Bumper scratches advice on what to do

Assuming your bumper isn't dented, which it doesn't look like it is, I wouldn't take it to a shop for that.

I can't really tell from your picture how deep the scratch is. Is it actually into the paint or is it surface scuff where whatever contacted it left residue on top of the paint? From the picture it looks like more of a "scuff".

Have you tried polishing it out yet? I've gotten rid of some fairly significant scuffs that looked like that by polishing. Takes a little time and elbow grease, but it can help immensely if not completely remove it.

Meguiars ScratchX can do pretty well on something like that and is available at Wal Mart. Be aware that ScratchX has fillers though, so you may want to try a polish that has no fillers. In general you want to start with something mild, and only step up to a more aggressive polish if you need to.

Thanks for the reply. I think it went pass the paint but I am going to take your advice and try polishing it first with a mild polish.

I had a mark on my Sequoia similar to that that was too severe for polish alone. After failing with the polish, I went to 2000 grit wet sandpaper, and sanded it out. Then went through a couple polishes. One that removed the 2000 grit swirls, and then a finer polish. When I was all done, 95% of it was undetectable, and there was only one little hairline scratch that was deep enough to need touch up paint. After that you couldn't see it unless you were looking for it.

That's on the more extreme end to have to go to wet sanding, but just wanted to let you know you have options if you didn't know it already.

Again though, start mild and step up aggressiveness in increments only if you need to.

^ wet sanding is about the best thing you can do for hard scuffs, you are 100% right. Though to add, you may want to start at 4000 grit (if available).

I've removed plenty of scuffs like that with a buffer and polish. Piece of cake. You'd be surprised what polish can do, and you'll be even more surprised what a buffer can do with polish. Try polishing before doing any wetsanding. I only use wetsanding as a last resort.

Pb said:

I've removed plenty of scuffs like that with a buffer and polish. Piece of cake. You'd be surprised what polish can do, and you'll be even more surprised what a buffer can do with polish. Try polishing before doing any wetsanding. I only use wetsanding as a last resort.

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^ +1! Clean the area well with some QD and a MF. Then get the least aggressive polish/or (Klasse AIO) with a orange medium cutt pad and work your way up from the there. I can almost guarantee if it is not down to the primer you should get it off with a little combo of a medium pad and medium to light polish. Hope this helps!


BTW, I do spot treatments for neighbors all the time for either a 6-pack or $5-10 on the side....cause people in Southern, CA like to swap paint. Dumb drivers! :disappoin

Wow thanks for all the great advice. I just bought Meguiars ScratchX purchased at Walmart and applicator pad since I do not have a buffer. I will rub that sucker down today and post pics.

Sorry about the hijack.

dktaco said:

BTW, I do spot treatments for neighbors all the time for either a 6-pack or $5-10 on the side....cause people in Southern, CA like to swap paint. Dumb drivers! :disappoin

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My wife's car has these marks on boths sides of the rear bumper. I haven't had a chance to get to them myself (weather and busy) but if I can't get them out I may have to drop you a PM. I'm in Downey too over by the Landing.

Playr said:

Sorry about the hijack.



My wife's car has these marks on boths sides of the rear bumper. I haven't had a chance to get to them myself (weather and busy) but if I can't get them out I may have to drop you a PM. I'm in Downey too over by the Landing.

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What the heck! Damn this place....I am always meeting someone from this city. JK! Give me a PM if needed!

Try your best to get the surface scratches and transfer paint off, then, if you need more, come to Torrance on the 23rd and I'll take a swing at it personally!

Cheers, Adam