Subject: Removing scratches from tank Mon Dec 01, 2014 3:26 pm
Just a quick one. Got a couple of fairly deep scratches on the lower part of the tank where a jacket has probably scratched it. Flash makes them look a bit worse but if i run my finger nail over them i can feel them. Not too concerned as i have a leather tank pad which would cover them anyway but just wondered if there are any products you guys would recommend that would lessen the appearance of them? Apart from that the bike is pretty much mint. Bit dirty at the moment following a wet ride home when i collected it.
Few other plans:
Fit the V&H Cruzers it came with New saddlebags Remove the Baron tachometer as the needle seems to jump around a bit and i don't really need it Fit 12v socket Clean/polish and store away until spring
simbo * Site Guru *
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Mon Dec 01, 2014 4:57 pm
Hi, Try T-cut for metallic paint to polish them out if they've not gone through the clear coat?, or one of those colour matched polishes to hide them if they have.
Ken1964 Valued Member
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:14 pm
It all depends on whether the scratches have penetrated the clear coat or not. If they have penetrated the clear coat, a re spray is necessary. If they have not penetrated the clear coat, I would polish them out with colour matched T-coat. It all depends on how bad the scratches are, or how fussy you are. I had a friend that made a very descent job out of a thinned bottle of clear nail varnish and a very small art brush. Not to be recommended but he did do a rather good job on his thin but deep scratch. Your scratches look as if being polished out would be the answer.
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Mon Dec 01, 2014 9:04 pm
Good advise from both Sim & Ken. It does all make the difference of how you treat a scratch, depending on how far through the layers it has gone. Yours does look like it is only on the face of it & no deeper, so an abrasive polish restorer should sort it out. It is essential to polish in with a swirly action though.
Ken that is the first time I have ever read such a method as mentioned by you that your friend did. May sound silly but I can see the method in the madness so to speak, for a thin but deep scratch. Will have to remember that one. well if I am ever working on someone else's tank that is.
captain crash Mentally Deficient lunatic ..... & ..... Site Moderator
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Wed Dec 03, 2014 7:42 pm
They aint deep at all, just polish them of with a fine cutting compound like t-cut
smart Valued Member
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Wed Dec 03, 2014 10:18 pm
These work for repairing the clear coat & you can always pluck an artists brush down to a few bristles, used it on my car with good results http://www.amazon.co.uk/FIX-PRO-SCRATCH-REPAIR-PEN/dp/B003MNIKBS/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1417644832&sr=1-1&keywords=scratch+repair+pens
EazyDuz Member
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Thu Dec 04, 2014 5:25 pm
so despite rubbing scratch X 2.0 in all kinds of different motions for a good 5 minutes, it barely did a thing to any of the scratches. Confused, must have some really thick clear coat. T Cut didnt do much either.
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Thu Dec 04, 2014 6:27 pm
OK if that didn't work, you could try this way.
katsd Very Valued VIP Member
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Thu Dec 04, 2014 8:57 pm
My cousin works for Dream Machine & advised me to use 3000 grit wet & dry then finish it off with a polish, then a wax. If you need a re-spray, he'does side jobs in the paint shop at very reasonable prices
EazyDuz Member
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Wed Dec 10, 2014 12:15 pm
I used Scratch X a couple more times and it has actually made them much less visible. In bright light you can see a kind of scar but it isnt white, its blue. There are a couple of other small marks in other places, an Ebay seller is selling some touch up paint and lacquer for £10 so i'll buy a bottle and have a go.
EazyDuz Member
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Sun Dec 21, 2014 3:19 pm
Found a small chip by the petrol cap too. Bought some paint and lacquer and after numerous attempts applying the paint (either too much or too little it seemed) i got the right ammount. I mixed the paint with lacquer too. Came out pretty good. Its in the centre of the pic
Got the paint and lacquer for £9 delivered from scuffsandchipspro (i think thats right) on Ebay.
Ken1964 Valued Member
Subject: Re: Removing scratches from tank Sun Dec 21, 2014 5:57 pm
Thanks for the thumbs up, I will be ordering some.