Minor scratch on '06 Altima (will touch up paint work ?)

[Cruiser]

I own an '06 4 door Altima, Polished Pewter in color (paint code: KY 2).

Today someone backed into my back bumper and left me with a small scrape about 18 inches wide, 1/2 inch high. The scratch is right on the bend in the bumper. They took the paint off to where there is black showing.

After reading a few forums, I'm curious about trying touch-up paint.

Couple questions:1) Will I be able to cover it up to a point where the black won't show through without it looking like an amateur job?

2) When I purchased the car, I had paint protection put on. Will this be quite noticeable ?

3) There are a few places that advertise scratch/dent repair in my local yellow pages. Would they be able to do it without taking the whole bumper off ?

I don't want to have to take the bumper off if I can help it. I am willing to spend a couple of hundred dollars (if need be), in order to have it looking like a professional job. Should I run out and buy the touch-up paint and try it myself ?

If a person does it themselves, what is the best way to apply it ? Short strokes; dab it on; what ??

Appreciate any feedback.

thanks,

[EOrdonez3229]

Hey Cruiser.

I have an 05 that is also Polished Pewter. People hit my car all the time at my job in the parking lot - it pisses me off. I have touch up paint for my car, and it's not going to cover once the paint is completely gone. The only way you may be able to get it to adhere is if you try dabbing on some primer first, but you have to be very meticulous because you don't want the primer to apply to current paint. If that happens, and you apply touch-up paint, you will have a "raised" area of paint from the added layer(s).

The only time touch up paint really seems to work is when it is scratched at the clear coat level. When I have a minor scratch, I used Scratch Doctor (AutoZone, Target) and then apply touch up paint. Scratch Doctor is simple - dab it on, let it haze, wipe it off. If this doesn't work, I'll add the touch up paint by dabbing it on, allowing it to dry for about 20-30 seconds, and then wiping excess away.

You may want to try the primer and touch up paint though since the area is completely missing the paint. If it works, let me know so I can touch up this tiny spot on my front bumper. Good luck - I know how you feel!