Scratch removal

[ferrelscent]

I need to deal with some minor scuffs and scratches. The Z4 is dark grey metallic.

I've heard of tcut. What I don't know, and what I don't want to ask a 16 year shop assistant in Halfords is,.. should I be looking for standard 'tcut', or do they do it in colours so I need to find the one that is the exact correct colour ?

If there is a thread already out there on this would appreciate if someone could give me a link.

cheers

 

[lacroupade]

Definitely not the right stuff TBH but I'll let the detailers fill you in

 

[Spud]

Both. There's a standard one and a colour based system.

T-Cut is just an abrasive to remove a layer of paint, so it won't matter which you use. Ensure you have wax and polish for afterwards, though. Deeper scratches might need a rotary pad (or a specialist touch up), though.

 

[cj10jeeper]

I'd suggest you post a few pictures and then the experts will guide you before you buy or do anything. More damage is often done with ill thought out remedial work that doesn't work and then needs a lot more effort and costs to sort out.

See if you can tell if the scratches are just in the clear top coat, the steling grey or deeper an into the base layers?

Can you feel them?

 

[NikB]

A general rule is if you can feel a scratch then it's too deep for machine polishing. It will probably need some form of repair. If you can't feel it (by running a fingernail over it) then it may machine polish out. If you live near someone with a machine polisher that might be a good starting point.

 

[ferrelscent]

Could only tell you from memory right now as have not seen the car for three weeks. I take delivery tomorrow.

There is a range of scratches from fine to bodyshop jobs. My plan is to see how much I can sort myself before handing it over to the pros. It's definately going to a bodyshop but I hope to reduce the bill a bit with a bit of elbow grease.

So if t-cut simply takes a layer off, what different job does the coloured stuff do ?

 

[klarky]

im not a fan of t cut, if its very minor scratches ive always used autoglym super resin polish, it fills them rather than being abrasive, topped off with wax it hides minor scratches and swirls. i have a sterling grey z4 and the £15 1 litre bottle of srp has lasted a year, as has a tub of autoglym hd wax.

i agree with the others post a pic before parting with any cash, plenty of detailing people on here to give you some good advice.

 

[cj10jeeper]

ferrelscent - With all due respect given the nature of your questions, implied level of experience and the fact you are going to a bodyshop anyway I'd simply take it in and let them take a proper look at it. Chances are if they are spraying one area they'll polisht he rest for a few poinds extra dn make sure everything is done properly. Tinkering now could potentially leave you with a huge bill for panel sprays or localised repairs and the bodyshop will chanrge more for a tampered with start point.

As an aside I too have Sterling grey and there is no point at all in using a coloured T cut product on a base and clearcoat finish and I'd equally not let T cut anywhere near my paintwork

 

[ferrelscent]

Some good advice here I think.

Perhaps the best is as you say to just take it to the body shop and take it on the chin. I'm sure theres plenty of margin in what they charge so they would probably do the little bits for me too in much the same overall price.

Cheers