Re-spray Issue

[rhud]

Just had my bonnet re-sprayed (metallic black) by MB approved shop. Picked up the car in fading light so couldn't properly evaluate the work. However, on getting home I garaged the car and examined the bonnet with torch - a very harsh test, I know. This revealed much light scratching in the lacquer.

Question is (assuming good colour match and work otherwise satisfactory): should I polish these out myself - I usually use Autoglym Deep Shine. Or get myself back to bodyshop and complain?

 

[DougCLK320]

Take it back and complain.

 

[television]

If the scratches are in the base coat the you will never polish them out,,so if you can see them but cannot feel them, that is the problem

 

[Xtractorfan]

I think the scratches are from the polishing process and will not affect the paint work in any way, wait at least a week before wax polishing, as fresh paint can have solvents trapped which need to evaporate, and waxing will only seal them in.. even running a piece of cheesecloth over the lacquered finish will cause light scratching which will show up under most close light inspections, compare the bonnet to the roof and boot lid under similar conditions and check if the finish is similar and comparable, You could go back and mention it to the bodyshop, that would cover you if it later turned out to be a problem.. In my opinion they will only polish it more finely and you wont gain any more gloss..but u will have less paint.. Oh and as its black, if you polish it with colour magic every two or three weeks it will totally transform it ..

 

[rhud]

Thank you all - and especially Xtractorfan. Your analysis sounds absolutely right - v fine polishing marks. As you suggested I am in touch with the bodyshop - waiting for call back from them. I think there is an element here of me being a micro-maniac. After all, who actually goes around shining a torch on a car bonnet from 10cm away?

What exactly is this magic stuff you mention for black cars?

 

[Xtractorfan]

Its called Color Magic and should be available from most good motor factors, it comes in a variety of colours and is meant to colour in scratches and small chips etc in paintwork, lots of ppl think it is useless..but if you are prepared to work with it and use as instructed it really does work.. wear gloves when using cos it does stain the skin..

 

[rhud]

Latest: bodyshop acknowledge less-than-perfect finishing process on re-sprayed bonnet. Had the car back in and hand-polished the bonnet - while I watched. Result : pretty much complete customer satisfaction, standing up to severe light conditions. Also quote from bodyshop manager : 'If you decide you are not totally happy,call me and we will again address the problem?'

Fair enough?