One TUFF MOTHER of a Scratch Repair

I

imported_Totoland Mach

New member
I got this silver BMW to detail that had one of the worst scratches I've ever attempted to repair. The car was "keyed" from the front fender to (and including) the trunk lid. The dealer said to give it a try, otherwise an expensive re-paint was in the works.



Here is a sample closeup pic of the depth of the scratch...it was definitely fingernail deep.



BMWsilver_ScratchOnTrunk.jpg




So, after 3 hours of careful wetsanding (2000 followed by 2500), compounding with wool (used System One X3 liquid), inspection and repeating those steps, I fixed 95% of the scratch. There are 2 areas where the scratch depth went to the base primer and, while they leveled out, you can see a small dark line at certain angles of view.



In-Process pics



BMWsilver_Repair_In_ProcessWetSandi.jpg




BMWsilver_Repair_In_Process.jpg




BMWsilver_Repair_FenderScratch.jpg




BMWsilver_Repair_DoorScratch.jpg




The dealer is very happy because the re-paint would be very expensive: Front fender, door, rear fender, and trunk lid....lots of $$$ to be sure. Gotta say, BMW paint is some of the best stuff out there. I used a lot of heat with the rotary to level the scratch and surrounding area and didn't burn anything (but boy, it was close LOL)



I'll post pics of the entire car in a few days.



Toto
 
Nice job, I had a Corvette that was keyed like that and it was a nightmare, I had to use a little touch up on some parts, but it turned out nicely.



Glad you got that one looking good again.
 
yep use the touch up to build it up layer by layer. Once it's built up wetsand it back down till nice and smooth. feather it in and repeat all the other steps you did and you'd never know any scratch was ever there. Good turn around glad to hear the dealer was happy with the work.
 
YOu did an impressive job.



I would hate to be the new owner though. It would be interesting to see the paint depth difference from panel to panel now.
 
Totoland Mach- Now when *you* sayh "one fuff mother" it gets my attention! Great job...that must've been one tricky balancing act.
 
J.J. said:
YOu did an impressive job.



I would hate to be the new owner though. It would be interesting to see the paint depth difference from panel to panel now.
Click to expand...



The dealer will inform the new owner (he always points out any appearance blems as well as mechanical) and give the owner a choice: discount the price of the car or pay "X" and he will have it re-sprayed.



I took many, many paint guage readings before/during/after the process and in the worst spots, I lost 0.5 mil (the guage went from 5.0 to 4.5/4.6...so it wasn't too bad.
 
Great recovery Toto! your work is very impressive. Can't wait for the rest of the pic's of your work!.............Angelo......:up
 
Totoland Mach said:
The dealer will inform the new owner..

I took many, many paint guage readings before/during/after the process and in the worst spots, I lost 0.5 mil (the guage went from 5.0 to 4.5/4.6...so it wasn't too bad.
Click to expand...





That's one reputable dealer :xyxthumbs



Heh heh, yeah, you're right at the edge there with the paint thickness.
 
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