, or Ult. Compound would be better choices for actual swirl removal. And a smooth foam applicator for applying.

Little hard to tell how deep it is, I cant tell if the flash is making it look whiter than it is. But nothing wrong with trying first, then trying the ColorChip if you need to.

[derekivey]

None of those products are really designed for swirl removal.

ScratchX 2.0, or Ult. Compound would be better choices for actual swirl removal. And a smooth foam applicator for applying.

Little hard to tell how deep it is, I cant tell if the flash is making it look whiter than it is. But nothing wrong with trying first, then trying the ColorChip if you need to.

Thanks! Which would you recommend ScratchX 2.0 or the ultimate compound? I'll probably stop by Walmart tomorrow.

[Murr1525]

UC is a little stronger, which doesnt hurt.

Other than that, it is just a little more cost for a bigger package.

[derekivey]

UC is a little stronger, which doesnt hurt.

Other than that, it is just a little more cost for a bigger package.

Lol, it's a 50 cent price difference at Walmart. I guess I'll try the Ultimate Compound. Thanks for your help!

[Murr1525]

Even better then.

Used to be a little bigger difference I think.

[mis3]

Can you feel the scratch using your finger tip or nail? If you do, this scratch cannot be removed.

On the other hand, I do suggest you buy UC. Even if it does not work with this scratch, it will be helpful down the road. A few months ago, I used UC between clay and UW and yielded great results.

[derekivey]

Can you feel the scratch using your finger tip or nail? If you do, this scratch cannot be removed.

On the other hand, I do suggest you buy UC. Even if it does not work with this scratch, it will be helpful down the road. A few months ago, I used UC between clay and UW and yielded great results.

I can't really feel it with my fingernail. Hopefully it's just a really light scratch.

[derekivey]

Thanks for the tips guys. Picked up some Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and tried it out this morning. I buffed the area by hand a few times and it seems like a big improvement. Not sure if I can do better or if that's as good as it's going to get. I am very happy with the result. It seems much less noticeable now; you really have to know where the scratch is and be really close to it to find it.



Thanks,
Derek

[Murr1525]

A couple applications is good... how much pressure/passion were you using?

And be sure to work over the area, dont want to just focus and rub on one little spot.