#*%! Just scratched my paint. How to fix?

Scratched your truck? Trade it in and get a new one.

 

Hoo boy, my head is swimming a bit. Mabye the $100 pdr guy fix is worth it?

 

Nope. Use the ScratchX first. To make the scratch less noticeable. Then decide if you want to use a paint pen or not. You might not want to-- sometimes an "improved scratch" looks better than a paint pen correction.

If you do decide to paint it, let it cure for a month, then use the ScratchX again to smooth the paint pen. You won't need to clear coat it. I think the pens are kind of an "all in one". For that small of a spot, I wouldn't clear coat.

 

Thanks but already ruled that out.

 

That makes sense. Thanks much.

 

Another idea--- Look into "Dr. Colorchip". It's a good system (although, I've not personally tried it). There's info over on the Autogeek forum. It's kind of like a OEM color-matched putty that you smear on the scratch, then wipe over it with a "cleaning" solution that removes the product from the surrounding area. Then let it cure. I've read that it works very well.

 

You’ve been a great help here, I much appreciate it.

 

With ScratchX (if you use it) be careful not to put a "valley" in the clear coat. It's tempting to concentrate force with a finger-tip on the scratch itself. That can cause a "valley" where considerable clear is removed. Rather, use spread out, even pressure over the area- remember, you're not trying to remove the scratch. You're just rounding the edges and it doesn't take much to do that. Think longer and more gentle rather than hard and fast. See where that gets you. Then add some more force if necessary. Work a bit, clean it off with a damp towel, inspect, repeat as necessary.

 

Love this forum. Thanks much.

 

Dr. Colorchip

 

This stuff is suppose to work really well. I haven’t tried it yet, but bought it being recommended by people on here.

 

lol, didn’t see your post.

 

Hmm... scratchx or dr colorchip. Maybe I should add a poll to this thread. I haven’t done anything yet with the scratches so I’d be interested in hearing opinions on those two products for my particular situation. Thanks all.

 

I wouldn't touch it with a polish (ScratchX) beforehand if you plan on using Dr Colorchip. The deeper "V" with rough edges will be better for the colorchip to have something to grab on to or sink into. Just makes sense.

 

Make sure when you use it, take your time. I use those little detailing brushes the look like tiny ear swabs and fine tip painting brush. Directions I believe say to paint and wipe off. I let my paint set for half a day then go out and use the chemical to remove the extra. If the paint is still wet, the chemical will most like pull the paint out from the scratch. Make sure to keep the pad flat and dont apply a lot of pressure to the area. Sometimes it will take multiple layers to make it even. Good luck!

 

Try compound and a microfiber pad and machine polisher. It will knock the scratch’s down but might not get them completely out. If you can run your nail across it and it dips down then yea it’s through the clear but at least you have a few options to minimize the appearance. I would still start with machine polishing it. IMO the touch up will stand out more but what do I know.