found a clear coat scratch :(

[Thejoyofdriving]

When i was detailing my car on Sunday i found a loooong scratch in the clear coat Im not sure how it got there, i try very hard to keep my paint scratch free, i wash my car with meguiars body brush because i figure that is the best thing to use to prevent scratches. it is kind of in the shape of a C. It is pretty deep, but it is not down to the paint. I dont want to level it out because i do not want to eat away at my clear coat. It is pretty unnoticeable, but i want to fix it. i was thinking of using a clear coat pen, to fill it in, then use some paint cleaner to buff it a bit. what do you guys think?

[dietoremain]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

Ok is it thru the clear coat or is it on it? can you feel it with your hand when you touch it?

[Thejoyofdriving]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

I cant feel it easily with my hand, i can feel it a little with my finger nail. It is not down to the paint.

[Ryan L.]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

I wouldn't do the clear coat pen, probably just mess the paint up more. I would use ScratchX and then follow up with a wax of your choice.

[Thejoyofdriving]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

I wouldn't do the clear coat pen, probably just mess the paint up more. I would use ScratchX and then follow up with a wax of your choice.

"I dont want to level it out because i do not want to eat away at my clear coat"

[Ryan L.]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

"I dont want to level it out because i do not want to eat away at my clear coat"

One application of Scratch-X, isn't going to hurt anything, it will git rid of the scratch most likely too...

Remember this is just my suggestion...

[Ryan L.]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

One more thing, maybe this would help...you could use the clear coat pen to fill it in, then use Scratch-X to buff it out, I know you said DC#1, but I don't think it is abrasive enough to really help remove some off the clear coat pen...

[Vormund]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

Scratch X to round off the sharp edges of the scratch (it'll minimize it's appearance) Then some DC2 should do the trick.

Any wax you like on top of that.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

You've got yourself a bit of a dilemma here. I agree that a clear pen will be very difficult to use and actually make things look better, not worse. Keep in mind that ScratchX is very, very mild and you don't need to use it to the fullest extent either. That is, you can try a single application and see if it minimizes the look of the scratch. You will likely do more rounding over of the edge of the scratch, thereby minimizing its appearance, than leveling of the surrounding clear. It may even minimize it to the point that you find it acceptable. Honestly, even knowing your well documented concerns about removing your clear coat, I'd give the ScratchX a shot first.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

Is the scratch a white color? When you look at it from an angle, can you see the gouge?

If so, ScratchX will help a little, but not much. I had some pretty deep gouges in my paint. Everything I tossed at it didn't work - ScratchX, DC1, #80, 83, TW Rubbing Compound (shouldn't have used that). I resorted to using 1500, 2000, and 3000 grit wet sanding papers. I then removed the marks with #83 and my PC. It got rid of the white, but you can still see the missing clear from certain angles. It still looks a lot better than the big white marks! Good Luck...

[Thejoyofdriving]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

the scratch it is not white, i will check my local stores to find a clear coat pen.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

Try ScratchX as others have said. The clear coat pen would be a last resort. You might end up with bumps instead of a gouge. To make it look its best, you'd probably have to wet sand the clear coat application. Besides, applying any clear coat over a small section of silver metallic makes the flakes look strange.

List of solutions in order of agressiveness:
1. ScratchX
2. #83
3. Rotary and #83
4. Rotary and #84 or 85
5. Wet sanding
6. clear coat pen and then some wet sanding

[cnfowler]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

Take a picture of the scratch before doing anything to it then post another after the clear coat pen. I can't wait to see the end result. I think ScratchX is the way to go. Don't forget to post pictures. You may end up surprising us with the results.

[Thejoyofdriving]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

I have a very crappy camera so i dont think you will be able to even see the scratch i will go out side and see what i can do.

[Thejoyofdriving]

Re: found a clear coat scratch

I went out today but i couldn't find it on my paint it was starting to get dark so i tried a strong led flashlight but no luck, i will try tomorrow.