Light Scratch Removal Suggestions

[Jschmidt684]

I noticed on our 3 month old 50e a decent size what seems to be surface level scratch on the rear panel/bumper, where someone I assume scraped it with a cart or bag. Any recommendations on the best at-home solution to remove would be great. I've already tried to rub off but no luck. Don't see any need for the body shop for something like this. Thanks!

[bfk4lyfe]

DA/random polisher, cutting/correcting pad, your choice of polish and a few youtube videos to get you schooled up. If you don't have the polisher, its a good tool to invest in as this sort of thing will inevitably happen again.

[Jschmidt684]

Thank you! I've been looking at one but wasn't sure if there was a polishing cream/solution that others use. Will definitely get a polisher now.

[bfk4lyfe]

There's so many polishes on the market and its almost impossible to find an unbiased/unshilled review on any of them (see my ceramic coat thread), but the good news is they all do the same thing, and realistically, none are bad.

After you buy this stuff you'll be buffing out every little imperfection you see on every car your own. Its a fun little sub-hobby.

[tracer bullet]

Start with some of this on a good microfiber, it might be enough:

https://meguiarsdirect.com/products/...j-Xobw0LpplLa9

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by Jschmidt684

I noticed on our 3 month old 50e a decent size what seems to be surface level scratch on the rear panel/bumper, where someone I assume scraped it with a cart or bag. Any recommendations on the best at-home solution to remove would be great.

Post a picture to get a better idea of the problem, but assuming the scrape is only clear-coat deep, it should fairly easy to buff out with a compound + polish. Use the same orbital polisher that you would use to maintain car's paint regularly, like this one (currently on sale):
https://www.griotsgarage.com/g9-orbi...t-protect-kit/

Do yourself a favor and avoid Walmart-special "polish by hand scratch removal magic kits". Those are extremely labor intensive and difficult to apply evenly.

Originally Posted by Jschmidt684

I've already tried to rub off but no luck. Don't see any need for the body shop for something like this. Thanks!

Yep, no need for body shops unless the cut goes all the way through both clear-coat and base color layer. Even then, you could touch it up with paint stick, and it will be "good enough". Unless you absolutely demand perfection, in which case a body shop project is the only way to achieve it.

Originally Posted by Jschmidt684

I've been looking at one but wasn't sure if there was a polishing cream/solution that others use. Will definitely get a polisher now.

There are hundreds of compound & polish on the market. Keep it simple, and start with what's bundled into Griot's kit (it also comes with pads, and I would also get the bag to store it all!).

If you really enjoy polishing your car and detour into the land of paint correction and perfection, THEN we can start debating different chemicals. Until then, start small, see how it goes, learn, repeat!


HTH,
a

[Charles B]

Go to a local detailer, explain the situation, and I'm sure they can help. They would have the correct tools. You're looking for help with a spot, not a complete vehicle detail.........If you were close I'd ask you to come over to see what we can do.

[John in VA]

If you're not comfortable trying it yourself reach out to Darryl Nichols at Odds & Ends Detailing - he's off Rt. 28 & 606 in Sterling & a great supporter of the BMW club:
112 Oakgrove Rd #111, Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 675-8819

[Jschmidt684]

Originally Posted by John in VA

If you're not comfortable trying it yourself reach out to Darryl Nichols at Odds & Ends Detailing - he's off Rt. 28 & 606 in Sterling & a great supporter of the BMW club:
112 Oakgrove Rd #111, Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 675-8819

Amazing, thank you! Always appreciate a reputable local contact as this obviously will be far from the last time I hope to fix a scratch/ding/etc. In the past I've used basic scratch remover but none worked well and this car is a keeper so I want to do it right. Thanks again!

[Jschmidt684]

Originally Posted by afadeev

Post a picture to get a better idea of the problem, but assuming the scrape is only clear-coat deep, it should fairly easy to buff out with a compound + polish. Use the same orbital polisher that you would use to maintain car's paint regularly, like this one (currently on sale):
https://www.griotsgarage.com/g9-orbi...t-protect-kit/

Do yourself a favor and avoid Walmart-special "polish by hand scratch removal magic kits". Those are extremely labor intensive and difficult to apply evenly.



Yep, no need for body shops unless the cut goes all the way through both clear-coat and base color layer. Even then, you could touch it up with paint stick, and it will be "good enough". Unless you absolutely demand perfection, in which case a body shop project is the only way to achieve it.



There are hundreds of compound & polish on the market. Keep it simple, and start with what's bundled into Griot's kit (it also comes with pads, and I would also get the bag to store it all!).

If you really enjoy polishing your car and detour into the land of paint correction and perfection, THEN we can start debating different chemicals. Until then, start small, see how it goes, learn, repeat!


HTH,
a

Yep it's very, very light and difficult to capture a great image given the paint color, but can try again. It's just enough where I can't rub off, but not enough for a body shop in my estimation. I'll check out Griot's kit--thank you!

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by Jschmidt684

Yep it's very, very light and difficult to capture a great image given the paint color, but can try again. It's just enough where I can't rub off, but not enough for a body shop in my estimation. I'll check out Griot's kit--thank you!

In that case, you can definitely DIY polish this off - go get them!

a

[Phillies8008]

If it's that light you can probably just polish it by hand – I doubt you'd even need a DA polisher, though it doesn't hurt to have one.

[vt100]

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Scra...%2C214&sr=8-10


plus a micro-fiber towel

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by vt100

plus a micro-fiber towel

That's what I said! (above)

Maybe it'll get tried out this time.

[vt100]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

That's what I said! (above)

Maybe it'll get tried out this time.

oops... sorry! as usual reading only last posts