Expert: Bob - 2/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a scratch on the passenger door of my 2007 Burgandy Honda Odyssey. I can't feel the scratch with my fingernail, and in the shade there's no gray colour. Does this sound like something a good detail shop would be able to buff out, hence still keeping the integrity of the original paint. Thanks in advance for your response.

ANSWER: Adam,

The good thing is that your fingernail doesn't catch. If it looked white you would know that it went into the clearcoat.

Yes a PROFESSIONAL DETAILER or Body shop should be able to remove the scratch without breaking through the clearcoat finish. I stress professional here. The wrong person will damage the paint.

Good Luck.
Hope this helps,

Bob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Bob, I took it to both, the detailer said he would buff it out, and the Honda dealer body shop said they would wet sand it and if need be re-paint. Breaking through the clear is my concern as well, the body shop said if they need to repaint, they would only do below the molding and match since it's only an '07 for a couple of hundred, which is what the detailer said would be as well. Since it's the same cost I'm actually leaning towards the body shop. Thanks again for all your help.

Answer
Hopefully I have caught you before you get the panel repainted.

My first choice would be the PROFESSIONAL detailers way or body shop -- wet sanding. You are keeping the factory paint job intact. Even the best body shop cannot cure the paint at the temperatures that the factory can. If you have a mismatch on the paint color if will bother you terribly.

SO I would opt for the buffing or wet sanding first.

Bob