Paintwork scratches removal

[Ashes]

After the last couple of offroad jaunts I've got a few light scratches in the paintwork. Nothing through to the metal but probably just the clearcoat. I'm not to worried about them and it is to be expected on narrow trails rubbing against branches.

As it is our daily driver, I'd like to keep it looking as good as possible for a while yet (and to keep SWMBO happy)..

Any advice on how to remove them. I'll try some waxing this morning and after I'm finished that I'll have a look at the car

Also..anyone priced the standard mudflaps on the D3 as I've cracked on and I've also lost the plastic cover that goes over the tow plugs.

[WhiteD3]

After the last couple of offroad jaunts I've got a few light scratches in the paintwork. Nothing through to the metal but probably just the clearcoat. I'm not to worried about them and it is to be expected on narrow trails rubbing against branches.

As it is our daily driver, I'd like to keep it looking as good as possible for a while yet (and to keep SWMBO happy).

They add character and you'll get sick of polishing them out if you're intending to plenty of 4WDing. Mine's covered in light scratches from branches...I figure I'll polish it before I sell it in the future.

Also..anyone priced the standard mudflaps on the D3 as I've cracked on and I've also lost the plastic cover that goes over the tow plugs.

I've recently broken my 3rd mud flap. LR in Brisbane charged me $50 to replace one which I thought was pretty good.

Re the plastic cover; I learnt early on to take it and the front one off before you go off road.

[rmp]

There are companies that come round and fix up paintwork like this, and they can do an incredible job of paint, duco, upholstery, plastics.

Bumper repairs, scratch repairs, car detailing - Touch Up Guys
Chips N Scratches: Repairs of automotive chips to the highest quality

The problem with DIY in this instance is finding the proper materials as opposed to some stuff from Autobahn, and it's not something you can experiment with till you get it right as there is a definite skill to it and you don't want to stuff it up.

That said, I'm sure some work with a buffer and polish will improve things but not by very much.

I am reliably informed that LRs have better paintjobs that Japanese vehicles so it is easier for the pros to work their magic on them.

Like WD3 said, worry about it come resale. I look on it as a kind of cost of doing business, the price of freedom.

[CaverD3]

This is what I did to mine. Made them slightly longer than OEMs though but you could make them shorter.

DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Modified Sand Ploughs (flaps)

[Tote]

Also the new Land Rover Mudflaps fitted by the dealer to mine are different, see this post:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-zone/72...ml#post1096545
Regards,
Tote

[disco2hse]

I am reliably informed that LRs have better paintjobs that Japanese vehicles so it is easier for the pros to work their magic on them.

Not been my experience. I find the paint on new vehicles to be both thin and soft. The clear coat is pretty much ineffective and polishes off quickly.

If the scratches are through the clear coat then polishing will not fix the problem, it will make it worse. Polishing will only be effective if the clear coat has been marked.

If the scratch is through the clear coat and even through the paint itself you can use the paint touch up kits like this stuff.



It usually comes with different coloured waxes that you can build up to make the scratch flush with the surface. Has the added benefit of sealing scratches to prevent corrosion too.

Alan

[pedgecum]

Try Scratch-X 2.0 from Meguiars. It will smooth the rough edges of the scratch in the clearcoat/paint and stop the light highlighting the marks. No need to cut into the paint work along the scratch. Follow-up with a good quality wax to protect the paint and fill in the scratch.

The scratch is still there however you just can't see them anymore.

[AnD3rew]

I have used those professional touch up guys a few times and they have done an amazing job, I had a nasty deep scratch in teh bumper of a flat black bmw through the paint and deep into the plastic underneath and he made it disappear so you couldn't tell, and also a nasty nasty jagged scratch edge on an alloy wheel where it had been banged into a gutter, that also magically disapeared.

Only thing is I am not sure how long these kind of repairs will last for, so as others have said I would be inlcined to leave it until you are ready to sell thecar and then do it.

[Ashes]

If time permits..will have a go at it today.

[Ashes]

Used the Maguires 2.0x scratch removal and it works very well. Fills all the small scratches and reduced the big couple quite well. Seems a good product. Not sure how long it will last but would certainly be handy to apply the day you are selling the car!!

What product do people use on the plastics? Wheel arches, rear bumper etc?