DeltaLotus 22 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 (edited) Gents what "off the shelf" products would you recommend for a light paint scratch? I took my evora to a cleaning company at the weekend. now i dont normally trust them but as the weather was good and id just drove over 250 miles and the car was cover in bird poo i didnt feel up to cleaning it myself. I took it and about 2 hours later i looked over the car and noticed a nice 6" to 8" scratch in the paint above the passanger window. Not too happy. You cant feel the scratch with finger but you can with your nail and its white on the black roof. I would normally use a t-cut or G3 pro. But wondered if there was any recommendations. I will take a photo of the scratch tonight. Edited July 1, 2015 by DeltaLotus Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bibs 8,933 4 Vehicles Report post Posted July 1, 2015 If you can see white it's through the paint sadly. Some cutting compound will make it less obvious but it's not going to disappear. Ideally it's going to need to be painted, but I've got some 'ChipEx' I'm going to use on my Elise shortly, that might help? http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/72873-chipex/ Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeltaLotus 22 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 Wasnt too happy when i saw it n they wouldn't admit to doing it so nothing i could do. Will try and make it less obvious but its at that level you can see it stright away. Grrr.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C8RKH 4,244 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 1, 2015 I've tried a few "scratch removers" and I've found that the next time you wash the car the scratch is back! So products include various "scratch removal pens" and Maguires etc. I would use touch-up paint and some compound to flatten it to same level as paint. I'm only ever going to wash my Evora myself as have been caught by the "no touch pressure wash / foam" brigade before as they spray that chemical brake dust remover for the wheels (which eats them) all over the front, back and sides of the car too - it strips out the sheen. Then the other guys with the wash mitts - you can just bet how clean those mitts are as they wash the 100th car that morning with them.... Obviously, professional valaters and detailers - no issue but then you pay....... Bibs - I've looked at chipex as I have a few stone chips that are quite deep and thought about using it to "build out" the chip etc. I thought it would give me an excuse to give the Evora some TLC during the long winter we have in Scotland. Would be very keen to hear how you get on and see some before and after close-up pics please! Quote Alcohol. Sex. Tobacco. Drugs. Chocolate. Meh! NOTHING in this world is as addictive as an Evora +0. It's not for babies! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeltaLotus 22 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 Ill try and make it less obv but put up with it for now then get a respray in a year or so... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bravo73 1,054 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 I've used Chipex in the past on previous cars and I can highly recommend it. I recently bought an Ardent Red set to attend to the stone chips on my Evora but I haven't got around to using it yet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeltaLotus 22 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 Anyone know the paint code for the black on the SR? Or where i could find out? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C8RKH 4,244 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 1, 2015 Jonny - if you do use it I would be very interested in the process, hints and tips and the results etc. Many thanks. Andy. Quote Alcohol. Sex. Tobacco. Drugs. Chocolate. Meh! NOTHING in this world is as addictive as an Evora +0. It's not for babies! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slewthy 209 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 Andy is right - scratch removers are no good until you gave removed the scratch! Use the correct touch up pen, going in layers until just above the surface or use the lacquer to same effect. Rub down carefully with 6000 grit paper and polish back again. Farecla or 3M equivalent good here. Scratch will disappear. If I had an expensive car with modern paint like the evora, I would get a professional company to do a full paint correction job anyway. Much better than a respray I would have thought Quote "Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them." Albert Einstein Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bravo73 1,054 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 Jonny - if you do use it I would be very interested in the process, hints and tips and the results etc. Many thanks. Andy. When I get around to doing it, I'll put a little photo guide up on here. It's a pretty straight forward process though. The key is to take your time and don't rush it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeltaLotus 22 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 Scratch in paint. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CocoPops 827 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 I bet they use a squeegee to wipe the water away.... Quote Currently Owned: 2018 Lotus Elise Sport 220 in Metallic Blue, Alcantara Pack, Forged Wheels, 2piece brakes, AirCon, Hard/Soft Tops, Red Calipers, Stereo, Interior Colour Pack, NVH Pack, Carpets, Mats. Previously Owned: 2016 Lotus Evora 400 'Hethel Edition' in Essex Blue, Red Leather, Red Calipers, Silver Forged Wheels Previously Owned: 2010 Lotus Evora NA in Solar Yellow, Sports Pack, Tech Pack, "Heritage Edition" Recaro Seats Follow my Lotus journey here: http://www.FaceBook.com/HandmadeInHethel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bravo73 1,054 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 I bet they use a squeegee to wipe the water away.... Those silicon blades send a shiver down my spine when I see them... