Searched through previous threads on this topic but didn't find what I was looking for. Here's the deal:

My black (041) CS was keyed below the passenger door handle. Too deep to polish but MAY not be all the way through the paint. Probably through the clear though. Second scratch is on the right rear quarter at the edge of the vinyl rock guard. This one happened when I hit some road debris on the hiway at night. It scratched through to the metal and ripped into the vinyl.

I went to a body shop that is recommended by my dealer and by the local Bentley/Lambo dealer. Seems like a good guy. He thinks I should try to fill the scratches with touch-up paint and then flatten it all out with some 1200 grit followed buy a rub and wax. He said if that doesn't work that he'd have to sand and paint to repair and then clear the whole side of the car. To do it right he would have to remove window trim etc. So obviously I have nothing to lose by making an attempt at a DIY fix.

I recall reading somewhere on this site about a touch-up product that is designed to fill in deep scratches. The body shop guy recommended getting the paint from the dealer.

Anybody have experience similar to this? Can ya help a brotha' out?

Do you mean this stuff?

LANGKA Paint Chip and Scratch Repair

I've seen these guys advertise in Porsche mags. I've heard good things about them.

Dr. ColorChip fool-proof auto touch up paint kit for chip repair on your car- BMW,Porsche,Ford,Honda,Mercedes,Lexus,Toyota...mos t color codes

Good luck!
-Moto

Sorry to hear that you got keyed... thats just aweful

Suncoast sells the factory touch up paint in most colors:
LINK

Good luck

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Sorry about your damage. If you post a picture of the scratch, people might be able to suggest products based on their experience.

I have been cleaning up my vehicles over the last month. The neighbor's cat left two deep scratches on my Highlander - almost all the way through the clearcoat. I had my local detailer wet sand and then fill and polish the area. He did a great job. Although I can still see one of the two scratches, it's probably only because I know it's there and how to look for it. There's a 'cup' in the clear coat you can spot.

On my Cayman S - I had a ton of chips (road rash) to fix up. I used Dr. Chip (above). The key is that you flatten the paint after filling the chip and then flatten the paint out with a rubber gloved thumb and then use a slightly abrasive paint remover that is included in the kit to get rid of the overage. The finish is flush with the main paint. You then have to wax the car to get an even specularity.

I recommend avoiding the DIY approach. Get the detailer to fix as much as they can and see if you can live with it. A good detailer can do wonders. Ask your local PCA Councours coordinator who they trust.

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Completed: Softronic ECU; Quaife LSD; TPC Swaybars; Bilstein PSS9s; Das Schild; Aluminum Gas Cap; Softronic Plenum; RemoteKEY; Capristo Exhaust;

Planned: Mythical Long Delayed Clear Engine Cover
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; Blinging up the interior with Basalt Black

One other option is Quixx Scratch Remover. Consists of some 3000 grit wet sand paper, two steps of polish and a microfiber polish cloth. Obviously won't work if the scratches are through the clear coat but otherwise can be invisible when done.

The Langka blob remover works well also for filling deeper stuff but won't likely be invisible. Still better then a repaint before you need it. The paint oven can be a bit hard on some things.

As others have mentioned if you've never done anything like this before try a good detailer or at least start on a car where it won't matter as much.

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Les

Cats trashed my BMW back a few years ago.I tried several DIY deals off the Bimmer.org website. Made it worse. Ended up going to a body shop. I would definitely find a PCA connected detailer and go from there. Not worth tyring to save a few bucks on an expensive car problem.

Think its more about preserving value through not-repainting than saving a few bucks!

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"Sir! We're surrounded!" - "Excellent! We can shoot in any direction!"

A good car will get you from point A to point B. A great car... will just get you into trouble!

For those who want to do it themselves you might check out this article. With some time and patience this process can work magic.

Repairing Chips & Scratches

A little off the subject but while we are talking repair work this is a great article for the wheels. Repairing Painted Wheel Curb Scratches

Lynn Phillips

Here's the quick n' dirty test:

Run your fingernail across the scratch. If your fingernail catches, it's deep!


If it's that deep we're talking the services of an auto body pro. Keying is intended to be deep.

Fill in products are better suited for stone chips than long scratches, except for an interim repair before you have the chance for a permanent repair. It won't be pretty.

And I'm a retailer who who love to sell you the "magic bullet" product!
Detailbest.com Store

I've always thought vandalism is probably the stupidest of all crimes. Where is the personal gain?

At least if you are a thief you get something to show for your efforts.
(Attention thieves: Judgment awaits you also!)

The people in this club care about their cars because they WORKED HARD to to acquire them, and they appreciate them. If the vandals would apply themselves to something constructive perhaps they would be a bit more successful in life. The low-lifes shouldn't use damaging a fellow human being's property as their "creative outlet". Envious MORONS!

Unfortunately, this damage will relieve you of some of your personal funds.

Best regards,

Roger the Waxmeister

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Roger at Detailbest.com

Because It's OK To Love Your Car!

Thanks. This was a great article. Sounds like black gives me the best chance of a DIY fix which I will try.

Appreciate the input Roger but my priority right now is to try to avoid "violating" the car by painting it. I have a little finish experience and figure it's probably worth a try. I'll report back on the results.

In the mean time keeps the hints coming and thanks to all!

my car got scratched today. it happened at work. we have reserved assigned parking, so i know who parks next to me. however, it may not be the person whose stall is next to mine as it has happened before on my audi when she was on vacation. someone else who shouldn't have been using her stall parked there and must have scratched my audi when they opened their door. this looks like that (in the center of the driver side door), except its wider (nearly an inch wide).

since i left after most of the others, i wasn't able to ask anyone (the security guard or the person whose stall is next to mine). i have to wait until monday to ask questions.

this is in addition to the scratch that my neighbor put on my rear bumper in may. i was very upset during my drive home.