is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

[brendan1234]

hey guys,


I had a scratch on my bumper (really not deep at all) but i've had trouble taking it out with scratchx (I had used a MF towel)

so i stepped up to ultimate compound, (also using a MF towel) but it seems that the scratch is still there.

And i put in plenty of passion...

so I'm wondering...will it help if i use a terry cloth instead?

I also tried using a foam pad, but that didn't work either....

scratch is still there!!


any help is appreciated...i don't understand why scratchx and UC doesn't work for me

[Murr1525]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

Can certainly try terry.

Did you have a pic of the scratch? What car is it on?

[brendan1234]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

it's on a 2011 mazda 3 hatchback

the bumper is plastic

will def try to get pics in the next hour!

[SVT Lightning]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

can you feel it with your fingernail?

[Murr1525]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

I dont recall Mazda's being unworkable, as long as the scratch isnt too bad.

[juliom2]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

you might need to relevel the surface....
any pics?
:

[Markus Kleis]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

Not all scratches can be fixed with polish or compound, namely, if too much paint is missing you can't fix it short of adding more paint.

As SVT_Lightning asked, can you feel the scratch with your fingernail? If so, then it is likely beyond repair without adding paint to fill the valley.

[brendan1234]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

Not all scratches can be fixed with polish or compound, namely, if too much paint is missing you can't fix it short of adding more paint.

As SVT_Lightning asked, can you feel the scratch with your fingernail? If so, then it is likely beyond repair without adding paint to fill the valley.

right right...i mean, it's not really that deep...but i guess i sorta feel it with the fingernail...

here's a pic

[Murr1525]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

I'd give it a go to try and improve it at least.

Work the product in real good with the terry... (working in good means using a pretty fast speed, and pressure, almost like trying to rock the car on its springs).

Of course after terry, you may need the foam to follow up.

[weavers]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

if working by hand I would use a terry cloth towel and megs ulilmate compound, followed by swirl x and a mf towel, then wax. That scratch might not be fixable, but you can make it less noticeable. if when you go over it with a nail, and the nail hangs that means its into the base or even primer coat, that means a respray. I have had very little luck with touch up paint and sanding. Take it to a shop to be air brushed.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

Sadly, that doesn't look like it will be 100% fixable to me. Hitting it with some compound and polish may help take the edge off and reduce its visibility, but I don't think 100% removal is going to happen.

[brendan1234]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

really...hmmm, i thought ultimate compound could fix a scratch like that...

i know a guy who does wet sanding and compounding with the makita...maybe he could give me some help...


I will try the terry cloth first though!

Thanks guys!

[brendan1234]

Re: is my mistake in not using terry cloths?

oh no! this mean I will have to become one of "those" people with a floormat attached to their bumper