Repair small scratch - DIY?

Barty

Are there kits available to do a proper repair on a small scratch on the paintwork of a black VW golf or should I get it done professionally? Thers is a small scratch (about 1cm x 3 cm) on the boot which is down to the metal - it was caused by a bike rack (one of the pads slipped out of place on a long trip)

I have read about DIY jobs going badly and have read about carcraft.ie and chips away - would I be better off getting one of these to repair the scratch? As it's down to the metal I would like to get it done quickly before it starts to rust but I also want to make sure it's done correctly

TomMc

Get it done by a pro or you could end up making it look far worse. Especially if you have never done it before on a lesser car or a scrap panel. I would only recommend fixing scratches (DIY) where your fingernail doesn't catch. As it is on a flat panel - the boot it is not as easy to balls up as on a door or wing as gravity works in your favour. Black is also easier to colour match than say silver. If you must do it yourself use a tooth pick and some touch up paint. Wash and clean the area first. Don't try and fill it in all in one go but very gradually. No blobs. Build in layers. Let it harden for a few hours or even a day, then use a scratch remover compund or polish to blend things in. If it is a newish car you might be better leaving it to someone who does this day in day out.

Hooch

Barty wrote: »

Are there kits available to do a proper repair on a small scratch on the paintwork of a black VW golf or should I get it done professionally? Thers is a small scratch (about 1cm x 3 cm) on the boot which is down to the metal - it was caused by a bike rack (one of the pads slipped out of place on a long trip)

I have read about DIY jobs going badly and have read about carcraft.ie and chips away - would I be better off getting one of these to repair the scratch? As it's down to the metal I would like to get it done quickly before it starts to rust but I also want to make sure it's done correctly

Good question. im in the same boat with my Avensis. Kayak scraped the back wheel arch. Brother in law let it drop:mad:.
Any ideas O wise motor forum??

Barty

Thanks for all the info TomMc - I think I'll get it done by the pros. Any suggestions of where to get it done and what price to expect to pay for it (I know it's difficult to say but just looking for a ballpark figure).

Owen

Most mobile paint repairs who do spot/flash painting (As opposed to a body shop painting the whole bumper) charge around 120 Euro.