How should I remove a paint scuff on my vehicle?

Question

The painted edge of a side mirror on another car recently scraped the side of my vehicle, leaving a scuff of paint about half a meter long.

There is no indentation or scratch, but the other vehicle left its mark behind in a very difficult-to-remove paint scuff.

I can remove it by carefully scratching with fingernails, so I am sure it will come off, but I'm not sure how best to fully remove it, as any paint-removing chemicals surely will damage the coat I don't want to remove.

What do you recommend for removing paint scuffs like this?

Answer 1

If its deep enough that merely wiping it doesn't remove it, the scuff is deeper than just the very top surface of your paint. First, try Meguiars Scratch-x with a microfiber cloth. Rub it in. Try two or three passes to see if this removes the scuff mark. Doing so by hand won't remove any of your paint unless its been compromised (cracked, flaking, peeling, etc).

If this doesn't work, have a pro detailer take a pass with an random orbital (or rotary if they know what they're doing) polisher + some compound. This will take it right out and leave the paint pretty shiny. The problem with this is, it will be shinier than the rest of your car and you may be tempted to just have them do the whole thing.

Answer 2

Before you do anything else, try some goo-gone. This should remove any paint from the other vehicle, without affecting the paint on your car. (If you're really concerned about it affecting your paint, you could try it in a small, inconspicuous area, but I've done this on a number of cars with no ill effects).

If after removing the paint, you can still see marks, then move on to @NoCarrier's suggestions. Be careful with the Scratch-X, though: it may not remove the paint, but it will dull it and it'll have to be polished to match the rest of the paint.

Answer 3

You could try auto detailing clay (aka clay bar). It is a slightly abrasive clay material that is used to remove surface contaminants. This is the most gentle (non-chemical) solution you can try. Admittedly, it may be too gentle for this.

If that doesn't work, you may have to step up to liquid polish.

You can technically use a fine grained sandpaper on your paint, but you have to polish it afterward and you can easily damage the paint if you aren't careful.

Answer 4

I am in USA and not aware of some products mentioned. The basic idea is to use a very mild abrasive and a wax, both in the same product. I use Turtle Wax Chrome Polish. Just rub hard with a rag. The repaired area will match surrounding paint. Any minor scratches in your paint will remain, but all foreign paint will be cleanly removed without the dulling caused by rubbing compound or other abrasives.

Answer 5

I have used non acetone nail polish for this type of thing with good results.

Answer 6

Brasso and a fine cloth does the trick.