DEEP scratches = Suggestions ?

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So some jerk backed into the corner of the rear bumper of my DD (4Runner), and of course - let me find it on my own ....

There are several deep scratches, that swirl removers / machine polish are not going to touch ....

Have a suggestion on what I could try to use with my Porter Cable ???

[mark6614]

Does your fingernail catch on the scratch?

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yes

I'll snap a quick pic

[CheckeredFlag]

It's a rainy day, and I just wiped the surface down lightly so you can get an idea

The scratches are the color of the offending vehicle, its not down to some kind of primer ...

but so you can have an idea:

[mark6614]

Unfortunately if your fingernail catches (unless it's BARELY catching, in this case you could possibly smooth it out) that's usually a sign that it is through the clearcoat. In this case you will not be able to buff it out.

[mark6614]

It's a rainy day, and I just wiped the surface down lightly so you can get an idea

The scratches are the color of the offending vehicle, its not down to some kind of primer ...

but so you can have an idea:

Make sure you clean it off real good. I would do a compound and then a finishing polish with the Porter Cable. Ultimate Compound + Ultimate Polish are pretty user friendly. If you are comfortable with using compound you could step up to M105 + M205. I am not guarenteeing that will clear it up completely but it'll definitely make that look a bit prettier

Oh and don't forget to protect after

[CheckeredFlag]

appreciate it ....

[Kamakaz1961]

Ouch!! That sucks!! I wish you could have caught the person that did that so you could have his face be introduced to your fists. But enough of wishing.

This may require wet sanding. I would start off with 3000 grits (conservative start) and if that does not work go to 2500 grit. HOWEVER, be careful on how much you sand. There is only so much clearcoat. If that does not suffice or may be too aggressive then the Megs 105 and 205 or Menzerna IP and SF would be the choice. Either way I feel your pain!!! But when you fix it, it makes you a better detailer

[Vue to a kill]

Make sure you clean it off real good. I would do a compound and then a finishing polish with the Porter Cable. Ultimate Compound + Ultimate Polish are pretty user friendly. If you are comfortable with using compound you could step up to M105 + M205. I am not guarenteeing that will clear it up completely but it'll definitely make that look a bit prettier

Oh and don't forget to protect after

Besides a repaint this would be my suggestion, too. You may want to do this anyway so you can assess how bad the damage actually is. Depending on how much you can clear it up, you may be able to go with a kit like Dr. Colorchip and be satisfied. Will it be perfect? No. But it may be enough to live with until you decide what to do in the long run. Shame on that other driver for not leaving a note. About 10 years ago I bumped into the steel bumper of an F150. Even though I could not see any visible damage (it was extremely light bump) I left a note with my name and number. It's just the right thing to do.

[mdgrwl]

I had some deep scratches that caught my fingernail (barley) and I wet sanded them out with 1500 grit. Be careful you don't go through the clear coat though.