Omg! Help! I Scratched My Car!!!!

Debelli

Debelli

New member
I went out to go buy a newspaper - it must of drizzled, so I figured I'd get my water blade and get off the drops before they dried - BIG mistake, I got a razor thin 5" scratch on the hood of my brand new car:bigscream :bigscream

I noticed a couple on my roof the other day, couldn't figure out how it happened, now I know. Is there ANYTHING anyone can tell me to do, besides throwing away this blade, that may help????? :huh

I know there must be a million posts about this, but I'm panicking now!:bigscream OMG, I can't believe I did this! It's a dark blue car, if it helps any - sure helps seeing this scratch, it looks white! OMG, I'd dying here!:bigscream

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm ready to cry!!!!!!
 
If it's just a "graze" you should be able to fix it. If it's a scratch down past the paint, not much can be done short of touch up paint.

I'd guess that since you were pulling a water blade (probably just the weight of the blade?) the scratch shouldn't be too deep. Either Meg's Scratch X or Mothers Scratch Remover might work. Just be patient and work with light pressure and do repeated applications. It should even out. Even something like the PB SSR's might do it.
Of course, you'll need to re-wax the area you polish.
 
Touch up would definitely look terrible. I'm hoping that there's something that will fill in this extremely thin line. Dang! Right in the middle of my hood. Here, I've been trying to learn to take care of this car, and if it didn't take me less than 2 months to screw something up!:angry I swear, this is my luck!:angry I've yet to wax this car. I was just getting use to the idea of me finally getting up the courage to clay - now I'm having second thoughts about even doing that.

This has really put a damper on things for me. I'm really upset - stuff like this really bothers me because if it's going to happen, it's gonna happen to me!:(

I'm going to go buy something this morning to see if I can remedy this problem. I don't know what steps to take since all I've done it washed and dried this car since I had it - oh, and scratched it too:bigscream

Thanks for any help on this problem - I know I"m not the first, but it feels like doomsday for me right now :(

:(
 
Deb,

As for the WB... I love mine... on windows. I simply WON'T use it on paint! :angry Yeah, I know... some will say "it works great for me" or "never had a problem". However, I not sure that their "works for me" and my "works for me" are the same, or even close. I've seen what a WB can do under proper lighting and maginfication in a controled test... that's why I only use it on windows... and even there I'm careful. Others can say what they want. :(

Now, in your case, I would never recommend going straight to any drying process after driving the car any distance... especially in the rain. I would have recommended using a Spray & Wipe wipe-down to help minimize any marring issues.

Anytime you think there is ANY possibility of even the slightest dirt or even dust on the paint... use something with lubrication (like S & W) and a safe towel(s) to help in the process... PERIOD.

As for the scratch, I would give Big Leegr's suggestion a try. Using an abrasive polish like the Scratch X (or whatever you have) work the area... multiple times if necessary. If you still see the scratch after several tries with a product like ScratchX... it might be time to touch it up, or take it to a pro for a wet sand/buff out of the scratch.
 
Debbie it happens.
Easiest fix it is to throw it away and get a new car LOL...

Can you catch your fingernail on the scratch? if not then you should be able to remove the offending mark, with what boss and big leeger suggested.

"J"
 
It IS a new car:( I've had it almost 2 months :( The car was clean, just had raindrops on it. Figured I'd do the WB and then MF dry it - stupid - I swear, I wish I hadn't even gone outside, then it wouldn't of been an issue. Was just going to MF dry it, and then figured this would be faster. What an idiot I am!

I've heard a lot about Scratch X - also read about 3M Scratch and Swirl remover for dark colors - any one have experience with both and prefer one over the other?


The scratch is mighty fine. I can feel the scratch with my nail, but barely. I think it's thinner than a razor blade, or there abouts. The ones on the top of the car are bigger and deeper.

wet sand/buff out of the scratch
Click to expand...
Who does something like this and how would it affect the rest of my hood - remember, this is a brand new car.

Should I try and clay the hood first and THEN do the scratch X or what ever I end up using? I have some MEGS #7 which I could use afterwards and then wax. How bad will the rest of the car look if I only do the hood? I would have to do the rest of the car as time permits, in panels.

THANKS GUYS:)
 
I've never used the scratch x but wanted to address a few other things as I think your scratches will come out or lessen enough that they won't be bothersome. I wouldn't worry too much about claying but certainly take some precautions. Making sure the finish is clean is first one. Do a small area and check your work to make sure no problems are occuring. I like to hold the clay in such a way that my finger tips (not nails) glide in front of the clay. I do this so that I can feel anything before I hit it with the clay. Don't get sloppy. It's a new car so shouldn't be hard to clay or require a lot of effort. I've clayed 100's of cars over the years and the damage has been very little. On a few cases minor scratches happened or dulling. Always stuff that was easy to fix.

Keep the cars paint protected. It will look better and last longer. Things that damage paint will do less damage if it's protected. I've seen bird crap destroy a black trucks new paint in less then a day. Guess diet plays a role or something as I've seen others allow it to bake like a science project and nothing happen

:jump
 
Deb,

First, you are not an idiot... these things just happen!

