Paint scratch

JACKIE PACE

MEMBER
2018 MAZDA 3
27,000 MILES

I was trying to get out of the way from someone coming on towards me head on in a parking lot and had to swerve and slightly and scraped the front of my car on the cement pole. Trying to figure out if there is an easy way to buff it out and what I need to use.

5 Replies

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Paint scratches can be tricky to fix, it will all depend on how deep the scratch went. Is it only through the clear coat? Or is it through the paint and on to the surface? Etc.

If it is just light scratch, you might be able to polish it out. If it is through the paint, it will require more work.
Also, it will depend on the result that you are expecting.

If you would please upload a few close-up pictures of the scratch. Just like to see exactly what you are dealing with.

Thank you.

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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 3:41 PM

JACKIE PACE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

One photo is it right after it happened and the second is after I wiped it off with water and a paper towel and used Turtle Wax clean finish polish and a rag, but wondering if there is something else, I could try.

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 3:43 PM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

The scratches that remained look to be through the paint and to the surface.
To get that fixed, it will have to be sanded down and painted and clear coated.
This will also require blending the paint to the surroundings. Otherwise, it will not look very good. Also, that gray color can be tricky to match perfectly.
This is more of an advanced fix/repair. Unless you have done sanding and or paint vehicles before I wouldn't recommend it.

Here is a video that shows a similar fix that you will need:

https://youtu.be/-EiAN6oa_oY

You can watch and see it that is something you like to tackle.

Let me know of any questions or concerns.

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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 3:55 PM

JACKIE PACE

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3 POSTS

Thank you for all your help! Just wondering if you knew a ballpark for about how much it would be to get something like this fixed? Don’t need it to look like new as I’ve already had the car for about 4 years but just want the deeper marks to not be as evident and it be a little more buffed out if possible.

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Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 AT 4:35 PM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

If you have this fixed by someone, it will depend on your market. Many cities have paint correction services where they will come to you and repair the damage. Typically, you can send them pictures of the issue to get a quote. It could be anywhere from $100.00 to $250.00.
The cost of this type of work really varies depending on your location/state/city.

Most body shops will want to paint the whole bumper and that can easily be several hundred dollars.