Scratches RX F-Sport
07-07-16, 07:31 AM
#1
Scratches RX F-Sport
my mom has various scratches throughout her RX and I was wondering what we should to get all of them out? She is on a 3 year lease and her return is in August 2017. Do we need a body shop, a Lexus dealer, or can we do it ourselves??
07-07-16, 08:36 AM
#2
Here is how it works when it comes to removing defects in your paint (specifically scratches)...
If the scratch has NOT penetrated the clear coat, it can be repaired relatively easily using abrasives such as compound, polish, and/or sand paper depending on the severity of the scratch.
If the scratch has penetrated the clear coat, exposing the base coat, primer, or substrate then the only way to repair it is to apply paint to the area. This can be as simple as applying touch up paint if you want a quick and inexpensive cover up, or if you want it to look like new, a body shop would need to refinish the entire panel.
Looking at your photos, it is difficult to tell how severe the scratches are. The whitish color leads me to believe they are not simply light scratches, but it is not always an indication that the clear coat has been compromised.
Here is how you should proceed....
Purchase the following if you do not already have them (or similar) on hand:
- A good cutting compound (I recommend Meguiar's M105)
- A good finishing polish (I recommend Meguiar's M205)
- Some high quality microfiber towels
- A microfiber applicator
- A foam applicator
How to remove scratch by hand...
First, thoroughly wash and dry the car. Pull the car into the garage, or into the shade, and make sure the paint is nice and cool before proceeding.
Assess the scratches by gently rubbing your fingernail over it. If your fingernail easily catches the scratch, it may be too deep to remove with this technique, so do not attempt. Find scratches that are light enough that they do not easily catch your fingernail.
Apply a small amount of cutting compound to your microfiber applicator. Rub the compound over the scratch using moderate pressure. Work the compound for 30 seconds or so, then wipe the residue away and inspect your results. If needed, repeat this step once more. If the finish is hazy, apply some polish to your foam applicator pad and rub it against the paint in a similar manner, but using a little less pressure. This should restore clarity to the paint.
*Note - Please understand that removing scratches means you are removing clear coat. The deeper the scratch, the more clear coat needs to be removed. If you remove too much clear coat and expose the base coat, the only way to fix the damage is to repaint the area. This is not likely to happen with this process, but it is worth understanding the potential risks involved*
If you are feeling up to the challenge and want to tackle some of the deeper scratches that have not penetrated the clear coat, wet sanding is involved and the risks are significantly higher. Let me know if you want some guidance on that.
-Zach
If the scratch has NOT penetrated the clear coat, it can be repaired relatively easily using abrasives such as compound, polish, and/or sand paper depending on the severity of the scratch.
If the scratch has penetrated the clear coat, exposing the base coat, primer, or substrate then the only way to repair it is to apply paint to the area. This can be as simple as applying touch up paint if you want a quick and inexpensive cover up, or if you want it to look like new, a body shop would need to refinish the entire panel.
Looking at your photos, it is difficult to tell how severe the scratches are. The whitish color leads me to believe they are not simply light scratches, but it is not always an indication that the clear coat has been compromised.
Here is how you should proceed....
Purchase the following if you do not already have them (or similar) on hand:
- A good cutting compound (I recommend Meguiar's M105)
- A good finishing polish (I recommend Meguiar's M205)
- Some high quality microfiber towels
- A microfiber applicator
- A foam applicator
How to remove scratch by hand...
First, thoroughly wash and dry the car. Pull the car into the garage, or into the shade, and make sure the paint is nice and cool before proceeding.
Assess the scratches by gently rubbing your fingernail over it. If your fingernail easily catches the scratch, it may be too deep to remove with this technique, so do not attempt. Find scratches that are light enough that they do not easily catch your fingernail.
Apply a small amount of cutting compound to your microfiber applicator. Rub the compound over the scratch using moderate pressure. Work the compound for 30 seconds or so, then wipe the residue away and inspect your results. If needed, repeat this step once more. If the finish is hazy, apply some polish to your foam applicator pad and rub it against the paint in a similar manner, but using a little less pressure. This should restore clarity to the paint.
*Note - Please understand that removing scratches means you are removing clear coat. The deeper the scratch, the more clear coat needs to be removed. If you remove too much clear coat and expose the base coat, the only way to fix the damage is to repaint the area. This is not likely to happen with this process, but it is worth understanding the potential risks involved*
If you are feeling up to the challenge and want to tackle some of the deeper scratches that have not penetrated the clear coat, wet sanding is involved and the risks are significantly higher. Let me know if you want some guidance on that.
-Zach
09-12-16, 01:40 PM
#7
Dudes,
Is there a good place in PA? Is Dent Wizard any good? Or do they focus mostly on dents?
I have a feeling if I involve the dealer I'm going to end up taking out a second loan just to make a couple of scratches disappear.
I'm honestly not confident enough to do it myself - I could end up making it look worse!
I suspect this might have happened in an automatic car wash....but I'm not sure.
Is there a good place in PA? Is Dent Wizard any good? Or do they focus mostly on dents?
I have a feeling if I involve the dealer I'm going to end up taking out a second loan just to make a couple of scratches disappear.
I'm honestly not confident enough to do it myself - I could end up making it look worse!
I suspect this might have happened in an automatic car wash....but I'm not sure.
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09-13-16, 07:06 AM
#10
Wilkes-Barre - Scranton area - Northeast
I took my previous car (Honda accord V6) into one - set it on 'no touch'. I didn't seem to notice anything.
Maybe I shouldn't do it w the Lexus. There are such long lines at the other places.....
I took my previous car (Honda accord V6) into one - set it on 'no touch'. I didn't seem to notice anything.
Maybe I shouldn't do it w the Lexus. There are such long lines at the other places.....
09-13-16, 07:49 AM
#11
READ THIS: How To Properly Wash and Dry a Car by Todd Cooperider
Sorry - the closest detailer I know is in Lebanon, PA which seems to be about 1.5 hours from you. If you'd like his info, you can view his work at www.kmgdetailing.com
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