Second, I would quit worring about it, talking about it, and getting all kinds of suggestions... it is a scratch... you need to hide it or remove it. The ScratchX is inexpensive, easy to find, and a pretty good product. I would go get some and give it a try. Then at least you know where you stand.

Make sure you wash and dry the vehicle (or inflicted area) first. I would skip the clay for now.

The wet sand/buff out is a last step measure. You need to take it to a professional detailer. Even then, it may not take care of it.
 
Boss I have to disagree on your comment about the WB.
I have been using my CAL WB for years.
And I have used it on darker cars too.
IF the car is properly cleaned than WB would not harm the cars paint.
In this particular situation owner didn't follow simple directions, the car has to clean prior using ANY I repeat any drying accessories.
Another thing,
WB can not cause deep enough scratch to harm the base coat of the vehicle.
(Exception: Turtle wax drying blade, or any not California brand WB). CAL WB made out of very soft gel type substance that is definitely softer than clear of any car. I have tested the WB on my car and came to the conclusion that WB can't trap big enough dirt to substantially harm clear coat.

Debelli: Please post pictures of the scratch, to professionally evaluate the hard that was done to your vehicle. Right now it is like “pointing fingers in the sky”.
 
Thanks:)

I will try to not stress about it so much, but you know us women, it's what we do best, or at least this one does;)

I have to say this. Yesterday I went and met JOYRIDE who's very prominent on this board. He's a really sweet guy (I'm old enough to be his Mom - heck, I'm older than his Mom):bigscream He took the time to show me how easy it is to clay the car. He clayed a small portion - I felt like this was something I could do. Of course, with this lovely scratch, I'm questioning doing anything much right! Anyhow, he gave me some of the AIO and I went out and tried it on the car, it's helped a little. I'm hoping if I do it again, it will help some more to the point I can breathe a sigh of relief (while I bang my head against the wall).

Just got home from Wally World and bought some MEGS Scratch X - will try it this evening.

DIM, car was clean, I just cleaned it on Friday night and QD the hood yesterday. Only thing would of been something that was in one of those water drops? The other day, I found a few scratches on my roof, couldn't figure out how they got there, now I know. It was the WB - this was after I rinsed the roof first, washed it, rinsed it again and then used the WB. Not sure what else I could of done to prevent them. And they are deep, at least deeper than the one on the hood. Hard to get a picture of the hood one where you can see it well. I can notice the line, to the right of the cloud, but it may be hard to see in this pic. One thing I can see in the picture is where I applied the AIO, it's a bit hazy / dullish?

scratch.jpg


Will try to remedy this tonight when I get home and the sun is less intense and the car wil have had time to cool down.

Also, AIO, or even the Scratch X - does claying the car remove it? I'd like to try and clay and then fix it if possible, then glaze and wax - it needs some sort of protection.

Thanks again everyone :D
 
Debelli said:
Thanks:)

I will try to not stress about it so much, but you know us women, it's what we do best, or at least this one does;)

I have to say this. Yesterday I went and met JOYRIDE who's very prominent on this board. He's a really sweet guy (I'm old enough to be his Mom - heck, I'm older than his Mom):bigscream He took the time to show me how easy it is to clay the car. He clayed a small portion - I felt like this was something I could do. Of course, with this lovely scratch, I'm questioning doing anything much right! Anyhow, he gave me some of the AIO and I went out and tried it on the car, it's helped a little. I'm hoping if I do it again, it will help some more to the point I can breathe a sigh of relief (while I bang my head against the wall).

Just got home from Wally World and bought some MEGS Scratch X - will try it this evening.

DIM, car was clean, I just cleaned it on Friday night and QD the hood yesterday. Only thing would of been something that was in one of those water drops? The other day, I found a few scratches on my roof, couldn't figure out how they got there, now I know. It was the WB - this was after I rinsed the roof first, washed it, rinsed it again and then used the WB. Not sure what else I could of done to prevent them. And they are deep, at least deeper than the one on the hood. Hard to get a picture of the hood one where you can see it well. I can notice the line, to the right of the cloud, but it may be hard to see in this pic. One thing I can see in the picture is where I applied the AIO, it's a bit hazy / dullish?

scratch.jpg


Will try to remedy this tonight when I get home and the sun is less intense and the car wil have had time to cool down.

Also, AIO, or even the Scratch X - does claying the car remove it? I'd like to try and clay and then fix it if possible, then glaze and wax - it needs some sort of protection.

Thanks again everyone :D
Click to expand...


