Paint Scratch Help

[Sanctus]

So somehow i have a pretty hefty series of scratches on my bumper that obviously were caused by someone bumping me in a parking lot without the curtesy of leaving a note... and i dont really know what to do. I know BIGCAT your a paint guy.Is there anyone else out there that can help me by showing me what i will need to first touch up the area and make it hardly noticable without having to either order a new bumper, or have it repainted. I.E. wheres the best place to get touch up paint, and whats the best way to use it. Im a paint newb... help me out... actually... help my mustang out!!!!!!!


thanks guys.

 

[bigcat]

depends on the scratches.

 

[Sanctus]

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ill get you a pic! jeeze! haha

 

[bigcat]

 

[Sanctus]

Here are some pics http://mustangsy.photosite.com/carscratch/

i will take more when its light out tommorrow... at TRAFFIC SCHOOL! ohh life! haha any advice? it is mostly a superficial scratch, however it has created a small indenture in the plastic. I know if i paint over it, it wont be as good as new, but i just cant live with black and white marks on my bumper.. it just doesnt look slick. So any adivce?

 

[Mr_Q]

Body shop. Looks like it's going to need full prep and paint. Blending on that Tungsten color will be needed for sure as well. To be 100% again.

A professional bufferman might be able to make it look very good though. At least from 6 feet away.

 

[bigcat]

the first thing to do is to get some rubbing compound and rub (or buff if you can) off the other cars paints smudges. then you will want to clean the bumper really well to remove any residue thats in the plastic scratches.

for paint, you can either go to a bodyshop and request some, but more than likely, it wont match your car too well. you can also go to the ford parts counter and get some factory touch up paint.

with the touch ups, you dont want to use that brush. get some thick paper, like a paper funnel or enelope. tear off a corner, so you have a pointy end. take the corner of the paper and dip it into the paint. ONLY PUT A LITTLE PAINT ON THE CORNER!! then dab the paint into the scratches, dont brush it on. just keep dabbing the paint, so it fills the scratches in. if you dab instead of brush, it will build up better and flow into the scratch much better.

repeat as necessary until the scratches are filled in. dont glob it on there in one heavy coat, do several smaller applications (like any other painting procedure).

if the build up is a little too high, you can get some 1500 grit sand paper and lightly rub off the top of the touch up. then use the rubbing compound and rub (or buff), the sand scratches until it shines and is close to being level.

 

[bigcat]

did you get it touched up?

 

[Sanctus]

nope not yet, paint scares me so it is taking a lot of self motivation to get out some sand paper and paint and go for it. plus it was just the elections and I have been a huge vollunteer for the GOP which dominated in California at least... but yeah i think i will just try and touch it up for now, then maby someday go out and either buy one of those Gt take off bumpers for like 160$ or get an aftermarket bumper, do they make aftermarket bumpers? i know they make rear vailences and decklids but im not sure about the bumpers, o well its not a hugeee deal, just a tarnish on the most beautiful girl i know. thanks for the advice guys

 

[bigcat]

yep, you can get A/M bumpers, both stock style and body kit style.

 

[Hoboattacker]

the first thing to do is to get some rubbing compound and rub (or buff if you can) off the other cars paints smudges. then you will want to clean the bumper really well to remove any residue thats in the plastic scratches.

for paint, you can either go to a bodyshop and request some, but more than likely, it wont match your car too well. you can also go to the ford parts counter and get some factory touch up paint.

with the touch ups, you dont want to use that brush. get some thick paper, like a paper funnel or enelope. tear off a corner, so you have a pointy end. take the corner of the paper and dip it into the paint. ONLY PUT A LITTLE PAINT ON THE CORNER!! then dab the paint into the scratches, dont brush it on. just keep dabbing the paint, so it fills the scratches in. if you dab instead of brush, it will build up better and flow into the scratch much better.

repeat as necessary until the scratches are filled in. dont glob it on there in one heavy coat, do several smaller applications (like any other painting procedure).

if the build up is a little too high, you can get some 1500 grit sand paper and lightly rub off the top of the touch up. then use the rubbing compound and rub (or buff), the sand scratches until it shines and is close to being level.

Well, I now know how to get all those little paint chips fixed from driving on the freeway. Looks like I'll have my work cut out for me during the summer

 

[metroplex]

Buy the Ford touch up paint (or Duplicolor for your color code) and use the pen tip and gently dab on the paint. In my backyard environmental corrosion testing, I found that a single layer of red enamel nailpolish was sufficient in preventing the metal from corroding.

 

[Sanctus]

alright im going to give it a try today, wish me luck. ill post some before and afters... well actually maby not, i dont want you guys making fun of my craftsmanship.

 

[bigcat]

so what happened?

 

[Sanctus]

This is what it turned out like after one coat. I am probably going to get some sand paper, grind it down, and then reapply. Unfortunatly someone hit my fathers car and fled the day after I purchased the touch up paint. Ohh the coincidence. But yeah i will probably end up putting another coat or two on. but the touch up paint matched surprizingly well, and now you have to either be looking at the scratch or about 4 ft away to really notice. Which for me is acceptable. Btw that brush does look like crap, im glad they have the pen tip end. it works wonders. Thanks for the advice Bigcat

http://mustangsy.photosite.com/carscratch/IMG_0075_1.html


-- it just looks like a little dirt on the bumper, nothing bad. i wont be winning any car shows with it tho....

 

[Hoboattacker]

That looks 100% better than what it did look like though. Good job, man!