When to say when on scratches

[mgm2003]

I've learned over time that there are times when you have to walk away from a scratch/defect and be happy with an improvement. Otherwise you risk leveling down too much clear/paint and causing problems.

What is your method/process for monitoring scratch repair? I'm curious to hear how others approach this problem.

 

[Bill D]

Of course a paint gauge is the best way. Without that, if you tried one of your most aggressive products and pad chocies only after doing multiple passes with every least aggressive combination you had and still, after this most aggressive approach, you haven't totally corrected the defect(s), that's when I'd stop. I'd clean up any marring left behind from the most aggressive approach and leave it at that.

 

[wifehatescar]

The most aggressive I'll ever go is 1 pass of PG on a polish pad on the rotary, If that doesn't work, I throw in the towel (literally sometimes :rofl)

 

[CharlesW]

Nowadays I step back about 5 feet and if it doesn't really stand out, I leave it.

In years past, it was someitmes when the primer started showing.

I once had an entire 1/4 panel repainted because of a chip that was about 3/16" in diameter. It was on a black car and I never did get it touched up to where I was satisfied with the look.
The painter said he alsmost hated to charge me for the job since it drew so much interest at his shop. Someone would ask him what he was doinf to my car, he would show them, they would shake their head and everyone would have a good laugh.
Would I do the same thing again???
You bet!

Charles