[riccappa]

Some neighborhood kids were playing around my car today, and not sure what they did, but I have a 6 inch scratch on the passenger door about 12 inches from the bottom of the car.

The scratch doesn't appear that deep, however it is noticeable. Does anyone have any recommendations on a DIY fix for this? Or have a professional detailer they could recommend in England? I live in Oxford, so anywhere around here would be better. Thanks in advance.

[bman6074]

If you can provide a picture. It will be easier to diagnose as solution

[overcoil]

I'm curious about scratches also.
Are there paint guys that can make stone chips and scratches disappear, in spots rather then respray a whole panel?

Do they use those little spray guns and mix paint with a thinner and focus on the trouble spot after prepping the area.
Is there wet sanding involved ?

Curious how they handle new cars that might get a scratch during shipping.

[bman6074]

Minor scratches can be buffed out with a rubbing compound. There are different level of grit in the compounds. You can get from very rough to very smooth. even a finishing compound that is like 20k sand paper. If used properly most scratches can be completely taken out or minimized to the point it is very hard to see.

[bman6074]

Here is a good site that shows how a scratch looks from the paint depth (levels). Help you decide if the scratch is repairable by buffing.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...enance/4216365

[BEM-S4]

I did have excellent results with dr color chip fix kit on our 2003 Titan grey 330ci. Was on lower front wing so not super visible but post repair I really have to look to find it.

[zkeeper]

Totally depends upon how deep the scratch is...and how skilled you are. If your fingernail "catches" in the scratch when lightly running across it, you won't be able to just hand buff it out.

Above is good with Dr.ColorChip, but it does show and leave a "repair" line.

It now depends upon how much it bothers you, and what you need to spend to get it done. Me? I would get it done professionally and not leave it to winge about later. It's a new car--so might as well have it done right.

Save up a bit if needed--not sure of your costs there now. Been a while since I was in contact with Oxfordshire shops, but it's worth it.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by zkeeper

Totally depends upon how deep the scratch is...and how skilled you are. If your fingernail "catches" in the scratch when lightly running across it, you won't be able to just hand buff it out.

Above is good with Dr.ColorChip, but it does show and leave a "repair" line.

It now depends upon how much it bothers you, and what you need to spend to get it done. Me? I would get it done professionally and not leave it to winge about later. It's a new car--so might as well have it done right.

Save up a bit if needed--not sure of your costs there now. Been a while since I was in contact with Oxfordshire shops, but it's worth it.

My garage guys just chipped my door edge, gonna try dr color chip and see. I'm all for doing it right but there are certain spots that are just prone to repeat damage. Door edge, lower lip etc. Since it's impossible for me to be the only person in my car 100% of the time I've gotta weigh the benefits of perfect vs the costs of repeat repairs. Imagine others are in the same boat. Will post pics when done.