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slewthy 209 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 There is more than just that scratch I looks like I'm afraid. Paint correction!!!! Her is a post I found on pistonheads that may help? Not many better and not many cheaper than our own PH member Ally360http://www.360complete.net/07856086259He's from Fife but is up Aberdeen way all the time! Looks after my Exige and all the Lotus guys on ScottishElises use him too! Quote "Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them." Albert Einstein Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C8RKH 4,244 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 1, 2015 Are we still talking paint here? Quote Alcohol. Sex. Tobacco. Drugs. Chocolate. Meh! NOTHING in this world is as addictive as an Evora +0. It's not for babies! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeltaLotus 22 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 There is more than just that scratch I looks like I'm afraid. Thats just marks were i had to rud the rain and muck off it to take the photo didnt have a cloth on me so its smeer marks. Also i got a guy looking at it this weekend that specialise in it so hes going to check it out n advise. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al. 278 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 1, 2015 There is more than just that scratch I looks like I'm afraid. Paint correction!!!! Her is a post I found on pistonheads that may help? Not many better and not many cheaper than our own PH member Ally360 http://www.360complete.net/ 07856086259 He's from Fife but is up Aberdeen way all the time! Looks after my Exige and all the Lotus guys on ScottishElises use him too! I don't think Ally from 360n detailing is still on the go. I used him before years ago. The number was ringing out a couple of years ago unless of course that is a new link and he's back up and running. As far as the scratch is concerned if you are just wanting some camouflage easy and cheaply done and redone again by yourself after a few washes then I have used that Colour Magic Polish with reasonable success on simple things like this. Obviously you need the black one........ I have just had my car detailed today ready for Alford and it is looking lovely - until the rain came on, on the way home. Grrrr.. That is a private local company in Stirling, Ultimate Shine Autos. (USA) bound to be an equivalent in Aberdeen and they can recommend a touch up company I'm sure. Al. Quote A LEGS man and proud to declare it! Lotus Enthusiasts Group Scotland Autocar's Best UK Drivers Car 2009. Car's Performance Car of the Year 2009; Evo's Car of the Year 2009. Top Gear Sports Car of the Year 2009 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeltaLotus 22 Report post Posted July 1, 2015 Yes there is one in aberdeen hes supporting the McLaren cars in speedfest n said he'd take alook for me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stuno1 317 Report post Posted July 4, 2015 Get a paint correction detail done mate. Not cheap but will sort it all out. Stu Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al. 278 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 6, 2015 Hi Neil, Did you get that Detailer to look yesterday. They seemed to be busy and had a good stand location. Quote A LEGS man and proud to declare it! Lotus Enthusiasts Group Scotland Autocar's Best UK Drivers Car 2009. Car's Performance Car of the Year 2009; Evo's Car of the Year 2009. Top Gear Sports Car of the Year 2009 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stuno1 317 Report post Posted July 6, 2015 This is my 2008 isf after a paint correction detail. There were places where I could get my nails in some scratches Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeltaLotus 22 Report post Posted July 6, 2015 No the detailer i was suppsed to meet up with was looking after the McLarens but i didnt see him nor did he see me however the scratch has almost vanished when i had treated the paintwork at the weekend.i spoke to the chap today as i want to book the car in to get rid of the swirl marks. Just finding time now as im busy for the next month and the car is in murrays again next weekend. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mxvx 1 Report post Posted July 12, 2015 (edited) I don't think Ally from 360n detailing is still on the go. I used him before years ago. The number was ringing out a couple of years ago unless of course that is a new link and he's back up and running. I think you're right... http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=32264&p=388861&hilit=ally+rennie#p388861 My car is at murrays at the moment and i am getting some prices from them for some 'detailing' - same guys they use for their pre-owned and new cars. I can update if you're interested. Thanks, Stewart Edited July 12, 2015 by Mxvx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al. 278 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 12, 2015 Oh!! Well that explains the phone ringing out!! I somehow missed that post completely at the time. All well in the past now. Quote A LEGS man and proud to declare it! Lotus Enthusiasts Group Scotland Autocar's Best UK Drivers Car 2009. Car's Performance Car of the Year 2009; Evo's Car of the Year 2009. Top Gear Sports Car of the Year 2009 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites