Show and Shine / Paint and Body Care Washing, polishing, detailing, paint care, etc.

Scratch help...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 5, 2002 | 07:30 PM
  #1  
Roshambo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 72
From: Oregon
Question Scratch help...

I've got some minor scratches on the front bumper cover from what looks like the previous owner (who had a driveway with bushes on either side), it looks like he got scratches from the bushes, I can run my finger over the scratches and they arent like "into the paint" just surface stuff, and I remember reading somewhere that 1000 and up grit sandpaper and the wetsand technique would work for getting these out, but I wanted to be certain before I start sanding these spots to get the paint smooth again.

This is my daily driver so Im not going to be showing it, but the little scratches are annoying, and I know I can fix them someway.

Anyone?

-Roshambo

------------------
1994 Z28 - Black, M6, T-tops
It Doesn't Get Any better Than This!
Old May 5, 2002 | 07:50 PM
  #2  
MikeLS's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,564
From: Memphis, TN
Lightbulb

Sanding should be your last option if nothing else works. Try the least abrasive methods first, then work up to more abrasive if the job isn't being done. That said, I'd start with either 3M Swirl and Scratch Remover or Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover. Both of these products contain light abrasives which will remove light scratches. If neither of these work, try some 3M Rubbing Compound Fine Cut (#39002). This product will easily remove light to medium scratches and I've had good results on other cars with it. Then, if the rubbing compound doesn't work, you might try wet sanding. Trust me, sanding is NOT an easy task to perfect if you've never done it before, and it's very easy to actually make your paint look much worse than when you started. If you're comfortable sanding or have past experience, give it a go if none of the other techniques worked. I'd recommend 1500 or 2000 grit paper. After sanding, you'll have to follow up with a compound anyway to remove the sanding marks, then usually a light swirl remover.

Always finish with a light swirl remover to remove any compounding/sanding scratches and restore a perfect finish. Try the least abrasive methods first before you get into serious refinishing techniques.



------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!



[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited May 05, 2002).]
Old May 5, 2002 | 08:00 PM
  #3  
Roshambo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 72
From: Oregon
Thumbs up

Awesome, thanks man!

I do have some experience with wetsanding, but not alot, and this car is my baby so I obviously dont want to screw it up! Then I would have to kick myself!

I think I actually have some 3M swirl and scratch remover running around in the garage somewhere.. I'll try that and go from there. Again, thanks for the quick informative response.

-Roshambo
Old May 5, 2002 | 08:20 PM
  #4  
No Brakes's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7
From: Melmac
Post

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by MikeLS:
Sanding should be your last option if nothing else works. Try the least abrasive methods first, then work up to more abrasive if the job isn't being done. That said, I'd start with either 3M Swirl and Scratch Remover or Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover. Both of these products contain light abrasives which will remove light scratches. If neither of these work, try some 3M Rubbing Compound Fine Cut (#39002). This product will easily remove light to medium scratches and I've had good results on other cars with it. Then, if the rubbing compound doesn't work, you might try wet sanding. Trust me, sanding is NOT an easy task to perfect if you've never done it before, and it's very easy to actually make your paint look much worse than when you started. If you're comfortable sanding or have past experience, give it a go if none of the other techniques worked. I'd recommend 1500 or 2000 grit paper. After sanding, you'll have to follow up with a compound anyway to remove the sanding marks, then usually a light swirl remover.

Always finish with a light swirl remover to remove any compounding/sanding scratches and restore a perfect finish. Try the least abrasive methods first before you get into serious refinishing techniques.



</font>
My local Pep Boys & Advance Auto don't carry those. Where else can I find those products?
Old May 5, 2002 | 08:27 PM
  #5  
MikeLS's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,564
From: Memphis, TN
Post

NAPA stores stock both 3M and Meguiar's around here. CarQuest is supposed to carry 3M, but my local store doesn't seem to carry it. I've also seem some 3M at WalMart, but in smaller bottles than normal. You can always order from www.3M.com with free shipping.

Also, you could check with your local paint supply shops, many of them carry 3M and Meguiar's products...

------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited May 05, 2002).]
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
PFYC
Supporting Vendor Group Purchases and Sales
0
Aug 17, 2015 09:50 AM
surreybrad
LT1 Based Engine Tech
10
Jul 29, 2015 02:55 PM
Fastbird93
Parts For Sale
3
Jul 11, 2015 04:37 PM
Dylan Latshaw
General 1967-2002 F-Body Tech
7
Mar 21, 2015 09:48 AM
hoozenxt
Show and Shine / Paint and Body Care
5
Jan 27, 2002 05:03 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:01 AM.