This is a spot on the hood of my silver 08 G sedan (the coin is a dime). It may be a chemical burn (like something which dripped from a parking garage). The clearcoat is gone but some paint is still there.

I want to try the mildest abrasive cleaner I can find which will smooth and blend the spot. I don't have any cleaner products right now (only using one grand blitz wax). I've used 3M hand glaze in the past but I don't think that will help much. Rubbing compound may be too strong. Would Meguiars #2 Fine-Cut Cleaner work? Other suggestions?

 

Next to the coin, the spot looks really really small, but i can appreciate how annoying that can be. from the angles shown, it looks like something has etched into the paint. I don't think you will be able to simple smooth out the appearance with any mild cutting product. My sense is that you will have to add some paint or clear to the area and wet sand it to get back the surface level. This is not very hard but could lead to some trouble. I might have a pro and a good shop check it out for you.

 

I was hoping to wait another year or so before I get professional touch up work done (I don't trust my own handiwork with touch up paint)..... but I have some chips in the bumper I want to fix too.

Is Meguiar's Scratch-X of any use for this? I just bought some to try on my Q45 (which isn't worth professional work!).

 

The ONLY way to fix that is with touch up paint.

 

Scratch-X will not help at all.

 

I'm afraid touch up paint will just make it more obvious. Can I just dab the touch up paint with a small brush (not the brush that comes in the touch up paint tube)? Or would I need to apply too much touch up paint and then sand it down?

 

Agreed. Just used some on the Q45 and it's pretty mild, only helps with minor scratches.

 

go to an art supply store and pick up a thin brush