Help! Paint Damage to Model S

[patrick40363]

Hi. I wanted to know what options I have to try to alleviate this scratch (see pics) on my Model S (85D) in black. I have tried Mother's Rubbing Compound but it didn't seem to do anything. Is touch-up paint from the tesla shop a good option or is there something better on the market?

I did the exact same thing to my black 85D twice. Both times I took it to the body shop. They buffed and painted a bit. It is hard to notice. Don't waste your time with the touch up paint for the scratches you have. Cost me a total of $140 for the body shop.

 

[nikj]

I did the exact same thing to my black 85D twice. Both times I took it to the body shop. They buffed and painted a bit. It is hard to notice. Don't waste your time with the touch up paint for the scratches you have. Cost me a total of $140 for the body shop.

Wow. In NY body shops are very expensive. I'm surprised that it was that inexpensive. Thanks.

 

[Xminus6]

That's why I suggest a detailer rather than a body shop.

 

[CLLACAB]

Do a search for mobile bumper repair in your area. And check Yelp for reviews. These mobile guys do amazing work at reasonable prices.

 

[Btrflyl8e]

My first stop would be a PROFESSIONAL detailer. Those guys can do some pretty incredible things that you'd think were impossible. I've seen mine inspect a scratch with an actual microscope to determine best approach.

 

[sorka]

I had one on my Lexus S430 in the same location that actually looked worse than yours. It turns out most of the lighter material was transfer and although there were scratches in the clearcoat, they did not go all the way through and after about 5 minutes with a liquid rubbing compound, you couldn't tell.

 

[NikeWings]

My first stop would be a PROFESSIONAL detailer. Those guys can do some pretty incredible things that you'd think were impossible. I've seen mine inspect a scratch with an actual microscope to determine best approach.

I love your new avatar........gotta to be a great story behind that???

 

[Btrflyl8e]

I love your new avatar........gotta to be a great story behind that???

My car is named Flying Squirrel. No real story, I just thought, what's gray and FAST. It stuck. Added bonus: @LoL Rick can yell "SQUIRREL!" when I arrive at car meets.

 

[LoL Rick]

Squirrel!

 

[Btrflyl8e]

Squirrel!

See?

 

[jelloslug]

The touch up paint will look like crap. Find a local mobile dent repair person. They usually can buff and repair deep scratches on bumpers.

 

[Reekdog]

Before you try to touch it up yourself, seek out a paintless dent repair pro, he/she could take care of what appears to be mostly paint transfer with a good buff and polishing.

 

[nikj]

The touch up paint will look like crap. Find a local mobile dent repair person. They usually can buff and repair deep scratches on bumpers.

Before you try to touch it up yourself, seek out a paintless dent repair pro, he/she could take care of what appears to be mostly paint transfer with a good buff and polishing.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into this option

 

[nikj]

I had one on my Lexus S430 in the same location that actually looked worse than yours. It turns out most of the lighter material was transfer and although there were scratches in the clearcoat, they did not go all the way through and after about 5 minutes with a liquid rubbing compound, you couldn't tell.

View attachment 193078

Thanks. Do you know of any liquid compound that is good? As mentioned I've tried the mothers "rubbing compound" but no results

 

[nikj]

My first stop would be a PROFESSIONAL detailer. Those guys can do some pretty incredible things that you'd think were impossible. I've seen mine inspect a scratch with an actual microscope to determine best approach.

Thanks. I will research

 

[Reekdog]

Thanks. Do you know of any liquid compound that is good? As mentioned I've tried the mothers "rubbing compound" but no results

You'll need a high speed buffer with the right combination of buffer pads. If you don't have the equipment and experience it's best to leave it to the pros or you could burn through your paint. Call a Paintless dent removal or experienced detailer for a quote, they can make it look great again for way less than having a body shop Repaint and blend the fender. Watch this to see how it's done

 

[nikj]

You'll need a high speed buffer with the right combination of buffer pads. If you don't have the equipment and experience it's best to leave it to the pros or you could burn through your paint. Call a Paintless dent removal or experienced detailer for a quote, they can make it look great again for way less than having a body shop Repaint and blend the fender. Watch this to see how it's done

Thanks!