How to Remove a Minor Scratch?

tunafish · 07-14-2013, 05:15 PM

So I was out driving the other day on some back roads and as luck would have it, I came upon some road work. There was a lot of loose rock on the road and even driving slowly, I could hear them hitting like popcorn.

The one noticeable scratch I had was near the passenger side headlight. May not have even been from the construction area I drove through. You kind of have to look for it to notice it. Just wanting some suggestions on the best way to fix this?

Also wondering if a Ziebart protective plastic skin would be a good idea? I already had Auto Armor applied by the dealer before I drove it off the lot but I heard that was a real scam.

w0rM · 07-14-2013, 05:48 PM

You should be able to buff that out with a mild compound. If you do, it's going to remove the Auto Armor in the process. Not a big deal but you might want to throw a coat of wax on it after or seal it with another product.

TXSpeedDemon · 07-14-2013, 08:50 PM

I'd find someone who has and can use a Flex polisher. I would suggest Adam fine machine polish combined with a medium pad, two or three times. Then fine machine polish with a fine pad once or twice. That should do it.

If the scratch is deeper than it looks and this doesn't work then try the medium polish with the fine pad once or twice. Then fine polish to smooth it out.

A coat of wax and you're good.

Chuck33079 · 07-14-2013, 08:59 PM

I'd use that as an excuse to buy a Porter Cable and a bunch of pads and polish.

Nick@Adams · 07-15-2013, 10:44 AM

If you can't catch your fingernail in it, then it can be polished out. Our 4" Focus Pads will make quick work of that if it's only in the clear coat, either with a drill or a DA polisher.

Once it's removed, apply a sealant or wax for protection and you're good to go!

tunafish · 07-15-2013, 07:10 PM

thanks everyone. I've never used a polisher before so kind of skeptical to try it myself. I'll have to look into this.

Chuck33079 · 07-15-2013, 07:47 PM

Go watch every video on Junkman's youtube channel.

07-14-2013, 05:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
w0rM A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,198 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 36	You should be able to buff that out with a mild compound. If you do, it's going to remove the Auto Armor in the process. Not a big deal but you might want to throw a coat of wax on it after or seal it with another product. __________________ \| SOLD September 14th, 2013 \| My Build Journal

07-14-2013, 08:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	I'd use that as an excuse to buy a Porter Cable and a bunch of pads and polish. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

07-15-2013, 10:44 AM	#5 (permalink)
Nick@Adams The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 618 Drives: Chevy Silverado Rep Power: 14	If you can't catch your fingernail in it, then it can be polished out. Our 4" Focus Pads will make quick work of that if it's only in the clear coat, either with a drill or a DA polisher. Once it's removed, apply a sealant or wax for protection and you're good to go! fonzo179 likes this. __________________ Use the code NISSANZ* at checkout to save 10% off your next order* at AdamsPolishes.com facebook.com/adamspolishes \| instagram.com/adamspolishes Toll Free: (866) 965-0400 \| orders@AdamsPolishes.com

07-15-2013, 07:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	Go watch every video on Junkman's youtube channel. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

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07-14-2013, 08:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
TXSpeedDemon Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 330 Drives: 370Z, MSP, R8, 335 Rep Power: 3371	I'd find someone who has and can use a Flex polisher. I would suggest Adam fine machine polish combined with a medium pad, two or three times. Then fine machine polish with a fine pad once or twice. That should do it. If the scratch is deeper than it looks and this doesn't work then try the medium polish with the fine pad once or twice. Then fine polish to smooth it out. A coat of wax and you're good.

07-15-2013, 07:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
tunafish Base Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Dayton Age: 37 Posts: 24 Drives: '13 Nissan 370z Tour Rep Power: 12	thanks everyone. I've never used a polisher before so kind of skeptical to try it myself. I'll have to look into this.