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[BalDeagle]

I have a small (very fine) scratch on my tank. I'm not quite sure of the best way to hide it. Paint obviously isn't an option as you cannot get any off the MoCo and anyway it is way too fine for that.

Any suggestions ?

This will also be handy for future reference.

Nige

[bpalmersheim]

Are you reffering to hairline scratches and swirl marks?  If so, they are fairly easy to remove from your clearcoat with Meguiar's Scratch-X or rubbing compound.

If they are down beyond the color coat and you can see the primer, then no way to fix other than repaint or touch-up paint but will never look the same.

The key is if you run your fingernail over it and your fingernail catches, then its too much for touch-up paint.

[BalDeagle]

Are you reffering to hairline scratches and swirl marks?  If so, they are fairly easy to remove from your clearcoat with Meguiar's Scratch-X or rubbing compound.

If they are down beyond the color coat and you can see the primer, then no way to fix other than repaint or touch-up paint but will never look the same.

The key is if you run your fingernail over it and your fingernail catches, then its too much for touch-up paint.

This is more than a swirl mark. You can see the primer underneath (white), but the scratch is extremely fine. I was thinking along the lines of something that would hide the whiteness of the scratch, but I'm not sure if such a product exists.

Nige

[bpalmersheim]

I worked in a body shop for a few years...

Hit it with some rubbing compound or Scratch-X working it by hand, not machine.  See if the white comes out... I would have to be pretty deep (about .5mm) to get to the primer.

If it is down to the primer, order some touch up paint and dab it into the scratch and build up the layers.  Let the paint cure for at least 24-hours per application.

I then use an old credit card and an old white t-shirt.  Wrap the shirt tightly around the card (embossed card numbers on the reverse) so that the card slightly bows (you may want to twist the excess fabric on the back of the card to get it tight); you want a nice curved surface.  Dab a few drops of lacquer thinner on the shirt and gently wipe across the touch-up paint to remove the blob of paint from the touch up repair.

It may take several touch-up's / lacquer thinner sessions to get it back to the normal height.

Touch-up paint is lacquer based and can be removed with lacquer thinner.

If in doubt, post a picture and I'll tell you the best route to go...

[BalDeagle]

OK - I did a bit of work on the problem today. I bought some Turtle Wax Safe Cut scratch remover and applied as per instructions. That did a pretty reasonable job and the fine white line all bit dissappeared. Then applied some Turtle Wax ICE synthetic liquid polish (did all the paintwork with this while I was at it). The scratch is now virtually gone and I would guess anyone would be pushed to find it if they didn't know where it was.

A good result from a couple of products I hadn't tried before. The ICE polish leaves a lovely wet look shine to the bike too.

 

Nige

[BalDeagle]

I worked in a body shop for a few years...

Hit it with some rubbing compound or Scratch-X working it by hand, not machine.  See if the white comes out... I would have to be pretty deep (about .5mm) to get to the primer.

If it is down to the primer, order some touch up paint and dab it into the scratch and build up the layers.  Let the paint cure for at least 24-hours per application.

I then use an old credit card and an old white t-shirt.  Wrap the shirt tightly around the card (embossed card numbers on the reverse) so that the card slightly bows (you may want to twist the excess fabric on the back of the card to get it tight); you want a nice curved surface.  Dab a few drops of lacquer thinner on the shirt and gently wipe across the touch-up paint to remove the blob of paint from the touch up repair.

It may take several touch-up's / lacquer thinner sessions to get it back to the normal height.

Touch-up paint is lacquer based and can be removed with lacquer thinner.

If in doubt, post a picture and I'll tell you the best route to go...

Thanks for the advice bp - I tried to find the Scratch-X that you mentioned, but I guess we don't have it over here. I think the Safe Cut scratch remover from Turtle Wax must be a very similar product though.

Nige

[bpalmersheim]

The reason I recommended the Meguiar's Scratch-X is that it has light abrasive, but any scratch product would work.  Typically, I usually grab the 3M professional products to use.

