Elmiko

While I was working on the car yesterday, I dropped a screwdriver and it hit the top of the front fender, about where it starts to curve down. It's a very small scratch, about fingernail widt and 1/4" long, so I don't think anyone else will notice. But, since I'm a lunatic, it's going to drive me crazy! Touching up road rash on the bumper or front of the hood is OK, but the top of the fender is a little more visible when you sight down the lines of the car. Is it worth using a color pen (or maybe Dr Colorchip), or should I just leave it alone and make believe it never happened?

a4sfed928

I would think the color of the car would make a difference on how well the touch-up would look. Solid colors usually come out good.

tomcat

What year is your car? Single-stage or clear coat?

Ron V

If it's metalic, leave it alone.

Elmiko

'87 s4, Guards Red. I think by that time they were using a clearcoat.

JHowell37

Guards red is a single stage on the 928. For the best possible touch-up result, pick up the yellow pages and see if you can find someone who specializes in that. Call car detailers and paintless dent removal guys if you have trouble. It's possible they would know someone who can help.

tomcat

If it is indeed single stage, repair should be pretty simple. But, red might be hard to match with touch up paint.

If it doesn't have a clear coat, you have several options. You can fill with touch up paint and level the paint (1) by wet sanding with 2000 grit, compound and polish, or (2) level with a product called Lanka. I think it is some mixture of paint thinner that breaks down and rubs away the fresh touch-up paint but not the original finish. Do a search on Lanka.

Elmiko

I came across the Lanka system a few days ago-it gets pretty good reviews from users and isn't too expensive. I may try it.