Scratches on wheels

[mike_svt]

I recently purchased 4 new wheels and upon delivery I noticed a light scratch on 3 of them. The wheels are clearcoated so the first thing I tried was ScratchX by hand. That didn't seem to do the trick. What would you recommend next?:

PC + #9
PC + #80
NXT metal polish by hand

Here's an example of a scratch:

[Mike Phillips]

If ScratchX and some passion did not remove the scratch, then Meguiar's recommends that the next step is to use a machine applied Professional product.

Copy from the back label on ScratchX



The problem is the surface area you're working on doesn't lend itself well to machine buffing with a rotary buffer, and the dual action polisher isn't usually aggressive enough in it's cleaning ability to remove scratches such as these, again, on this type of surface area.

This is not a simple, easy problem to fix. This is especially true if that clear coat finish is very hard as this will make removing tiny particles of it in and effort to level or smooth out the finish, (thus removing the scratch), easy.

Did you bring these scratches to the attention of the person you bought them from? Perhaps place the burden on them to repair them?

For this reason, and a lot of other reasons, I love the chrome wheels on our Pilot and our Blazer.

[mike_svt]

Thanks for the reply Mike. Yes, I have been in contact with the customer service department at Tire Rack. I have been offered a reduced cost in order to compensate for the damage, so if I could reapair the defects myself, that would be some $$ in my pocket

[travisdecpn]

wet sand it with 2000 grit paper then polish the marks out by hand with scratchx. It's a lot of work, and you have to be very careful around the edges, but it should work,

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by travisdecpn
wet sand it with 2000 grit paper then polish the marks out by hand with ScratchX. It's a lot of work, and you have to be very careful around the edges, but it should work,

Be careful if you try this, how easy or difficult it will be to remove #2000 sanding marks will be greatly affected by how hard the paint is.

I've had good luck removing sanding marks with ScratchX and a lot of passion on soft paint, but not paints that are real hard. If anything, only try a small test area. Also, we make #2500 and #3000 grade papers.

Film-build, or paint thickness will be a concern too...

[travisdecpn]

Sorry, I should have provided a disclaimer with that post. As Mike has stated, you must be very, very, very careful and keep the surface wet during the entire process always checking your work as you go. I can't believe that you actually have to accept these damaged wheels though, I was considering using tirerack at one point, but now they are off my list for good.