advice on scratch repair on basalt blk rear bumper

[Tony B]

Hi, having previously had a respray done on the rear bumper for a deep scratch - another long shallow scratch has appeared! Are there any recommended coloured waxes or tips to cover up this scratch rather than another respray? The scratch is about 20 cm long just through the lacquer - however cannot be felt with the finger nail. I have tried Colour Magic - however this has not been effective. The colour is basalt black, Thanks.

[SPIRO]

A good detailer should be able to tell you if it can be polished or rubbed out.

Your local dealer should have the name of a detailer they work with.

If the detailer cannot remove the scratch, then, of course, a respray is the next option.

[number9ine]

Hi, having previously had a respray done on the rear bumper for a deep scratch - another long shallow scratch has appeared! Are there any recommended coloured waxes or tips to cover up this scratch rather than another respray? The scratch is about 20 cm long just through the lacquer - however cannot be felt with the finger nail. I have tried Colour Magic - however this has not been effective. The colour is basalt black, Thanks.

A beautiful but tough color, every little thing shows. You won't get good results with wax or fillers, so taking the paint down or applying more are your only choices. If you can't feel it with your fingernail it's probably just in the clearcoat, so I'd suggest picking up some rubbing compound and applying by hand with a microfiber applicator pad. wipe down when hazy but not completely dry and repeat until you don't see the scratch anymore.

If a few rounds of this doesn't yield results and you're the patient DIY type, I'd suggest picking up some 2500 grit automotive sandpaper. Soak a sheet of the 2500 grit in water overnight, clean the scratched area with some dish soap to remove the waxes and everything else you've put in the scratch. Use a small convex head sanding block with the wet sheet and sand down the scratched area in the direction of the scratch with light to medium pressure. Stop frequently to soak the paper, and wipe down the area to see your progress. If a few rounds of sanding don't make the scratch disappear it could be in the basecoat, so stop sanding, get out your touch-up paint and use a small painter's brush to apply to the scratch line. Let dry overnight, sand again the next day until you can't see the scratch anymore and apply compound by hand until the sanding marks disappear.

If all of the above is outside your comfort level, hire a good detailer (there are plenty of members here who could help with a recommendation in your area) and they'll use a similar process to remove the scratch. It's cheaper than paint, and if they're experienced you won't see where the damage was even after touch-up. Best of luck.

Mark

Edited June 12, 2009 by number9ine

[Tony B]

Tks - have managed to track down a detailer who can remove the scratch. PS have also invested in an car cover!

[Tony B]

Tks - have taken this option!

[nine11]

Beware of the car cover. My car is Basalt Black and the scratches are obvious. I used an original 997 Turbo cover for my C4S. I use it to cover the car in a carport. The cover fit is tight. I was not aware it was scratching my bumpers until it was too late. Any grit rubs between the cover and car where it stretches over. Some say that the cover is only good for long term hibernation when absolutely clean. I have found a technique to put the cover on without scratching. Put the cover on both mirrors first. By standing at the back of the car, air the cover and quickly pull over the roof. Now here comes the real trick. Pull the cover wide over the back bumpers and guards with out scrapping against the car. Covering the front is easy in my case I have a polyethlene coating on the front so I can pull the cover over the guards. Good luck.