New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

[Pharoah Ramses]

I own a 2004 BMW 325 and have had this scratch since I bought the car in 2006. I just recently started looking into detailing and picking up on some great info on this site. I wanted to know if there is a process that someone can recommend me to remove these scratches I have on my rear quarter panel near the rear wheel. I catches on my fingernail but it's never rusted through. Thanks for all of your help fellas

P.S. I didn't resize the image to a smaller size just so you guy's can see in detail what the scratches look like.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

Yikes! It looks fairly severe.

So are you talking about the chip on the lip? Or the several deep, scuff-like scratches, or both?

The chip looks like it need actual touch-up or air brushed paint work from that picture (but it is blurry).

The other stuff looks quite severe as well, but I am confident at the very least you can certainly reduce their stand-out factor significantly.

I would get a hold of some M105 compound, and a small foam applicator. Then work the scuff/scratches with that with a few passes, or until they are gone or significantly reduced (whichever comes first).

If after 4-5 passes of passionate application it does not go away, you may want to stop and decide if you can live with it at that point. There is a finite amount of paint and you don't want to remove too much and make it worse.

I do think the scuffs can at least be significantly reduced, though.

As for obtaining M105, you can order that from:

https://www.Meguiarsdirect.com

https://www.Autodetailingsolutions.com

https://www.Amazon.com

Or find a local PBE store this this link: LINK TO PBE STORE

[Murr1525]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

You could also try an application or two with terry cloth, then follow up with foam. The terry will make things a bit more agressive.

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How To Remove a Bird Dropping Etching by Hand using M105 Ultra Cut Compound

How to correctly apply ScratchX to remove swirls and scratches

[Mike Pennington]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

In addition to M105, if you are only working in that small area, you might want to purchase ScratchX 2.0.



It can be found at most local auto parts retailers, and is a great product and is sized / priced for repairing small isolated defects like yours. As Mark mentioned, you may not be able to remove the entire defect, but you can certainly make it look much better with a few applications.

[Pharoah Ramses]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

thanks for the input guys

[Pharoah Ramses]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

What's the process for touch-up, wet sand, and polish? What grit sand paper do I use and what products?

[Mike Pennington]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

May we ask what your experience level is and if you will be doing this by hand, DA polisher or rotary buffer ?

Please understand, we certainly aren't asking to offend you by any means, but all those factors play a role in the recommended process, results and how easily they are achieved

[Pharoah Ramses]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

^ For sure! No offense taken lol. I will be doing this by hand. I'm not a pro and not a noob, but more of a novice.

[Jossy92]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

...The chip looks like it need actual touch-up or air brushed paint work

Just referring to the deep chip, I was wondering if an air brush from a hobby store would be good for a novice to help prevent drips. Just to reduce the amount of time to fill the chip assuming thinner applications dry faster.

[Mike Pennington]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

Sorry for the delay, but here is a great thread where Mark Kleis did some touch up by hand

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31868

Keep in mind, it is tough by hand to do this, but here are a few tips to consider overall...

1) Clean the area thoroughly before starting to ensure the paint sticks well.
2) Minimize the "blob" effect as much as possible
3) Use a minimum of 3000 grit
4) Keep the repair area to a minimum
5) Use ScratchX 2.0 or Ultimate Compound by hand (this will be the tough part)
6) Don't "scrub" too hard or you will inflict scratches with the applicator
7) Be aware that it will take several applications to remove the marks
8) This is tough by hand and it probably won't turn out perfect...

[Pharoah Ramses]

Re: New guy here! Need your input on a scratch.

Awesome adive! Thanks again fellas!