Single Scratch from Sniper Branch

I have a single scratch the entire length of my truck from a sniper branch in low afternoon light.

I don't trust myself using a machine polisher and wondering if you think I can work this out by hand without over working the surface. I'd hate to leave a broad strip across the truck of hazy paint just to remove a trail stripe that's difficult to see unless you're looking for it.

Scratch is in middle of pic and if you zoom in, you can see it was skipping across the surface in some spots so shouldn't be super deep.

What do you suggest I try for hand applied product, or is that a waste of time?

 

Use a random orbital polisher, you can't make it worse.

 

Erik, I have different size orbital buffers you cannot burn the paint or hurt it. You should pick one up thru Griot’s. It would probably take it right out if the scratch is not deep. Hope this helps. I also have one of the old fashioned dewalt’s that’s not orbital which will burn right thru the paint. Lol. Use to use that long time ago that one. Lol.

 

That'll buff. Maybe even by hand with a light polish.

 

Thanks guys. I've never used any machines in the past, but I'm willing to give it a try. It's really hard to see this scratch, but I know it's there, LOL. What product would you suggest with the orbital buffer. I'm assuming I need some kind of polishing compound?

 

How deep is the scratch? Can you,feel it if you run a finger nail over it?

by hand I’d try meguiars scratch x. If that doesn’t work……

machine polish I’d use a random orbital (harbour freight) and polish of your choice.
If that doesn’t work (I’d be surprised if you weren’t happy with the results) ……

if it’s a deeper scratch try this:

https://youtu.be/2nYF46P7B2c?si=Ad-DGl7Q0cFYOVpB

 

If you can't catch your finger nail on it, it should buff out. Griot's Complete Compound, and a DA polisher should do it, at least that's what I would use.

 

If it's a PT Cruiser, drive it off a cliff

 

really can’t argue that.

 

Least aggressive first....polish with a light polishing pad and check your results. Step up to a compound if necessary. Keep in mind...no one actually 'fixes' a scratch....you have to remove clearcoat to correct the problem.

 

Yup^^^^

 

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to start by hand first with lightest cut product.

I know someone on here mentioned that I can't make it worse, but I see so many situations where someone buffed by hand or machine in an area going after a scratch or defect and just add swirls and haziness in the general area.

I have some cleaner wax from Meguiars I'll start with that and go up from there. I think I also have an old bottle of TWS Fine Cut and some various polish and rubbing compounds. Will probably stay away from rubbing compounds

Appreciate all the input.

 

Circling back as it's so annoying when there is no resolution to a thread.

I was able to remove the scratch along the entire truck using Meguiars Scratch X by hand with a foam wax applicator and microfiber towels. Some spots took 3-4 applications to get it all out. It's also funny how lighting works with Lunar Rock. I kept losing where the next section of scratch was and ultimately could only find it when the sun was at the right angle. Even a flashlight wouldn't help, lol

Anyways thanks for all the tips and suggestions and now off to start a new thread with another detailing related question

 

Glad you were able to get the scratch out!

 

Outstanding