Someone hit my gf's silver car, now there is a red line on her quarter panel, what's a good way to remove it

Question

It's a relatively small line about 12 inches long and about 1/8 inch thick? Would a rubbing compound work? She's had the 2007 Camry for only two weeks. Would you recommend getting it fixed professionally?

Answer 1

Depends on how deep the scuff is. If it's only surface then it's on the clear coat that is sprayed over the metallic paint, and in that case it might polish off. You could use a little rubbing compound (very light cut grade only), and just very gently try removing the mark. If it's stubborn then leave it to the pros -- especially as it's metallic paint. If you make a mess of it, the repair will only end up costing more.

EDIT: I'll amend my answer. Those who say to only use polish are actually more right in this case. Even very light cut rubbing compound could leave marks on such a very new car if you are not real careful. So, my apologies. Light polish is better. And as someone said already, if it doesn't work then a visit to a local body repair shop (with a nice supply of beers ready) is certainly the way to go. That way you'll make a few new friends and also learn a few tricks of the trade. For the pros it won't be a difficult job, with the training and experience they have -- and they'll appreciate the beer and you probably won't have to pay a bill otherwise. Don't claim on the insurance, whatever you do! It'll mess up her no-claim bonus and you don't want that..

Regards,

Lenky

Answer 2

I'd try to rub it out with polishing compound that is specially made for clear coat paints. Do not use rubbing compound as it is way too coarse. As long as the red paint is not ground into the paint on the Camry, the polishing compound will probably remove it. If you have little or no success, you really haven't lost anything but a bit of labor. Then you can consult a pro.

Answer 3

if all it is is the other vehicles paint you can wet a sponge and put a light coat of commet on it. gently rub in small circles on the whole red line. after the red paint is gone wash the quarter panel off with a hose pipe and put a good wax job on it. the same thing happened to my camaro. my sis backed my moms car into the front right fender. and thats how that lil incident got fixed. just dont press down too hard with the sponge because all commet is is sandpaper pretty much.

Answer 4

I got paint on my new car before and I used Mr. Clean Magic Erase. It was not a scratch it was just rubbed in paint from somebody who parked to close. If her car is that new the dealership may do it. Just have her go in a play helpless female and they'll ususally get it for her unless its a deep scratch then they may want to charge her in that case try doing it for her and if you need to touch up her paint she can always order a touch up stick in her car's exact color from the dealership or auto part store, it costs usually about $21 and its a good thing to have especially with how people open door in parking lots now a days. My dealer gave me a touch up stick as a part of my "free gift basket" when I bought my car and I used in the first month.

Answer 5

I wish I could help you more but I dont remember the name it, it is a buffing salution and it is white and if you take a wash cloth and rub the spot it almost always gets the paint off. I used work building fire trucks and it is what we used. I am sorry I cant remember the name.

Answer 6

rub your finger nail across it and if the scratch catchs your nail it can be removed your have to get it done pro., if it doesnt you can remove it with a mild rubbing compound like scratch doctor, and a tarry towel you can find it at your auto part store
good luck hopefully you can remove it

Answer 7

**** yes or you can try polishing it out. Personally take car and a slab of beer to local panel shop and NEGOTIATE if nothing else you will have a great day and learn a few things.

Answer 8

Yes do what you said and see what happens. If there is no crease in the paint or metal it should work fine. Use a carnuba wax after.

Answer 9

If it's a scratch, it would have to be sanded off and repainted. It might be best to have a pro do it unless you already know how.

Answer 10

have her scrub it