Debelli:
AIO can't tackle that. It is basically cleaner with polymer for best protection. You need something more aggressive, scratch x or Nu finish Scratch Doctor (only if you don't have access to pro products.) The way I would do it is apply Scratch-X to MF towel that rub it until its dry. Now, expect to have little hazing on the clear coat it is ok (for over the counter products) The scratch should almost disappear.
Then I would use megs # 9 usually sold at pep boys for 9.99 a 16 OZ bottle. Follow directions on the back use clean MF towel or 100% cotton towel, use it the same way you used scratch x but with slightly lighter pressure.
This is more of pro stuff so you will see the difference, the haze will disappear and so is your scratch. # 9 has some filling agents so it should improve appearance of the scratch dramatically.
Than I would put some NXT tech wax and you are set.
Let me know if it helped,
 
Tried the Scratch X, helped a little but I can stil see the "white" in the scratch. How many applications? Should I rub circularly, up/down or back and forth?

Thanks for the advice Dim - I'll see if I can find that #9 - I have #7, maybe I can exchange? How much "pressure" should I be using with Scratch X? Also, I have a hand held orbital that's not seen the light of day yet - should I use that, and if so, the terry bonnet that comes with it, or by hand is best?

Boss, it's doesn't look bad because it's not your car :( I'm just so mad for doing something like this to a brand new car that I vowed to take care of - and less than 2 months later - look what happens:(

Thanks Eliot & Lucky - will read the threads you provided.

Has anyone tried the touch-up pens available?
 
Its not too bad at all. I would hit it a couple times with ScratchX and leave it alone.

Maybe put a glaze on?
 
Debelli said:
Tried the Scratch X, helped a little but I can stil see the "white" in the scratch. How many applications? Should I rub circularly, up/down or back and forth?
Click to expand...

Try to rub "across" the scratch. With the ScratchX, you are trying to "dull" the edges of the the scratch.

Debelli said:
Has anyone tried the touch-up pens available?
Click to expand...

I have tried one from an online mfg. At first, I liked it, but as I became more and more refined in my knowledge of detailing, I could tell that it was not up to my ever growing standards. That's when I got a Langka kit. My next step is to try small wetsanding areas. Better Car Care had a good scratch/chip touch up article that I will try next.

Deb - that scratch does not look too bad. You should be able to remove it with the ScratchX. Let this be a learning lesson for you - NEVER use any drying apparatus to try and remove straight rainwater. There's no telling what could be in the rainwater - I think it was something in the water that caught on the edge of the blade and made the scracth. Always rinse it off first before you try drying after a rainstorm or morning dew.
 
That scratch will buff out with a wool pad and light clear coat compound quite easily. If you don't know how to use a rotary buffer, just go to a local detail shop and have them spot buff the hood. It should cost no more than $30 and take about 20 mins. I would recommend they not use 100% wool but a blend like our yellow 50%wool 50% acrylic. Let us know how it works.

Aaron Krause (President & CEO)
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Website: www.edgepads.com
 
Sending Detail Police down with guns drawn. OKAY Lady step away from the vehicle with your hand in the air. OK all kidding aside, you made a mistake and thats all it is, we have all done it, only good thing to take out of this is it was your car not a customers.Yes this is your pride and joy and you want to take care of it, but before you have a heart attack, remember one thing it is a vehicle and mistakes can be corrected, its not the end of the world.From reading the articles on scratch x I sent you seems as you have to apply several applications 3/4 then followed by top coat for best results and it can be done by hand.Don't get discouraged, all this comes with time and practice,biggest thing here is your trying, you haven't ruined anything just set your self back alittle is all.All good things come with alot of work and patients and learning.If you were alittle closer i would say just bring it over and would buff it out for you, but thats not an option, maybe there is someone in here that is closer that would spend the little time to get it corrected for you, not sure, wouldn't take much.Let us know what happens.Keep on trying and good luck.
 
Did quite a few hits of the Scratch X - still can see the "white" of the scratch, but at least it's less noticeable. I'm thinking maybe the 3MSSR for dark may be good? At least it's not white. I'm afraid to make any additional marks on there. I think I put enough pressure, but without having done this before, just not sure. I tried it up/down and left right and circular.

Jared, see, what did I tell you - oh yes, I've definitely learned my lesson. If I've done this in less than 2 months owning this car, can you imagine what it would be like after 10years:bigscream

Aaron, thanks for the tip, but with my luck, I'm not ready to give my car to anyone holding anything abrasive as wool or a wool blend:eek I'd go to a local detail shop and get the schmuck that either a) drops the rotary on my hood, b) is his first time and makes a mistake on MY car or c) uses the wrong tool/supplies and makes things worse. Liked those little foam cleaners on a stick - nice site:D

LUCKY, thanks for the laugh:lol AND trying to make me feel less guilt/stupidity of what I've done. You are definitely right, it's not the WORST thing in the world, not even the stupidest thing I've ever done (though the most stupid doesn't come to mind) I'm sure with some patience I'll get it taken care of - or in time, with my age, maybe I just won't remember it's there:lol Thanks for the offer - I'd def. take you up on it should I be closer to Mass.:)

One question that I didn't get answered guys - will claying remove whatever I've put on this scratch?

You guys are great - helpful, supportive and oh so patient! Wish there were guys like you when I go to HD!!!!:lol
 
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