Removing a paint scratch

I was carrying some parts the other day out in the garage and of course one of them had to fall out of my hands just as I was walking next to my Dart. It brushed against the quarter panel and in the process put a scratch about 5/8" long in the quarter. The scratch is deep enough that I can feel it with my fingernail. I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to paint related things but I would imagine the scratch is going to have to be wet sanded out as I tried using some rubbing compound on it and it didn't help much. I don't have any experience wet sanding so what I would like to know is, how do I go about wet sanding the scratch without risk of further damaging the surrounding paint? I had the car painted two years ago and the car isn't even back together yet.

You will need a buffer to fix it most likely. If you don't have one, or don't know how to use one, then let a painter, or detail shop, take care of it.

Is it through the paint? To the primer" or to the metal??

I agree with the above statement and question. If the scratch is not through the clear coat though; I've fixed similar issues multiple times.

I used to do body work for a living so; I have some insight that some do not but, I'm not a painter. I've buffed a few cars and they looked great but, I did burn through one spot on one of the cars in like two seconds; you have to be careful.

With the above said, what I've done in the past is started with the least aggressive course of action and worked my way up as needed. For instance, I've never used any heavy cutting compound. If I knew how to use it, it could probably save me time but, I've been able to accomplish what I wanted using a very light compound; it just took me longer. The same with wet sanding. If something really requires you start with 1500, I start with 3000. By doing this, you have less chance of messing something up, you get a feel for doing this type of work and ultimately, you can fix the issue yourself; it just may take longer than what it should but, who cares.

Just take your time. Buff and or sand for a little bit and check your progress frequently. You can always do more if needed; if you go too far, you're SOL.


If the scratch is small, I've also used 3" buffing pads on a drill. You have more control than what you do with a buffer.

Just things to think about.

Ive had good luck starting with cutting compound to cut the scratch out and then go to a finer compound to finish getting the shine back, seems to turn out best if you have a good amount of clearcoat. Post a pic it might help with the best advice.

IF it is through the color, you can buy a small sample of the paint color, dab it on, sand ( after drying) sand with like 1500 grit paper, repeat until smooth, then buff and wax..

I have seen miracles done with this procedure....