[BahnBurner]

Hello All,
So I found my car after work yesterday with the marks of a bad driver all over the front.... A car somehow hit the front of my car leaving white paint transfer and a number of scratches of varying severity.

Here it is as I found it;



I was able to get most of the worst parts off with some soap & water and Maguires ScratchX but there is still a fair amount. Overall an improvement...but could be much better. I know it will probably never look the same.



Now what remains is some scratches and stubborn spots of paint transfer. I did a little searching and found a couple methods and would like opinions if anyone has tried any;

-WD-40 on the paint transfer then gently rub off with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser? (skeptical, damage clear coat if it still is under there?)

-Clay Bar?

-Rubbing compounds or any other product recommendations?
Waxing after for all methods goes without saying.

I don't have much experience in this so any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
-T

Edit: Close Ups

[SHEEDI]

Zach can help you here http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1196641
take some close shots

[SHEEDI]

looks like you will get it repainted

[luv135i]

Porter cable and proper pads and polish will help alot but it appears some of your paint is gone.

[BahnBurner]

Yeah there are a few spots it's completely scratched through. I'll probably get touch-up in the meantime unless a repaint is within a reasonable price. :/

[Detailed Image]

Here's how it works....

If the damage is through the paint, exposing the base coat, primer, or substrate, then the only way to repair it is to repaint. You could also just use touch up if the damage is small enough.

If the damage has not penetrated the clear coat, then it is repairable without repainting. The majority of the white marks are probably paint transfer and will be relatively easy to repair. It is common to use a solvent to remove the transfer, but you can also use a cutting compound and dual action polisher. I would use some mineral spirits on a microfiber towel and rub a small area to see if the white paint comes off (test in an inconspicuous area to be safe).

Otherwise, a 3" pad and some compound will do the trick... here is some paint transfer from someone hitting the side of their garage.



A few passes with M105 on an orange light cutting pad and the white paint transfer was removed.



Hope that helps.

Let me know if you've got any questions.

-Zach

[BahnBurner]

Thank you for the reply. This helps a lot. I think I'm going to go with the M105 and pad approach. It seems pretty straight forward and then I'll just get some touch up paint.
Thanks

[BahnBurner]

Turned out better than I expected, still some scratches but not nearly as noticeable

[SHEEDI]

looking good, how did you fix it?

[BahnBurner]

Originally Posted by SHEEDI

looking good, how did you fix it?

A melamine sponge + Meguiars compound to remove the worst parts and buff clean with microfiber towel multiple passes. (Did that about 10 times) That got it to a point I can live with