Have I gone too far with Scratch X?

[spitfire83]

Hi

Apologies if this is the wrong place for this posting.

I've just used Scratch X to lessen a number of deep scratches on the boot of my car. I used it the other day and was impressed on how much it lessened the visibilit of the scratches. They were quite deep, you could flick them with your thumbnail, but you could see paint within the scratches.

Anyway, after a few goes I got it to a point I was fairly happy with it. One of the scratches looked less deep this time, and I wondered whether it would go out with one more application.

Now there is a white faded spot around the scratch site where I have been applying it. And the paint doesnt as glossy there. I'm guessing this is there is no clear coat there.

Have I gone too far? I think I have. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

[BobbyG]

Re: Have I gone too far with Scratch X?

If the paint is a single coat then additional work can continue. If the scratch is deep enough and has penetrated the primer coat or is down to the metal then a surface refinishing is the only way to correct the problem. Most of the time if the scratch is deep enough to feel it's generally too deep to buff out. The only way to correct it is to refinish.

Now I have seen attempts where the scratch is cleaned and paint is carefully applied to fill the defect and wet sanded but the results are usually less that satisfactory.

Try wet sanding with 1000 or 1500 grit paper then buff and polish.

[spitfire83]

Re: Have I gone too far with Scratch X?

Thanks for the reply Bobby G

The original scratch was deep, but showed another layer of colour. It certaintly wasnt primer or metal. I'm no really concerned about the white around the scratch site.

Here are some pics:

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Have I gone too far with Scratch X?

Spitfire, we hate to say it, but it sure does appear as though you've gone through the clear and into the color coat. Do not, under any circumstances, try to wet sand this in an attempt to make it better - you'll only make things worse. Besides, wet sanding without proper knowledge of the process or the necessary tools to remove the sanding marks you should refrain from doing so on a vehicle you care about.

Unfortunately the damage done here can only be properly repaired with a repaint of the area.

It has been said many times but bears repeating - if you can feel a scratch with your fingernail you can probably minimize the appearance of it, but complete removal is probably not safely possible with just a liquid paint cleaner. Repeated, aggressive rubbing in an attempt to remove such a scratch can, unfortunately, result in the type of damage you now have.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Have I gone too far with Scratch X?

Unfortunate about the damage. Out of curiosity, did you apply ScratchX by hand or by machine?

[BobbyG]

Re: Have I gone too far with Scratch X?

Thanks for the reply Bobby G

The original scratch was deep, but showed another layer of colour. It certaintly wasnt primer or metal. I'm no really concerned about the white around the scratch site.

Here are some pics:

In looking at the photo it appears that the damage extends beyond the protective clear coat and exposing the color coat. As the damage extends from the center toward the lighter area I believe the clear is feathering from the center out. The only solution I see here is refinishing the panel.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Have I gone too far with Scratch X?

The damage looks like you went through the clear. You did this by hand? wow.

[benhui86]

Re: Have I gone too far with Scratch X?

seeing where the damage is.....go find yourself a nice decal and call it a day.....

but i gotta wonder..... what you use to apply the scratch X? ive never seen anyone being able to do this...

[BobbyG]

Re: Have I gone too far with Scratch X?

It almost appears to have been wet sanded. This is typically what you'll see when feathering a defect when refinishing a panel.