Sorting a small scuff

ChilliBob

On holiday some *** scraped our car. Its not massive, and whilst a kind observer got the registration and gave us their details, we didn't get round to acting on it, it's now two weeks later.

I'm keen to see what I can do myself, my suspicion is I can buff it out probsbly eith the right product. There is one small part which is a bit deeper, but due to the car colour your can't really see it. I'm concerned it could lead to rust though so wondering if I should tryto out something clear over it.

It's a Golf GTE from late 2017, in what they call 'Ruby Black' which is sort of burgundy type colour.

See pics and let me know if you have any thoughts! 

neilmcl

Some of that might be paint transfer so you could try polishing it out to see how much better it will look. Others will no doubt come along and recommend T-Cut but personally I think you'd be better with something like Meguiars Ulltimate Compound. There are better polishes out there but this is readily available at Halfords. You'll also need a polishing pad, I'd recommend a microfibre one for this.

That bit that's a bit deeper seems to be on the main front bumper which is likely plastic anyway so it's not going to rust but just get some touch-up paint to cover the bit that seems to be down to the bare metal on that leading edge.

ChilliBob

Thanks mate, yeah the car which scrspdd was white aparantly so I guess thats what you mean by paint transfer. I thought tcut was a bit harsh and oldskool, I'll look into the meguiar's stuff you recommend.

Any thoughts about the deeper scrstch nesr the top where the two panels join

neilmcl

ChilliBob said:

Thanks mate, yeah the car which scrspdd was white aparantly so I guess thats what you mean by paint transfer. I thought tcut was a bit harsh and oldskool, I'll look into the meguiar's stuff you recommend.

Any thoughts about the deeper scrstch nesr the top where the two panels join

Yes, that's down to the bare metal on the upper panel by the looks of it so you'd be best getting some touch-up paint, or even a bit of nail varnish at a push, to cover it. You can paint repair kits from a company called Chipex which I've used in the past and is pretty good.

https://chipex.co.uk/

DB1904

You have six years to pursue a claim for damages against the other driver.  

ChilliBob

DB1904 said:

You have six years to pursue a claim for damages against the other driver.  

Cheers mate, I thought we still could, however, my partner pointed out when someone reversed into us a whole back and we had to have the front bumper repaired it was a major pain - about 4 hours on the phone to the insurance company, hire cars and all that. She's not keen on the grief for something she can barely see! It irritates me a bit more but I don't want to push the point - we have bigger fish to fry right now! 

ChilliBob

I basically just wash and then microfibre off the car at the moment. After I have used of tried this ultimate compound sfuff, should I do it on the rest of the car go match, and leave it, or does this then need something else on top, liel say: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-G17516EU-Ultimate-Spray-450ml/dp/B002KKCLP0?ref_=ast_sto_dp

Cheers! This is all new to me, used to have a banger before this and just use turtlewax a sponge and one bucket! I've graduated to two buckets and a noodle mot thing and autoglym cleaner. 

neilmcl

No, just polish the bit that is damaged. All you're trying to do is remove any paint transfer and fine scratches to give you an idea of how bad it is. Any deeper scratches that go down to the paint surface or below will not be able to be removed from polishing. Do not use the UC on the rest of the car.

You can add add some protection over the top once you're done, either a wax or spray wax, Personally I use Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer (BSD), usually via Eurocarparts but it's very hard to come by at the moment, possibly a Brexit thing.

ChilliBob

Oh interesting, thanks. Why should the UC stuff not be used on the rest of the car?! 

angrycrow

My wife successfully touched in similar damage on one of our old cars that was a dark metallic blue. Hit whilst parked. 

We used the multi part paint repair kit from Halford that included high build primer, colour and clear coat.

The trick is to use spend lots of time building up the primer to get it level and smooth. Then use a good quality fine artist paint brush to apply the top and clear coat.

When done I knew it was there but unless you got really close to the panel it was not visible. A lot less hassle than insurance and having to declare an accident for 5 years when my wife was a new driver. 

neilmcl

ChilliBob said:

Oh interesting, thanks. Why should the UC stuff not be used on the rest of the car?! 

Because it's quite a harsh cutting compound, specifically designed to remove scratches etc. Like all cutting compounds/polishes it does this by removing layers of clear coat, not something you need to be using on your whole bodywork, particularly by hand. If you want to hand polish your whole car then it's best to use a milder all-in-one polish, such as Autoglym SRP or Bilt Hamber Cleanser Polish.

Let me be clear, I don't expect polishing with UC is going to make that damage disappear, what it will do is clean it up so you'll be able to assess the actual damage to the paintwork, at the moment it's probably a mixture of scratches to your paintwork and transfer from the other car.