Removing paint scratches
 

Friend's car had its paint scratched by the pipe of the vacuum machine at the Self Service Car Wash in Royal Oak.

We don't have any prior experience in car detailing. Had a quick look at amazon and saw polishers of a wide price range. From Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher - Power Polishing Tools - Amazon.com to PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-Inch Variable-Speed Polisher - Power Polishing Tools - Amazon.com

Wondering if a cheap one will suffice, or we need to go for the more expensive one. And what could we expect of the outcome.

Thanks

Try going to Crappy Tire and buying "Quixx" scratch remover. It's a 3-step process (wet sand with very fine sandpaper, polish, polish again) that removes most fine scratches.

Last time I bought it, it was less than $20, and did a pretty decent job especially after I waxed it. If you're wondering, I used it under the door handles - where people typically scratch with their finger nails when pulling the handle - and those scratches pretty much disappeared afterwards.

Before I'd go the wet sanding route, especially if you haven't done it before, I'd grab a tube of "Scratch X" from can time. Super easy to use and actually has done me quite well in the past.

^stuff like this I always wonder. Do you just apply it once or do you have to apply it every few months

Scratch-x is a polish, so it will or remove fine scratches and swirls. I've had better luck using Meguiars Ultimate Compound, by hand, to remove larger scratches, scuffs, and paint transfer.

the guys in this section should be able to answer this:

Automotive Detailing & Car Care Tech - REVscene Automotive Forum

having said that, i think mothers pre wax cleaner would be a starting point with most of this, then work your way up with more aggressive stuff. always start with something light first because the goal is to take out the scratches by removing as little of the clearcoat as possible.

i am worried about the scratches in the last pic however (ie. the one with the camera reflection)... can you catch a fingernail in those?

also, what kind of car is this? i am guessing it is a euro... need to know the make to determine if it is a hard or soft paint finish.

Yeah those scratches aren't too deep that you're going to need a DA polisher or any sandpaper. Ultimate compound will buff that right out like new. You can use the autoglym hand applicator or just get a microfiber and buff by hand.

yah DA polisher with some meguiar 105 and 205 will take those scratches off

I use the PC 7424XP

Why don't you just take it to a detailing shop instead of buying a polisher if you don't plan on using it again. I am sure they could spot polish that in a few mins. Proper detailing equipment isn't cheap if you want quality tools and polishes/waxes. If not, you could probably polish it out with a bit of elbow grease by hand.

Would you kindly explain what is special about the scratches in the last pic that you saw?

The car is a newer E90 3-series bimmer in black sapphire.

the scratches appear very white in the photo. sometimes it could mean that the scratch had gone past the clear and into the color coat of the paint finish. if that is the case i don't think you can buff those out. but without seeing it in person and seeing it my fingernail can catch the scratch to see how deep my concerns might not apply.

Quixx from Canadian Tire works quite well actually. I've had good success with it. Just needs some serious elbow grease but it works well for the price.

DA and some compound would take away 80-90% of that off