paint scratches

[oli_quick]

Don't suppose any one would like to hazzard my chances of getting this right [url]www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=275801[/url] - suggested by jensena

I have bad-ish scratch on the offside wheel arch (the front of the arch nearest the floor) and really want to smooth it out somewhat.

Anyone tried such drastic measures and NOT a professional?

[jensena]

Oli - I feel sorry for you because no one has replied :-)
Althoght it sounds drastic, it does work Provided the scratch hasnt penetraded to the the base coat

The paint is applied in layers, and the final layers - the top coat - is the lacquer. I can't do a diagram on here, but if you could see a cross section of the scratch under a microscope, it would look like a 'V' so provided the 'point' of the V hasnt penetrated the base coat, the gentle sanding with P1200 grade, just sands the top of the V down to the deepest part of the V (the point) thus eliminating the scrath. Just take it wasy in case you rub all the laquer off !! Just try it, be gentle, sand it, then rubbing compound, and you will soon get the hang of it

[oli_quick]

Yeah I was getting kind of a rejected feeling :-(

But not anymore!

Thanks - I will try with extreme caution...what about repainting...would u recommend any technique...I thought about buying a cheap airbrush and just using lung power and a bottle of scratch touch up paint...

[jensena]

You dont need to repaint, all you will be doing rubbing down the laquer coat - the polishing compund will bring the gloss back. Just bear in mind that that this method only works if the scratch has not gone through to the base (colour) coat. Let me know how you get on.
If you live near by (Gloucester) I'll take a look myself