Scratches in my paint!! What do I do?

[paranoid123]

Yesterday afternoon, I did my usual routine of washing my WRX with Meguiar's Gold Class car wash, and dressing the tires. It was getting late, so I didn't bother putting on any spray wax. I went to dinner in another car, when I got back, I glanced at my car and this is what I saw!!

Well, someone, who will forever remain nameless hit my car.



I've spent a lot of time cleaning and maintaining my car, so of course I'm going to get it fixed.



I've never taken a car to the body shop. I want them to get it fixed, nothing more. I don't even want them to wash the rest of the car. What should I ask for? What should I get done? After it's done and I'm satisfied, what steps do I take to make sure it's protected? I know I shouldn't wax the car for 60 days, 90 days if possible to let the paint cure. What products can I use? I'm partial to Meguiar's products.



Does anyone in the LA area know of a body shop with a very good reputation?



Thanks!

 

[EdLancer]

If that is on your bumper, I wouldn't take it to the shop. You can repair that yourself. Just use a toothpick and fill the scratched area with paint several times until it higher than the scratch. Then use 2000 grit sandpaper and sand it flat and polish with a medium polish, you will hardly notice it.

 

[imported_Neothin]

metallic's are tough to touch up. I would still give it a try none-the-less. I mean the bumper is worthy of a repaint even if you screw up right?

 

[xspwrstang]

If you plan on doing the touch up use a #2 painters brush. The toothpick(plastic) works good for hood thouch ups since the paint can flow down the toothpick but since it's on the bumber it will be kind of hard w/a toothpick. I just touched up some deep scratches on the door of wife's Explorer but I'm letting the paint cure before I sand it. If you don't like your touch up well you are willing to take it to a shop anyways.

 

[Accumulator]

NO way could I ever get any metallic to match when brushing it on; just no way to get the metallic suspension perfect for one thing. Tough enough for a pro with a paintgun/airbrush to match silver perfectly. I'd find a good shop that does spot-in type repairs and be sure to really inspect it before signing the check.