Scratch Remover Options

My new 2021 TRD OR got backed into at around 3-5mph. No dents or major cosmetic damages, just a few minor scratches. I'm hesitant to file an insurance claim since it looks minimal and doesn't seem worth the hassle. Would Scratch X be able to take care of this? Or any DIY options available? FWIW, surface is smooth when I run my finger over it. Thanks.

 

Is there anything behind there that might be damaged? A mr clean sponge might take that scuff out. Disclaimer, not a paint guy.

 

Scratch X would probably work. Although I prefer Meguiar's Ultimate Polish and Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. Just take your time and don't press too hard.

 

Would be careful with this never tried but have read when wet those sponges are equivalent to 3000 grit sandpaper and can potentially damage paint. Like I’ve said never tried this but just keep that in mind if you do.

 

Nothing else damaged - headlight and foglight are still intact. Everything under the hood is fine. Driving everything seems normal. I might get an alignment just for peace of mind, but no internal damage that I can see.

 

To add to this thread, In my jeep I never cared about pinstripes. But now I have pinstripes on my taco and it bothers me. I got a couple of doozies. I tried to wax buff them out. Did a fair job but I can still see than at an angle. Any ideas?

 

Honestly would start with a buffing wheel and some buffing compound. Scratches don’t look bad more scuffing than anything. Even if you don’t own or wanna purchase a buffing wheel would try some compound and a rag. More than certain you can get that out one way or another.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-ask-a-detailer-thread.8957/
This is a sticky in the detailing sub forum. Titled “ask a detailer”. Maybe post your question here.

 

Appreciate the feedback. I'll try Meguiar's Ultimate Polish and Meguiar's Ultimate Compound first, Scratch X if needed, and buffing wheel/compound as a last resort. Local body shop quoted me ~$900 after I sent them pictures, so I'll try DIY options first.

 

Meguiar's Ultimate Compound...
Love this stuff. Really works well and safe on clear coat.

 

With 2,000 miles on my Tacoma, I backed in my garage and got too close to my vertical air compressor handle. Left a nice scratch about 8" long. Then stupidly I pulled forward and left another.

Went to my local body shop guy and he recommended this. Use with micro-fiber towel. Wax on-Wax off, repeat, repeat, repeat. Rub in a circular motion and put some pressure on it. He said if I could not get it, bring the truck in and he would buff it out. This worked great and you cannot tell. Picked up the smallest bottle I could find at Auto Zone.

 

I’m not either but I don’t think that’s what you want to do!

start with the least, I’d think polish and keep working it if you see improvements but if not then compound then polish

 

Awesome. Adding 3M Rubbing Compound to the list of things to try. Thanks!

 

I am not op, but thanks all.

 

From my personal research I can’t stress enough start off with the least abrasive… meaning polish (it you see a change continue then seal) but if not then try compound lightly (no change add pressure) then polish after and follow w/ seal

 

I just feel like two swipes w a sponge and you'd be done w it. Buuuuut yeah you're probably right.

 

Ahh, the first one is always the toughest.
I got almost the same mark from swinging the front end into a fallen tree while backing up in the woods.... (black so it shows up nice). After a while it just fades in with the rest.

 

ScratchX was invented for this.
Little dab on a microfiber cloth, polish it perpendicular to the scratches, put some wax on it after.
Done and done.

 

Grey sharpie marker

 

Good test, is if you get it wet and it disappears. It will buff out. If it doesn't it's paint time.

 

Everyone should have a bottle of this. As a wax it's average - but it will remove tar, bugs, buff out light scratches and even remove paint residue other people sometimes leave on your car when they rub your bumper with theirs. Seriously. This stuff is good. I've used it for decades on my cars to buff out scratches.