Buffing out a scuff

Hey friends, long story short, my passenger side rear view mirror got a decent scuff on it. I was wondering if anyone has ideas on what I could use you fix it if anything? If nothing I will buy a a new one. I can’t stand the fact of it being there.

 

Do you own an orbital polisher or know someone who has one? You can try using it with some cutting waxes but if the scuff has gone through the clear coat and into the base color then it either needs to be repainted or replaced.

 

I don’t have an orbital. Is there a recommended compound?

 

3M makes a scratch removing buffing compound but there is no way that will work without an orbital polisher.

After looking at your picture again, it appears to me that the scratches are in the black plastic and not the painted surface. If you can feel ridges in the scratches the odds are it is not repairable. Even if you try to buff it, it will never look like the other side. If that is the case it's best you just go to your Toyota dealership and order a new part.

 

Here’s a better picture without the flash. Does the jury still stand?

 

A cheap try to start with would be Meguiar's Scratch X. It may not completely take it out, but may diminish the appearance. Also, can you catch your fingernail in any of the scratches? If you are actually deep enough to be into the plastic and not just surface scratches you won't be buffing it out.

 

Hard to tell, but put a little acetone or nail polish remover on a soft towel. Wipe across it. Then clean the acetone off of it. See how much of the paint (white paint) goes away. Then you'll get a better idea of what it will take to polish out the rest.

Take it to a car detail place. They might be able to do it in a few minutes with a minimal charge, or they'll surely know whether it can be buffed out or not. I just wen through this today with my driver's front bumper cover.

 

Yikes! I would not put acetone on a painted part like that. Too risky.

 

That is why you wipe it off real quick. I cleaned mine with glass cleaner right after. The body shops or detailers will us paint thinner.

 

I'm too chicken. I'd try the scratch X first. It's a super mild polish and should lift any transferred paint pretty readily, so long as it's not imbedded in the surface. At that point it's going to take more than a quick buff anyway.

 

I really appreciate everyone’s input! I’m taking notes. I did wash my truck this afternoon and the scuff is lighter .

 

Any update?

 

I second trying the Meguiar's Scratch X, I have used it in the past on another vehicle and it worked great. I just used my hands (no orbital polisher) and then just get a couple good soft micro fiber hand pads to apply it and buff it off with.