Scratch, help?

[CASHM3]

Hi what is the best fix for this? It’s deep enough to feel as you run finger over it but not too bad. Thanks

[JerseyM3]

Machine polish. Im in the same boat. Ill be doing it on a few spots once the weather gets warmer

[alex2364]

Touch up paint with Dr. ColorChip. Polish isn’t going to do anything when it’s through the paint.

[silvermanor]

Yeah dr colorchip. It's not going to look good but it'll be protected.

[Zig613]

The scratch will require touch up paint. I have had good results with Dr. ColorChip . They currently have a 15% off sale https://drcolorchip.com/. Enter Code WINTER2026 at Checkout.

[JoeyO]

I’ve never tried DR Colorchip. Is it fairly easy for DIYers with no experience?

[vt100]

CASHM3, can you see the scratch if you run water over it?
If so - then yes, you need to touch up.
If you can't see the scratch when covered with water - you can buff it out.

[vt100]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

I’ve never tried DR Colorchip. Is it fairly easy for DIYers with no experience?

It's easy with the right tools and experience. But takes lots of time if you want to do it right.
Do watch different videos on the topic before starting it. And you'll need a set of fine brushes (I'd not use the brush that comes with the kit, it's way too large), various grit fine sandpaper (from 600 to 5000 grit), and a rubber eraser to use it as a small sanding block. Then you'd also need a polish compound(s) and micro-fiber towels to buff it out.
And lots of patience

[CASHM3]

Originally Posted by vt100

CASHM3, can you see the scratch if you run water over it?
If so - then yes, you need to touch up.
If you can't see the scratch when covered with water - you can buff it out.

I noticed it does almost disappear when water is over it but not 100%. Thanks

[Zig613]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

I’ve never tried DR Colorchip. Is it fairly easy for DIYers with no experience?

Yes it is easy for DIYers. There are a number of videos on their website on how to apply.

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by vt100

It's easy with the right tools and experience. But takes lots of time if you want to do it right.
Do watch different videos on the topic before starting it. And you'll need a set of fine brushes (I'd not use the brush that comes with the kit, it's way too large), various grit fine sandpaper (from 600 to 5000 grit), and a rubber eraser to use it as a small sanding block. Then you'd also need a polish compound(s) and micro-fiber towels to buff it out.
And lots of patience

A toothpick also works well instead of a brush. I've also had good luck with these.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by CASHM3

Hi what is the best fix for this? It’s deep enough to feel as you run finger over it but not too bad.

As others mentioned, most likely the scratch is just clear coat deep.
If it doesn't go all the way to the base color coat, you can polish it out without a trace. That would be the best-case outcome, and is easy to DIY.

Originally Posted by alex2364

Touch up paint with Dr. ColorChip. Polish isn’t going to do anything when it’s through the paint.

It does not look like the scratch it "through the paint". If it was, you would see the primer, instead of what appears to be just roughed-up clear coat (thus white discoloration).

The water test somewhat attests to that scenario, but can be inconclusive. What you don't want to do is polish out the entire clear-coat from the area just to make this one scratch go away. That will definitely affect the look of the entire panel.

I would start with light polishing, and go from there.

If the scratch is too deep, you may need to fill it. With either clear coat bottle, or matched base paint mix. The former will be less visible. The latter is what most touch-up kits sell.
Both will need to be allowed to dry fully, then polished level with the rest of the paint surface around the touched-up area.

Again, easy and satisfying DIY with the right tools, and something you will likely need to repeat in the future, as paint scratches are a reality of car ownership.

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

A toothpick also works well instead of a brush. I've also had good luck

Vertical surfaces are trickier to fill-in with touch-up paint.
Super-thin brush from any hobby store has worked best for me in these cases. Apply as little paint as possible, allow it to harden, then apply another layer.
Resist temptation to apply too much in one go, as it will sag unevenly with gravity on a vertical panel. And it will take way longer to dry.
Give it a day to fully harden, then polish away the high spots level with the rest of the paint coat.

For polishing small touch-up areas, I found the following kit to be super-handy:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G9VCHF7..._title_14&th=1

HTH,
a

[CASHM3]

Thank you everyone. I panicked at first as we all would but I’m glad it can be repaired fairly easily. Once it gets done I’ll post the end result. Im putting it on the back burner at the moment I got some other stuff cooking right now lol.

[Phillies8008]

Out of curiosity, which green is that? I like it a lot.

[CASHM3]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

Out of curiosity, which green is that? I like it a lot.

Thanks so much. It’s IOMG- Isle of Man green. I get compliments like every single time I take it out. People think it’s a wrap and when I tell them it’s not they love it more.

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by CASHM3

Thanks so much. It’s IOMG- Isle of Man green. I get compliments like every single time I take it out. People think it’s a wrap and when I tell them it’s not they love it more.

For some reason I didn't have it my head that IOMG was that bright and vibrant. I think I've got a new color to add to my list of favorites!

[JoeyO]

I refer to it as Hulk green. In a good way. I like the Hulk. 😃

[CASHM3]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

For some reason I didn't have it my head that IOMG was that bright and vibrant. I think I've got a new color to add to my list of favorites!

Yeah I agree then you’ll love these. This is no filter or editing, just a lot of sun and was just detailed. It really is one of the best paint colors ever IMO

[Phillies8008]

Wow. I never thought I liked Isle of Man Green... until now, lol.

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

Wow. I never thought I liked Isle of Man Green... until now, lol.

You really need to see it in person!

[maticCRO]

Deff one of the most epic colors ever, guy that lives 500m from me has M4in IOMG, i mostly see it when there is no sun and then it looks pretty darker green, and in the sun it outshines everything. If i did repaint my car, IOMG is the No1 color i would go for

[Three Stents]

c'mon people, if the scratch is below the color coat, you can not buff it out. Stop posting false info