Expert: josh peer - 5/1/2007

Question
I have a new John Deere lawn tractor, after two times mowing the lawn by my wife, I now have a very nice scratch about 6" long down to the metal on one fender. Could you walk me thru repairs. I got a can of spray paint from John Deere dealer. I also have primer and a buffer if needed. John Deere dealer said there is no clear coat needed. If you could walk me thru the steps for this repair and tell me what sand paper and buffing compound to use, it would be great. I would like to make it look as good as I can because this is a new tractor. Thanks!

Answer
Ray if you can remove the fender if not you will have to put plastic over the rest of the tractor.first you will need to sand the area of the scratch with 220 grit dri sand paper feather the scratch good then wet sand the rest of the fender with 400 grit wetdry paper then prime the area of the scratch let it dry ,then sand the whole fender again with 400 grit and wash the fender with dish soap, not car wash soap it has waxes in it then dry it and spray 3 to 4 good even coats on it let it dry and if it needs to be buffed you will need to sand it with with 1500 grit wet sand paper and use a 2 stage compound and finesse to buff it out if you have any more ? let me know.