Good job on the repair!  Next time you wash and dry the bike, take a close look at the scratch and see if it requires another application.

[dfrny]

Hi Nige - not sure if this will help but this site has all of the products and then some. it appears they will ship internationally also. I was unable to find Scratch X locally so I ordered it from them. Word of caution - you can also find yourself buying a lot of other cleaning/detailing products - especially if you watch the how-to videos.  


http://www.autogeek.net/

[BalDeagle]

The reason I recommended the Meguiar's Scratch-X is that it has light abrasive, but any scratch product would work.  Typically, I usually grab the 3M professional products to use.

Good job on the repair!  Next time you wash and dry the bike, take a close look at the scratch and see if it requires another application.

Will do bp and thanks for the advice.

Nige

[BalDeagle]

Hi Nige - not sure if this will help but this site has all of the products and then some. it appears they will ship internationally also. I was unable to find Scratch X locally so I ordered it from them. Word of caution - you can also find yourself buying a lot of other cleaning/detailing products - especially if you watch the how-to videos.  


http://www.autogeek.net/

You got that right about spending more money on things. I only went to our local specialist automotive store to get some scratch remover and I ended up spending $70.00.

The autogeek site has everything a detailing nut could wish for - Big Daddy would definitely find some stuff of interest in there.

Howie would hate it ! (No offence Howie, but they don't sell extra ponies in bottles)

Nige

[Hoist!]

You got that right about spending more money on things. I only went to our local specialist automotive store to get some scratch remover and I ended up spending $70.00.

The autogeek site has everything a detailing nut could wish for - Big Daddy would definitely find some stuff of interest in there.

Howie would hate it ! (No offence Howie, but they don't sell extra ponies in bottles)

Nige

Hey Nige, I don't even know what's on my bike! I found a local Detailing Place, $55, wash and wax. Once a month and maybe a wash in between, if it's real dirty! I might be anal about the performance, but not the cleaning!

Hoist!

[Fired00d]

Hey Nige, I don't even know what's on my bike! I found a local Detailing Place, $55, wash and wax. Once a month and maybe a wash in between, if it's real dirty! I might be anal about the performance, but not the cleaning!

Hoist!

I'm really shocked at this. I'm not as mechanically inclined as others, but I use my cleaning/detailing time to get to know my bike better. I've found stuff loose, missing, etc. during my cleaning/detailing sessions in the past and the things I couldn't take care of myself I had it taken care of. I get great pleasure/enjoyment out of sitting in the driveway cleaning the bike up and drinking a few. Only word of caution I would give is don't  to many during the cleaning/detailing session w/shorts on, and then start the bike up and let it run for awhile before putting it up. The amount of time it will take for alcohol induced brain cells to realize your leg is on the hot pipes while wearing shorts will leave a ugly reminder of this incident.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Hoist!]

I'm really shocked at this. I'm not as mechanically inclined as others, but I use my cleaning/detailing time to get to know my bike better. I've found stuff loose, missing, etc. during my cleaning/detailing sessions in the past and the things I couldn't take care of myself I had it taken care of. I get great pleasure/enjoyment out of sitting in the driveway cleaning the bike up and drinking a few. Only word of caution I would give is don't  to many during the cleaning/detailing session w/shorts on, and then start the bike up and let it run for awhile before putting it up. The amount of time it will take for alcohol induced brain cells to realize your leg is on the hot pipes while wearing shorts will leave a ugly reminder of this incident.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Sounds like you found that one out the hard way d00d!

Hoist!

[Fired00d]

Sounds like you found that one out the hard way d00d!

Hoist!

They say experience is the best teacher.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[The Mysterious Q!]

You got that right about spending more money on things. I only went to our local specialist automotive store to get some scratch remover and I ended up spending $70.00.

The autogeek site has everything a detailing nut could wish for - Big Daddy would definitely find some stuff of interest in there.
Howie would hate it ! (No offence Howie, but they don't sell extra ponies in bottles)

Nige

Nige I will have to take a look. As you have witnessed I am extremely anal about the cleanliness of my scoot. Later,Q