vasko
01-24-2009, 08:34 AM
To repair a scratch, start by washing the panel with soapy water and then drying it thoroughly. To fix the scratch you won't really be removing it at all. Rather, you'll be sanding down the paint surrounding the damaged area until they are both at the same level. Goal is to sand down to the level of the scratch without sanding through to the next layer. To make sure you don't go too far, rub a material into the scratch that contrasts with the paint color, like black shoe polish for light coloured cars. Once the contrasting color is in the scratch, sand remaining material from the paint surface. For sanding use 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Place the paper on a wood block, then dip it in a bowl of cold water. Add two or three drops of liquid dish detergent to make the water more slippery. Sand the scratch area using light, short strokes at alternating 50-degree angles to the scratch.
1015
Frequently rinse the paper in the water. The goal is to work slowly and lightly until the contrasting mark disappear. Once it is gone, dry the area and inspect it for any signs of the scratch. If you have clearcoat paint and the sanding water shows any sign of color, you'll have to re-spray the clear. If you have conventional paint, the water will show plenty of color. Once the scratch is gone. Buff the area with rubbing compound. Buff in a circular motion, and lift up the haze with a cloth towel. When the sandpaper scratches are gone, use a soft cloth to remove any of the relatively coarse compound. Finish by polishing and waxing.
1015
Frequently rinse the paper in the water. The goal is to work slowly and lightly until the contrasting mark disappear. Once it is gone, dry the area and inspect it for any signs of the scratch. If you have clearcoat paint and the sanding water shows any sign of color, you'll have to re-spray the clear. If you have conventional paint, the water will show plenty of color. Once the scratch is gone. Buff the area with rubbing compound. Buff in a circular motion, and lift up the haze with a cloth towel. When the sandpaper scratches are gone, use a soft cloth to remove any of the relatively coarse compound. Finish by polishing and waxing.