Update: the problem has been fixed! Go to the 2nd page to see pics!

Hello everyone,

Well I was cleaning my new baby the other day and I stupidly scratched up the rear left rear bumper. I accidentally hit the CR spotless device against it (ironic, I know). I've included pics; the central one is the actual scratch, the two thinner ones above and below it rubbed right off.

It's fairly small but definitely noticeable. And it's definitely scratched all the way through, not just the clear coat, so I don't think it can be just buffed out. The color is basalt black metallic.

So what should I do? I don't want to repaint the whole panel obviously. Should I just get some touch up paint and repair it myself? Or take it to a professional detailer? What would they be able do? Would it be possible to make it look like nothing happened without repainting the whole panel? And any idea about the cost of repair?

Please help, and thanks!

 

From my experience (unfortunately), if you use the Porsche Basalt Black touchup kit (part #911 095 933 20 c9z) the scratches will disappear.

 

Pretty deep. If you get a touch up paint and do it yourself, it will be noticeable as well (assuming that you are not an expert in this area). Perhaps, post your location and maybe others can point you to a prof. detailer who might be able to help.

 

Just to anchor expectations, I had my rear bumper painted the other day (scratches and dent due to parking mishap) and it was $1400. Most of the cost is in taillight assembly and other non-paint-related work items. Plus, it was a minor nightmare to have the (Porsche certified!) shop reapply the rear badging. Ununderstandable to me and the shop, Porsche does not include positioning instructions with their $$$$ badges, and repair folks are not calligraphy masters, so I had to have them redo it not once but twice.

So if you can, avoid reprinting the panel!

 

Thanks for the replies. I've used touch up paint on other cars before, but I'm definitely no expert. It ends up looking better than not doing anything at all, but still noticeable.

I've also had a scratched door panel completely repainted before, and that ended up looking perfect, but I'd hate to do that on a 2-week old car! But thanks for the heads-up chancludo, I didn't realize badge positioning was such an issue!

I live in the LA area. I'm thinking of just asking the dealer if they know a good scratch-fixing person. After all, they must do it all the time for used cars right? I read about that idea on another post. Any further advice is welcome!

 

Sorry this happened. I would contact Moe Mistry, owner of Glistening Perfection. His shop is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Orange County), is a 6Speed Member, and is super knowledgeable about automotive paint repair and protection. He seems like a great guy that is passionate about and very good at what he does. Here is a link to his website: http://www.glisteningperfection.com/

Best of luck.

 

There is always opportunity in mini disasters like this. What I would do is learn how to do it myself. I'd use touch up paint, wet sand it down even, then compound it and wax it using a buffer. You can go to YouTube to learn the steps. If it comes out decent, you've learned a skill that you will be able to use again. If it come out bad, contact a detail guy - which is what you plan to do anyway. Don't think it is going to matter to him whether he repaints or fixes the original scratch or repaints or fixes your attempted fix. My 2 cents.

 

Be very careful when you use touch-up paint! Never, ever use the supplied little brush, always use a toothpick or something similar from an art supply store. It might take longer, but you don't wanna have a glob of paint on it. Be equally careful with any polish or wet sand product. My advice is to find a good body shop (don't worry if people say it's overkill), and have one of their painters take a look. Better to go the extra mile than cause more damage. I'm speaking form experience, I tried to fix a similar chip on my wife's new bimmer.... and messed it up even more.

 

+1 on the toothpick.
If you gnaw of the tip of the toothpick, you can fray it a bit and create a tiny brush.

Not sure where you're based, but there are a few highly recommended (and even mobile) services that have been mentioned on this board.

 

I'm really sorry to see this, but it can be remedied if it's done correctly. Don't rush into the repair! Wait until you get some feedback from the pros: I will speak to one tomorrow (Monday).

 

I have a tiny one of these on my rear spoiler. So, I tried touching it up and I still wasn't satisfied. So, i had it wrapped in carbon fiber 3M wrap. Eureka! the Batwing. With a basalt black I think you may have decent luck with touch-up paint. The toothpick is the way to go. Good luck.

 

I realize you feel it is a deep scratch, but have you tried a little light compound rub on it. It may be worth a try, I a similar scratch on my MB e350, by compounding it, it almost totally disappeared, only I know it is there now. This was recommend to me by a high value ATL body shop.

Sent from my iPad using 6SpeedOnline

 

save ur money on buying the touch-up paint from Porsche. the paint is too thick to use to build up the layers u need so most likely u'll ended up with a more noticeable result. i would go to a bodyshop ask them to mix u a bottle of the fresh touch-up paint & the clear coat as well. might cost u little more but it's worth it. slowly build it up with layers of paint first then layers of the clears. make sure the clear coat is thick enough so it can take some light color sanding. if u're not comfortable with the last part i would go to a professional detailer. however, u have to start building the layers so it has enough time to dry before working on it.

if i were u i would consider upgrading the euro rear bumper. wider license opening area resulting a wider rear look. perfect excuse to do it.

 

Probably the best route possible if you want this done correctly. Prof. detailers should be able to get this right (if not bodyshop). Personally, I'd get in touch with him first.

 

PM sent! Best of luck.