Guess who can't have nice things?

[Mr. Pockets]

I've had my SVX out for less than a week, and I've managed to rub the right side of the car ever so slightly against the garage door frame. On the right rear wheel arch I have a very thin rubbed white line.

Anybody have any suggestions for getting it off? I once used lacquer thinner to remove squirrel-applied paint from my Justy, but this paint was applied to my car much differently. Instead of being gently deposited on the surface while wet, it was dry paint that was rubbed on.

I've seen mineral spirits and polishing compounds suggested. I could try the lacquer thinner I have.

[NikFu S.]

I also would like to know how to get very thin paint scrapes off my bumpers. (:

Red on the front from a push-cart corral that was encased in ice, and white on the rear, not sure what it's from or how it got there.

[Hocrest]

After borrowing my sister's Baja, I used a fingernail to scrape a white stripe that was left on the passenger door. I then did a quick coat of Meguires NXT (?) and it looked great.

[Pure_Insanity8]

If you can't scrape it off with a fingernail... a paint thinner type solvent should work. These aren't exactly great for your clear coat, but if cleaned of well afterwards, it shouldn't cause trouble. I have succesfully used gasoline for this type of situation before.

[$ gest24 $]

Possibly some super fine sand paper and wet sand it? Just sand enough to get the scrape out and then hit the spot with a good coat of polish.

[subi-crosser]

Originally Posted by gest24

Possibly some super fine sand paper and wet sand it? Just sand enough to get the scrape out and then hit the spot with a good coat of polish.

1500 ultra fine!! wet or dry!! If the guy that sells the paper doesn't know what you are talking about, RUN!!! and never ask him a car question again!!

I have also seen people use corn starch and water for very small blemishes. Make a paste, and use a buffer, and a very light hand.....

[SSSVX]

Mr.Pocket,

The answer for your question in this thread is You.

Because you've been driving a small car long enough so you're not used to your bigger SVX, perhaps.

Could you show us some pictures of your scratches? But I don't know how similar your conditions to my friend's, my friend scratched her new Suzuki with the garage door as well, it was great that she could use some top-quality scratches remover to take care of it.

[SilverSpear]

We need to see a pic to be able to guide you ...

[Landshark]

try some 3M Imperial Hand Glaze on it - also an awesome paint polish before you wax it.

i've removed various scratches, oxidation, adhesive from removed dealer badging, and other crap with it.

[Clydesvx]

I've had luck with a paper towel sprayed with WD-40.

[Chiketkd]

I use Clay Magic claybar (Meguiar's also sells a claybar which is very good). Available at any Autozone.



http://www.claymagic.net/ClayMagic-Products.htm

You basically spray a soapy 'lube' over the area you wish to clean, shape the clay to fit over your fingers and rub the area with light to medium pressure. Oxidation, paint overspray, oil, tar, grease, insect guts and bird poop comes right off.

I've used it on my brand new WRX as I noticed some weird black lines that marked the edges of the white plastic wrap that was placed over my car during shipping. The lines came right off and the clear coat on my car wasn't harmed in any way!

[SVXer95]

If you use a clay bar, be careful!!!! You can easily damage the paint if you go too hard or stay in the same area for too long.

[PDSides]

Try Meguiar's Scratch X Fine Scratch & Swirl Remover. It comes in a black plastic tube and is "clear coat safe." It is specifically formulated to remove light scratches & swirls, oxidation & blemishes and "bonded contaminants" on your paint. Your rubbed-on paint should come off with this product. I trust Meguiar's products. My suggestion would be to try the least "invasive" type products first before going to harsh solvents or sandpaper. If WD-40 and a paper towel will do the job, then no need to risk your paint for anything else.
Preston

[Mr. Pockets]

Thanks, Preston. I have been very happy with Meguiar's products so far - I'll give that one a try. If it doesn't work, maybe I'll try some of the more severe.

[Beav]

Toothpaste?