Hi. I have a 12' with the red candy metallic tint paint. Last week I saw about 10 white scratch marks on the hood by the driver's side. I made the mistake of using touch up paint to cover the white scratch marks. The touch up paint was from the dealer. I also put clear coat over the touch up paint. Problem is now it looks worse than before. It is more noticeable now, it's uneven, and you can see it looks terrible even from far away. Painting the whole hood would cost $500-$1000. I don't think it's necessary cause it's not a huge area. The car shop recommends I just use 1500 wet sand paper, then polish it. Autozone recommends I bring my car to a car wash that does detailing and have them buff it out. Here's a picture, I'm not looking to spend a lot of money or for it to look perfect, what do you think my best option is?
here's 1 picture I took.
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps1aa2b4ff.jpg

 

Find the picture you want to post and then click on IMG code on the right hand side of the screen on Photo Bucket, then paste the code in your post like above.

 

Don't some of the new and used car dealers use outside people to fix small dents and small paint problems? I would check with a few of the local used car dealers and see who they would recommend.

 

These touch up paints don't auto correct scratches by just painting over them. Of course it won't be smooth. That's a mistake many make with touch up. It takes a series of painting wet sanding and buffing

 

From this point, you think I should buy some 1500 sand paper, wet sand it, then polish it? what do you think? I don't want to make it worse than it already is

 

Yeah. One thing for sure is that very area with the scratches can't get any worse. Don't go and sand the whole hood but focus on that area. So yes very light run that sand paper over it just getting the surface then buff it out and repeat to your taste

 

Did you **** off a cougar or something. Looks like you covered up claw marks. Lol

 

what should I buff it out with, car polish or wax? so 1500 wet sand paper is good right or should I go 2000

 

I would try a rag and a little paint thinner first. See if you can get the excess off first. That's a hell of a lot of detail sanding otherwise.

 

so use a paint thinner to get the excess off first, then wet sand it? I'm afraid to damage the original paint underneath the touch up paint with the paint thinner

 

I would try just a little on my finger tip with a rag. Just to see if it will pull the excess off. Unless you leave the thinner on the paint, it shouldn't hurt anything. It's not the same as paint stripper. Might dull the finish a little but a polish should bring that back. Sanding through the excess will not be easy.

 

i see, how do you remove the thinner on the paint once you get the excess off?

 

I'm not sure if the thinner will take the excess off but it's worth a try. A little soap and water should wash off the thinner afterwards.

 

This is one of the major reasons we chose white instead of candy red or DIB.

If you've never done this kind of work with painting / sanding / buffing; I would strongly recommend having a professional do it. Find out from the dealer who touches up all their used cars & call them.

If you thought the scratches or extra touchup paint looked bad, wait until you see what it would look like if it gets flat spots from over-sanding.

Good luck.

 

Yup. That's why I recommended the thinner. If that paint hasn't fully cured, he may get lucky. Doubtful.

 

Sorry about the scratches, but if you aren't familiar with how to properly touch up paint you should pay a pro to do it. Or at least practice on a junk car.

 

This is exactly why I choose to have $250 deductible from my insurance company. If I would get any scratches like are shown my car would be at my friends shop getting fixed. Most comp repairs will not increase your insurance premiums in my experience.

 

I had a buddy do this on his Harley tank. It was black metallic. I sanded it with 1500 (using water as the lubricant with a little dish soap in it) then 2000 and then 2500 to smooth it out before I used some rubbing compound by hand on the spots that really needed it. Then went a little less abrasive polishing compound. Then checked it again. Buffed out the whole tank then sealant, glaze, and 3 coats of good carnauba. Better than new. I have done this a few times so if you aren't practiced then I would take it somewhere. Most detail guys can fix this no problem. Actual detail guys though not just a carwash place. Take it to an actual detail shop. $100 is better than screwing your hood up more and getting frustrated. Good luck.